Kiwi retailer fined after selling children's pyjamas at risk of catching fire

September 26, 2018
Closeup of Children's Clothing on Hangers

A New Zealand clothing retailer has been fined after selling children's clothing that was more susceptible to catching fire than the Fair Trading Act allows.

NZSALE was fined $74,000 yesterday in the North Shore District Court after pleading guilty to four charges for selling nightwear that failed to meet the applicable safety standards.

The issue was brought up by the Commerce Commission.

Under the FTA, all children's nightwear (and limited daywear) must be made of fabric that is less likely to burn and must have a fire hazard information label to reduce the risk of children being injured if their nightwear catches fire.

However, three types of kids' pyjamas and a sleep sack NZSALE were selling did not meet such requirements because material being used in the products were too flammable to be used, did not carry the right fire hazard label, or had no fire hazard labelling at all.

Despite the products being recalled in 2015, Commissioner Anna Rawlings said NZSALE's sentencing is just the latest in a string of safety issues.

"It is important that retailers understand and comply with safety standards - especially when babies and young children are concerned," she said.

"Parents should check the labelling of clothing so they are aware of the safety and suitability of children’s nightwear when using heaters or fires."

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