March 9, 2021
Health Canada is notifying interested parties that a policy regarding the classification of children’s costumes has been developed. This policy particularly indicates how the flammability requirements set out in regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) apply to these products.
Costumes intended for use by a child under 14 years of age in dress-up play, including Halloween costumes, are classified as toys within the meaning of the Toys Regulations. This classification generally extends to all components and accessories included with the costume, regardless of the form or function of each individual component, such as headbands, wigs, beards, hats, belts or capes. Furthermore, these costumes are considered soft toys when they are stuffed or composed of textile fibres or other pliable materials. Additionally, children’s costumes with a raised fibre surface are considered to be plush toys.
Each category of costumes has its own flammability requirements:
- Children’s costumes that are a doll, or a “soft toy” or “plush toy” - follows Toys Regulations
- Children’s costumes that are not toys - follows Textile Flammability Regulations
- Children’s costumes that are sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X - follows Children’s Sleepwear Regulations and the Toys Regulations.
Publication date:
Dec. 21, 2020