Fire-safe clothing
In the Netherlands, all clothing you sell must comply with fire safety standards. There are combustibility tests to determine the fire hazard category.
Fire safety standards
Clothes made fully of acrylic, modacryl, nylon, olefin, polyester and wool all meet the set requirements. Clothes made of other fabrics can only be sold if accompanied by a test report or a certificate from the supplier indicating that the clothing meets the set requirements.
In the Netherlands the following agreements are in place on fire safety standards:
- Nightwear (nightdresses, nightshirts, pyjamas, (bath)robes) must satisfy the requirements in the Fire Safety Agreement for Nightwear (Convenant brandveiligheid nachtkleding, in Dutch).
- Daywear requirements are laid down in the Enforcement Agreements regarding the fire safety of clothing (Commodities Act, in Dutch).
- Fancy dress costumes for children up to 14 years must comply with the Commodities Act Decree on toys 2011 (in Dutch).
Exceptions
No requirements apply for:
- swimwear
- leg fashion
- underwear
- baby clothes (below Dutch size 80)
Testing fire safety
To prove the fire safety of clothes, you have to test it. You have to use the European testing method for fabrics for apparel. Fancy dress costumes for children up to 14 years old are tested with a different method, stating toy safety.