What was recalled
In late December of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving a specific line of luxury accessories distributed by Raj Imports. This action was taken to address safety concerns regarding women’s scarves that were found to be non-compliant with federal safety regulations. The brand in question is clearly identified as Raj Imports, and the products affected are 100% silk scarves. It is important for consumers to understand exactly which items are part of this recall, as the issue is specific to certain materials and manufacturing batches rather than the entire brand inventory.
The recalled scarves are distinct in their design and construction. They feature a deep purple hue and are adorned with an allover pattern consisting of butterflies and bows. These aesthetic details are not just decorative; they help identify the specific units that have been flagged for safety review. Each scarf measures approximately 71 inches in length by 20 inches in width, providing a generous size for various styling options. However, it is the material composition and the labeling that serve as the primary identifiers for this recall. The scarves are made entirely of silk, a natural fiber that, while luxurious to the touch, has specific flammability characteristics that must be regulated under federal law.
To confirm whether you possess one of the recalled items, you should look closely at the side seam label. A brown label is sewn into the side seam of each scarf. Printed on this label is the text: "Raj RN NO 115832 Made in India 100% Silk ONE SIZE." This registration number (RN 115832) and the country of origin (India) are critical details. If your scarf matches this description—purple with butterfly and bow patterns, silk material, and the specific brown label text—it is part of the recalled batch.
The scope of this recall covers units that were sold through various retail channels, though the specific store names are not detailed in the initial CPSC record. The primary point of contact for verification is Raj Imports itself. Consumers who purchased these scarves should check their ownership against the description provided above. The recall was officially announced on December 13, 2018, and applies to all units that meet the physical and labeling criteria described. There were no reported incidents or injuries associated with these products at the time of the recall announcement, but the potential risk remains due to the failure to meet the federal flammability standard for clothing textiles.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a fundamental failure in material science: the scarves do not meet the federal flammability standards required for clothing textiles. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what those standards actually require and how they protect us in everyday life. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces strict regulations under the Federal Flammability Act, which dictates that certain fabrics must resist ignition or burn slowly enough to allow a person time to react and move away from a flame. When a textile fails this test, it means the material is too combustible. It catches fire easily, burns rapidly, and does not self-extinguish quickly once ignited.
Silk is often prized for its luxurious feel, natural sheen, and breathability. However, pure silk is also highly flammable if it has not been treated with specific flame-retardant chemicals or woven in a way that inherently slows combustion. The scarves involved in this recall are described as "100% Silk" without mention of any fire-resistant treatment. In practical terms, this means that if the scarf comes into contact with an open flame—such as from a birthday candle on a nearby cake, a match, or even a lit cigarette—it can ignite almost instantly. Unlike heavier fabrics like wool or specially treated cottons, which might char or smolder, untreated silk acts much like dry paper or thin rayon; it burns fast and hot.
The mechanism of injury here is direct thermal damage. Because the material ignites so readily and burns with such speed, there is very little margin for error. If a flame touches the scarf while it is being worn around the neck or draped over the shoulders, the fire can spread across the surface of the fabric in seconds. This rapid expansion of flames can lead to severe burn injuries to the skin underneath, particularly on sensitive areas like the neck, chest, and face. These burns are not just superficial; they can be deep and require significant medical attention. Furthermore, burning synthetic or natural fibers often releases toxic fumes and molten material that can cause additional harm beyond simple thermal burns.
While there have been no reported incidents of injury from these specific scarves to date, the risk is latent and unpredictable. You cannot tell by looking at the scarf whether it will burn slowly or ignite instantly. The hazard exists because the product simply was not manufactured to withstand common household ignition sources safely. It is a silent vulnerability that only reveals itself in the presence of fire. Until you take action to return them, these scarves remain a potential source of severe physical harm if they ever encounter heat or flame in your home.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of individuals who own or regularly wear the specific Raj Imports scarves described in the CPSC notice. Because these are fashion accessories designed to be worn close to the face and neck, any user is technically exposed to the hazard if the fabric ignites. However, not everyone faces the same level of danger. The risk is generally higher for people who use these scarves in environments where open flames, sparks, or high heat sources are present. This includes individuals who might wear the scarf while cooking near a stove, sitting by a fireplace, attending a bonfire, or using candles during holiday celebrations. If you enjoy hosting dinner parties with candlelit tables or have a habit of wearing your favorite accessories around a gas range, your exposure to potential ignition sources is significantly greater than someone who only wears their scarves outdoors in the winter.
