SGS : Health Canada Publishes Notice on the Use of Flame Retardants in Certain Consumer Products

Health Canada has issued a notice to stakeholders concerning compliance with flammability performance requirements for certain consumer products under the CCPSA. It aims to encourage no flame retardant chemicals use or the use of safe, non-chemical alternatives.

SAFEGUARDS | Consumer ProductsNO. 090/21

Canadian manufacturers, importers, advertisers and sellers of certain consumer products are encouraged to achieve compliance with the flammability performance requirements in regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) without using flame retardant chemicals or by using safe and non-chemical alternatives. The CCPSA prohibits the manufacture, import, advertisement or sale of any consumer product that is a 'danger to human health or safety' (paragraphs 7(a) and 8(a) of the CCPSA).

The function of flame retardants is to slow the ignition and spread of fire. Some flame retardant chemicals are harmful to human health when used in certain products, based on how exposure to the chemical occurs. Health Canada is encouraging businesses to voluntarily disclose to the public when any flame retardant chemical is used in a consumer product supplied or sold in Canada.

Summary of current prohibitions and restrictions concerning the use of flame retardant under the CCPSA:

Flame Retardant	Provision	Prohibition or Restriction	Product Scope
Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate [TCEP]	Item 16 of Schedule 2 to the CCPSA	Prohibition on the manufacture, import, advertisement or sale of product that are made in whole or in part.	Polyurethane foam intended for a child under three years of age
Tris (2,3-dibromoproply) phosphate [TDBPP]	Item 10 of Schedule 2 to the CCPSA	Prohibition on the manufacture, import, advertisement or sale of products made in whole or in part, as a single substance or as part of a chemical compound.	Textile fibres intended for use as wearing apparel
All flame retardant chemicals	Subsection 3(2) of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations	Must meet specific requirements that protect against acute and chronic toxicity.	Loose-fitting sleepwear for children
Section 4 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations	Must meet specific labelling requirements.

In the meantime, Health Canada offers guidance on actions the industry can take through the Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada. This facilitates an understanding of the factors affecting textile flammability, such as fibre content, fabric construction, fabric weight and fabric finishes. Industry members are encouraged to consider these factors when designing, constructing and sourcing products and their components.

Reference:

• Notice to stakeholders on the use of flame-retardant chemicals in certain consumer products in Canada

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