The Tents Regulations (SOR/2024-217), issued under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), update safety standards for tents to address modern material flammability risks and reduce reliance on flame retardant chemicals. The previous regulations, established in 1988 and last substantively revised in 2016, referenced outdated standards ill-suited for contemporary synthetic tent materials. This prompted Health Canada to adopt the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) standard CAN/CGSB-182.1-2020, which aligns better with current tent materials and safety needs.

The new regulations apply to portable shelters, such as camping tents and dining shelters, and their components like side panels and gear lofts. They exclude packaging, small labels, and items like tent trailers or awnings. The safety standard prescribes updated flammability performance and fire-safety labeling requirements, ensuring materials used in tents resist fire hazards without relying heavily on flame retardants. Health Canada collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including industry, regulators, and consumer advocates, to develop the CGSB standard, reflecting modern safety practices and environmental concerns.

A key issue addressed is the former reliance on flame retardants, which are associated with potential health risks, including exposure through skin contact or inhalation within enclosed spaces like tents. Previous regulations, referencing the 1995 CPAI-84 standard, often necessitated chemical treatments that posed health and environmental concerns. Studies highlighted exposure risks, prompting stakeholder support for updated standards to reduce chemical reliance while maintaining safety. Testing under the new CGSB standard shows most untreated fabrics meet flammability requirements, supporting this shift.

The regulations also clarify the treatment of children’s play tents, differentiating them from outdoor camping shelters. The former regulations subjected all tents, including indoor play tents, to the same flammability criteria, often requiring chemical treatments. These products are now addressed under the amended Toys Regulations, which include tailored flammability and labeling requirements based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This distinction improves protection for children while addressing specific hazards associated with play tents.

Key features of the new Tents Regulations include: Enhanced Flammability Testing: Testing methods are updated to reflect modern tent materials, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in preventing fire hazards.
Labeling Requirements: Clear and standardized labels warn users about fire risks, promoting safer use near ignition sources like stoves or campfires. Reduced Flame Retardant Use: By adopting performance-based criteria, the need for chemical treatments is minimized, addressing health and environmental concerns. Transitional Provisions: Flexible compliance periods allow manufacturers and retailers time to adapt to the new standards without disrupting the market.

Canada (SOR/2024-217) November 20, 2024