Health Canada published a notice to Canadian manufacturers, importers, advertisers, and sellers of consumer products to comply with the flammability performance requirements for certain consumer products set out in regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) without using flame-retardant chemicals.
To demonstrate supply chain transparency, Health Canada also encourages Canadian manufacturers, importers, advertisers and sellers to voluntarily disclose the chemicals used in the consumer products they supply in Canada, including any flame-retardant chemicals, when requested by individuals including distributors, retailers or the public.
Some flame-retardant chemicals are harmful to human health when used in certain products based on how exposure to the chemical can occur. For example, tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate, also known as TCEP, is harmful to young children’s health through oral exposure and is prohibited under the CCPSA in products made, in whole or in part, of polyurethane foam and that are intended for children under three years of age. Table 1 summarizes the current prohibitions and restrictions under the CCPSA and its regulations concerning the use of flame-retardant chemicals in certain consumer products.
In the absence of specific prohibitions and restrictions on the use of flame-retardant chemicals, regulated parties are encouraged to use safe, non-chemical alternatives to meet the flammability performance requirements.
View Table 1 Summary of current prohibitions and restrictions concerning the use of flame-retardant chemicals under the CCPSA.
The on-line Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada provides factors affecting textile flammability, such as fibre content, fabric construction, fabric weight, and fabric finishes.
For questions related to this Notice or to the CCPSA and its associated regulations, please contact a Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Office by phone 1-866-662-0666 (toll-free within Canada and the United States) or by email at hc.ccpsa-lcspc.sc@canada.ca
Additional Information and resources
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act Quick Reference Guide
Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada
Children’s sleepwear: Flammability requirement guidelines
Industry Guide to Futon Flammability Requirements in Canada
Industry Guide to Canadian Requirements for Carpets and Other Textile Floor Coverings
Industry Guide to Health Canada’s Safety Requirements for Children’s Toys and Related Products
Chemicals Management Plan
Certain Organic Flame Retardants Substance Grouping
Summary of flame retardant assessments and management conducted under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999