Within that general group of users, certain demographics face more severe consequences if an incident were to occur. Young children are often considered particularly vulnerable in scenarios involving flammable textiles because they may not recognize the danger of a spark or flame until it is too late. Their natural curiosity can lead them to lean closer to heat sources without understanding the risks. Furthermore, young skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, meaning that burns can occur more quickly and with greater depth from the same amount of heat exposure. If a child were to wear one of these recalled scarves near a candle or a heater, the rapid ignition of the silk could result in serious injury before they or a caregiver could react.
Elderly individuals may also be at heightened risk, not necessarily because they are more likely to start a fire, but because their bodies may take longer to recover from burn injuries. Age-related changes in skin elasticity and circulation can make burns more painful and slower to heal. Additionally, older adults might have reduced mobility or reaction times, which could delay their ability to remove the burning garment or seek help immediately. If you are caring for a child or an elderly relative who wears these scarves, it is crucial to ensure they do not use them in any setting where heat or flame is present.
It is also important to note that while the recall facts state that no incidents have been reported so far, the potential for harm exists whenever the scarf is near a heat source. Silk, while luxurious and soft, burns readily when it fails flammability standards. Therefore, anyone who owns these purple scarves with the butterfly and bow pattern should consider themselves at risk until they are removed from their wardrobe or properly disposed of. The safest approach is to assume that any proximity to fire, whether intentional or accidental, could lead to a dangerous situation.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Because Raj Imports scarves are often sold as beautiful, one-of-a-kind accessories rather than mass-produced items with rigid barcodes, identifying exactly which ones are part of this recall requires a careful look at both the fabric itself and the small tags attached to it. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued this recall on December 13, 2018, specifically targeting women’s scarves that fail to meet federal flammability standards. To determine if your scarf is part of this specific batch, you need to look for a very precise combination of visual details and labeling information. The first thing to check is the material and color. This recall involves only 100% silk scarves. If your scarf is made of polyester, rayon, cotton, or any other synthetic blend, it is not part of this specific safety notice. Furthermore, the color must be purple. While there may be many purple scarves on the market, these particular ones feature a distinctive allover pattern consisting of butterflies and bows.
The most reliable way to confirm your scarf is recalled is by examining the side seam label. This is where manufacturers typically print their identification details. For the items in this recall, you will find a brown label stitched into the side seam. On this label, the text must read exactly: "Raj RN NO 115832 Made in India 100% Silk ONE SIZE". If your scarf has a different brand name, a different Registered Identification Number (RN), or lacks the "Made in India" designation, it is not included in this recall. It is also important to note that these scarves are sold as "ONE SIZE," meaning they do not come in standard sizing like Small or Large. The physical dimensions of the recalled scarves are approximately 71 inches long by 20 inches wide. If your scarf is significantly smaller or larger than these measurements, it likely belongs to a different product line.
If you find that your purple silk scarf matches all the descriptions above—the butterfly and bow pattern, the specific brown side seam label with the Raj RN number, and the "Made in India" origin—you should treat it as recalled immediately. Do not try to burn-test the fabric yourself or assume that because it has never caused an issue, it is safe. The violation here is a failure to meet federal flammability standards, which means the fabric burns too quickly if exposed to open flame. Since there were no reported incidents at the time of the recall, you may feel confident in its past performance, but the standard exists to prevent future harm. Please verify every detail on that label carefully. If any part of the description does not match your item perfectly, it is likely safe to keep. However, if it matches the brand, RN number, material, and origin described, please stop using it right away and proceed to contact Raj Imports for your refund.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Raj Imports women’s scarves, your immediate priority is to ensure your safety by removing the hazard from your daily routine. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear: you should immediately stop using these scarves. This is not a suggestion; it is a necessary precaution. Because the 100% silk fabric fails to meet federal flammability standards, the material is likely to ignite quickly and burn with intense heat if exposed to an open flame or high heat source. By stopping use now, you eliminate the risk of serious burn injuries before they can occur. Please do not wait for a specific incident to happen—take action today.
