Popular retailer pays $138k in fines over children’s pyjama fire warning labels
H&M Australia has paid $138,600 in penalties after allegedly selling more than 4000 children’s sleepwear garments that failed to meet mandatory fire hazard labelling standards.
The six-figure fine follows seven infringement notices issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over breaches of the safety standard for children’s nightwear and limited daywear.
H&M reportedly sold more than 4000 pieces of the clothes that did not comply with label standards. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
Under the standard, children’s sleepwear must feature a prominent “high fire danger” or “low fire danger” label based on fabric type and flammability testing.
The watchdog found the garments either lacked warning tags entirely or featured labels that breached regulations regarding placement and phrasing.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said while the garments met actual flammability standards, the missing or inadequate warnings caused “a serious matter”.
"Without the correct labelling, parents or carers may have been unaware of the severity of the risk to children wearing these garments and being close to heat or flame. This creates an unacceptable risk of serious injuries to children," Lowe said.
The company issued voluntary recall notices for the products in July 2024, April 2025 and June 2025. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
“We expect suppliers to be aware of their product safety obligations and ensure that they fully comply with these obligations, including by ensuring their products come with all required safety warnings.
“This includes having adequate systems in place to ensure compliance.”
According to the regulator, H&M supplied 4473 non-compliant garments across four product lines, including pyjama sets, dressing gowns, hooded poncho towels with ties, and footed all-in-one sleep suits.
H&M Australia has admitted its conduct contravened or was likely to contravene the Australian Consumer Law. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
The retailer previously issued voluntary recalls for the affected ranges between July 2024 and June 2025, and acknowledged that its conduct likely breached Australian consumer law.
As part of a court-enforceable undertaking provided to the ACCC, H&M will run a public awareness campaign on garment fire warnings, amplify its recall notices, overhaul internal compliance systems, and implement a formal product safety program.
“Consumers who purchased any of the affected garments are urged to stop using them immediately and return them to any H&M store for a full refund. No receipt is required,” the ACCC stated.
Nine.com.au has contacted H&M for comment.
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