Are you familiar with the "safety code" for choosing children's clothing?

 

 

How should one choose imported children's clothing? How can safety and comfort be achieved simultaneously? Many parents spend a lot of time choosing clothes for their children, yet they often troubled by problems such as confusing labels and design hazards. This choosing guide thoroughly analyzes the "safety code" of imported children's clothing, covering everything from chemical safety to physical risks, label pitfalls to purchasing tips, ensuring every child wears clothing that is safe, secure, and comfortable!

I. National Standard Red Line: Essential Safety Guidelines for Children's Clothing

 

 

 

 

The "Safety Technical Code for Infant and Children Textile Products" (GB 31701) in China sets a stringent "hard threshold" for imported children's clothing:

1. Matching of Age and Size

0-3 years old (height ≤ 100 cm)

3-7 years old (100 cm < height ≤ 130 cm)

7-14 years old (130 cm < height ≤ 160 cm)

2. Mandatory Safety Category Labeling

Clothing for infants within 24 months must be "Class A", and clothing in direct contact with skin must meet the standards of "Class B".

3. Double Compliance of Labels

The Chinese label must include the product name, fiber content, country of origin, and agent information. Additionally, the durable label should not be sewn onto the inner side of the garment.

II. Customs Inspection Highlights: "Three Major Red Flags" to Watch Out for by Enterprises & Consumers

 

 

 

 

1. Chemical Safety Risks

pH Imbalance: The pH level of infant clothing must be strictly maintained between 4.0 and 7.5. Human skin is weakly acidic, with a pH level of approximately 5.5 to 6.5. This acidic environment helps inhibit pathogen growth and protects the skin from infection. If the clothing's pH level falls outside the standard range, whether too acidic or too alkaline, it will disrupt the skin’s acid-base balance, potentially leading to issues like itching and allergic dermatitis.

Hidden toxins: A pungent smell may indicate the presence of formaldehyde, decomposable carcinogenic aromatic amines, and other harmful substances. Formaldehyde is a common harmful chemical that primarily originates from the finishing agents used in garment manufacturing. Should residual formaldehyde exceed the allowed limit (infant clothing should contain no more than 20mg/kg), it may irritate the respiratory tract and skin of infants and young children, and even disrupt DNA replication, thus increasing cancer risk. Furthermore, decomposable carcinogenic aromatic amine dyes can release carcinogenic aromatic amines under reducing conditions, and prolonged exposure may lead to cancer.

2. Physical Safety Risks

"Fatal Trap" of Drawstrings: The use of drawstrings around the head and neck is prohibited for children under 7 years old. This is because drawstrings can become entangled with other objects, posing a risk of strangulation for infants or children, which could lead to severe outcomes such as suffocation or even death.

Small components falling off: Buttons, sequins, and other small components must pass a 90N tensile strength test. If these components are not secured properly, they may fall off during use and be swallowed by infants or young children, leading to serious hazards like choking.

3. "Truth and Deception" in Label Information

False labeling of "Class A" or ingredient content may evade supervision. Consumers should verify original factory documents and customs declaration forms to ensure labeling information is accurate and reliable, thus avoiding the purchase of products that do not comply with national standards.

III. The Hidden "Reef": Overlooked Color Fastness and Design Compliance

 

 

 

 

1. Deficiencies in Color Fastness

The color fastness to sweat and saliva does not meet the standards, and dye migration can easily cause allergies or heavy metal poisoning. The skin of infants and young children is quite delicate and prone to contact with saliva and sweat. If the clothing's color fastness is below standard, dyes may migrate in humid conditions, triggering skin allergies or heavy metal contamination, posing a health risk to infants and young children.

2. Non-compliance of Design

Features like hoodie drawstrings and decorative sharp edges fail to comply with national standards. For instance, a hoodie drawstring may wrap around the neck during play, posing a risk of choking; sharp edge designs might scratch an infant's or child's skin. These design defects need rectification at the source to ensure garment safety.

3. Dispute Over Label Position

Improperly sewn labels may chafe the skin, and imported products often use external stitching or heat transfer printing methods. If the label is sewn directly on the inner side, it may cause friction and discomfort to the skin of infants or young children.

IV. Guides for Consumers: How to Make Purchases to Avoid Pitfalls!

1. Verify, Inspect, and Keep Records

Verify Labels: Ensure the Chinese label is complete, including the safety category, place of origin, and agent information.

Inspect Details: Avoid products with large-area prints and strong odors; check stitching durability and label positioning.

Keep Records: Retain shopping receipts and customs documents to facilitate quality dispute traceability and rights protection.

2. Avoiding Channel Pitfalls

Be cautious of "no Chinese label" or "foreign trade surplus" products; prioritize regular import channels.

3. Preferred Design

Select styles with cord-free straps, minimal small parts, and soft fabrics to reduce the risk of physical injury.

V. Conclusion

The safety measures for imported children's clothing should be a collaborative effort: enterprises must ensure compliant production, customs should enhance inspection rigor, and consumers are to make informed purchases. Remember "Standards First, Details as a Shield" to jointly safeguard children's clothing safety!

 

 

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Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Shenzhen 95198. The Shenzhen 95198 version shall prevail.