THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HAS PUBLISHED THE EAGERLY AWAITED GUIDE TO INTERPRETING EN 14682:2014 ON CORDS AND DRAWSTRINGS IN CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

The revision of EN 14682 in 2014 followed by its harmonization in 2015 prompted the need for additional guidance for industry and market surveillance authorities to explain the technical aspect of garment design and manufacture. Children's clothing, like adult clothing, is highly fashionable, resulting in changing garment styles. The aim of this Technical Report is to assist all stakeholders in this fast changing and inventive industry. TR 17376 and EN 14682 are not intended to stifle design creativity but to help avoid safety issues and the potentially tragic consequences resulting from incautious or inappropriate design innovation. The Technical Report addresses questions raised by stakeholders in a wide variety of areas such as: Are products listed as “out of scope” in EN 14682 presumed to be safe? Why are hoods on garments not considered by this standard? Why are disguise costumes and carnival clothing listed in the scope of EN 14682? What is the difference between a tied belt (in scope) and a belt (out of scope)? Why are braces outside the scope of EN 14682? Why are religious clothes not in the scope? Are swimsuits, bikinis and board shorts considered to be specialist sportswear? Are bags sold with the garment excluded from the scope? How should decorations near the end of decorative cords or functional cords be considered? Are frayed edges or faux fur cuffs on sleeves or garment hems considered as fringes? Are display loops acceptable? Are tubular scarves such as snoods acceptable? Are loops for fastening garments such as a duffel coat acceptable? How should waist belts which are less than 3cm wide which pass through loops be considered? The report even addresses ears and antennae on hoods! And many more. The report uses photographs and pictograms to aid in the explanation of the thinking behind the committee decisions and where appropriate which items will be put forward to the next revision of EN 14682.

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