Tents flammability and labelling update

Summary#

This is a proposed set of changes published by Health Canada in the Canada Gazette, Part I on June 17, 2023. It would update the rules for tent fire safety by replacing the old test and labelling rules in the Tents Regulations with the newer CAN/CGSB-182.1-2020 standard, move some children’s play tents into the Toys Regulations (using ISO 8124-2), and adjust the Textile Flammability Regulations accordingly. This is a proposal (not final); the notice invited comments within 70 days.

What it does#

• Replaces the existing flammability tests and labelling rules in the Tents Regulations with the newer Canadian standard CAN/CGSB-182.1-2020.
• Removes from the Tents Regulations those play tents that are not intended to provide outdoor shelter, and treats them as toys instead. Those toys would need to meet the flammability tests and labelling in ISO 8124-2 and be defined as a “toy intended to be entered by a child.”
• Amends the Textile Flammability Regulations to exclude products now covered by the Toys Regulations.
• Maintains labelling and testing for outdoor shelters (camping tents, dining shelters, etc.).
• Repeals the older Tents Regulations and replaces them with the new rules when the final regulations come into force.
• Includes transition rules: a 365 days grace period after the new rules come into force to sell existing stock, and when incorporated standards are updated, manufacturers/importers would have 180 days and sellers/advertisers 365 days to comply.

Who's affected#

• Tent makers, importers and retailers (including manufacturers that supply camping tents, dining shelters, gazebos).
• Companies that make or sell children’s play tents, play tunnels, teepees, bed tents and similar toys.
• Testing laboratories that check tent and toy fabrics.
• Consumers who buy tents and play tents — especially caregivers of young children and people who camp.
• Small businesses that make a small share of the tent market may have costs to adjust, though the government expects impacts to be small.
• Everyone could benefit from reduced exposure to flame retardant chemicals if manufacturers stop treating fabrics to meet older tests.

Why it matters#

• Safety that matches today’s materials: The old test used for tents was written for waxed cotton canvas and doesn’t reflect how modern, mostly synthetic tent fabrics behave when they burn. The new standard is designed for those modern materials.
• Fewer flame retardant chemicals: Under the old rules, some makers added flame retardant treatments to pass tests. The updated tests should allow many untreated modern fabrics to pass, which could reduce chemical exposure for users.
• Clearer rules for play tents: Indoor play tents that don’t act as outdoor shelters would be regulated as toys. That adds specific labelling and flammability tests aimed at protecting children.
• Costs expected to be small: Health Canada’s analysis estimates the average price rise per tent would be about $0.50 and that roughly 1 million tents are sold in Canada each year. There is uncertainty in these estimates.
• Uncertain effect on fires: Health Canada could not reliably quantify how many fires, injuries or deaths the change would prevent. The proposal aims mainly to keep safety levels while modernizing tests and reducing chemical use.
• Transition time: Businesses get time to sell current stock (up to 365 days) and to adapt to future standard updates (manufacture/import: 180 days; sell/advertise: 365 days).