Suggested practice for drawstrings on children’s clothing - Guidelines

If caught in small spaces or gaps, drawstrings on clothing can strangle or lacerate the child. While injuries to Australian children are not evident, there have been reports in the United States of over 20 deaths and nearly 50 serious injuries related to drawstrings. Victims have ranged from the age of two to 14 years old.

To reduce the risk drawstrings pose to Australian children, the ACCC has developed these voluntary guidelines for the Australian market based on US and European standards.