The Director of Consumer Affairs and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, have responded to the request to review the issue of flammability of clothing. A joint report has been presented to my Department.
The NSAI and Director of Consumer Affairs' study concludes that the introduction of unilateral flammability requirements for clothing in Ireland is not feasible, because of toxicological-ecotoxicological considerations, the fact that it would have the effect of severely limiting the availability of clothing on the Irish market and cost. It should be noted, however, that following a meeting in December 1999, the European Union 98/34 Committee on standards and technical regulations gave CEN, European Committee for Standardisation, a mandate to prepare a draft european standard which would specifically apply to the flammability of nightwear. It is expected that this standard will be developed within the next 12 to 18 months. When completed, this will be introduced as an identical Irish standard.