Requirements on cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing
The standard SFS-EN 14682 sets requirements on all cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing. It aims to prevent choking and other hazards in situations, in which a cord or drawstring gets caught in a climbing frame or a ski lift, between the doors of a bus or a lift, or in an escalator.
According to the standard, for instance, there must not be any cords or drawstrings in the hood or the head and neck area in clothing intended for children who are seven years old or younger, or 134 cm tall or shorter. The cords meant to be tied behind the neck are also forbidden.
Also, there must not be drawstrings with free ends in the head and neck area in the clothing intended for older children (7 to 14-year-olds) either.
The reference to the standard SFS-EN 14682 has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The standard SFS-EN 14682 is also clarified by the technical report CEN/TR 16446.
Things to note:
- The manufacturers, importers and distributors of children’s clothing are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and that they do not pose a hazard to the users.
- Consumers who have purchased clothing with cords or drawstrings in the hood or the neck area for small children can remove the cords or drawstrings themselves.
- Parents who make clothing for their children should pay special attention to the issue and avoid the use of cords and drawstrings, especially in the hoods and the head and neck area of clothing intended for small children. Long strings in other parts of clothing, such as hems or legs, may also cause a risk of injury if they get caught in moving vehicles or escalators, for example.
