ASTM F1816Standard Safety Specification for Drawstrings on Children's Upper Outerwear

Core Objective

Prevent fatal risks such as strangulation from drawstrings on children’s shirts, vehicle dragging, and entanglement in amusement facilities to ensure the personal safety of children aged 2 to 16 in their daily clothing, activities, and in scenarios where foreseeable misuse may occur.

Standard Definition 

ASTM F1816 is the core safety standard for drawstrings on children’s tops issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The latest version is ASTM F1816-18(2024), which supersedes the previous version F1816-18. 

This standard applies to jackets, hoodies, and other outerwear for children, with the prohibition of cap/neck drawstrings for sizes 2T–12 and controlled waist/hem drawstrings for sizes 2T-16. It serves as the essential compliance basis for listing children’s clothing on North American markets and platforms such as Amazon.

Testing And Certification Requirements

The product must undergo testing by an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, with the following core requirements: 

 Hood/neck (2T–12 sizes): Complete prohibition of drawstrings, with no exceptions. 

Waist/hem (2T–16 sizes): Drawstring exposed length ≤ 76mm (3 inches) (measured to the maximum width); cord ends must not have knots, buckles, or decorative elements; continuous drawstrings must be stitched to prevent slipping.  

Structural safety: Drawstrings meet strength standards and do not have sharp edges; fully retractable drawstrings are exempt.  

Chemical safety: Compliance with CPSIA limits for lead and phthalates.  

Labeling requirements: Water-wash labels clearly indicate the size range, compliance with drawstring regulations, and safety warnings.

Passing this standard of testing is a prerequisite for children’s tops to legally enter the North American market.