Once you have safely set the scarf aside in a non-flammable area, your next step is to initiate the remedy process. The manufacturer, Raj Imports, has committed to providing a full refund for all affected units. To begin this process, you need to contact their consumer support team directly. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number at 866-368-9899. Their customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. When you call, have your scarf ready so you can verify the details if asked, but the primary goal of this call is to inform them that you wish to return the item for a full refund.
If you prefer written communication or find it difficult to reach them by phone, you may also email Raj Imports at rajimports@hotmail.com. It is crucial that you use "Product Recall" as the subject line of your email. This ensures your message is routed correctly and prioritized by their recall management team. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.rajimports.net. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click on the "Important Notice" tab. This section contains specific instructions and updates regarding the recall. Follow any additional instructions provided on the site or via email/phone to arrange for the return of your scarf.
When you contact Raj Imports, be prepared to confirm that you have the specific recalled model. As noted in the description, look for the brown side seam label that reads "Raj RN NO 115832 Made in India 100% Silk ONE SIZE." The scarves are purple with an allover butterfly and bow pattern, measuring approximately 71 inches long by 20 inches wide. While the recall facts do not specify whether you must mail the scarf back or if a digital refund is possible without return, contacting them via the methods above will clarify the exact logistics. Do not discard the scarf in a way that might allow it to be used by someone else; keep it stored safely until you receive further instructions from Raj Imports regarding disposal or return shipping.
Remember, this remedy is free of charge. You are entitled to a full refund for the purchase price of the scarf. There should be no restocking fees or penalties for returning the item due to a safety violation. By following these steps promptly, you not only protect yourself and your family but also help Raj Imports track the extent of the recall and ensure that unsafe products are removed from circulation effectively.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When a product recall involves a safety hazard like the one issued by Raj Imports for their women’s silk scarves, the primary remedy is almost always a full refund rather than a repair or replacement. This is because the issue at hand—a failure to meet federal flammability standards—means the material itself is inherently unsafe. No amount of stitching, dyeing, or minor alteration can make a fabric that burns too quickly safe to wear near any potential ignition source, such as candles, heaters, or even static electricity in dry winter air. Therefore, the government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Raj Imports have determined that the only viable solution is to remove the product from your home entirely and return your money.
If you own these scarves, your first step is to stop using them immediately. Do not attempt to wear them again or give them away, as the flammability risk remains for anyone who might receive them. Instead, you need to initiate the refund process directly with Raj Trading and Imports. The company has established a dedicated consumer contact channel specifically for this recall, which opened on December 13, 2018. You can reach their customer service team toll-free at 866-368-9899. Their support staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. It is important to note that this is the official line for recall-related inquiries, so avoid using general customer service numbers if they exist elsewhere.
In addition to phone support, Raj Imports has provided an email option for those who prefer written communication or need to send documentation. You can email them at rajimports@hotmail.com. To ensure your request is processed quickly and correctly, you must include "Product Recall" in the subject line of your email. This helps their team categorize your inquiry immediately so it does not get lost in general correspondence. If you prefer to handle everything online, you can visit their website at www.rajimports.net. Navigate to the bottom of the webpage and click on the "Important Notice" tab. This section contains specific instructions and details regarding the recall that may assist you in completing your claim.
The remedy offered is a full refund, meaning you should receive back the entire amount you paid for the scarf. The company has not indicated that you must return the physical scarves to receive your money, which is common in cases where the item poses a fire hazard; destroying the item yourself is often safer and more practical than mailing it back. However, please verify this specific detail during your contact with them, as policies can vary. Keep any receipts or proof of purchase handy when you call or email, although the company may be able to locate your transaction using the product details provided in the recall notice.
Why is a refund the only option here? Because the scarves were manufactured in India and are made of 100% silk with a specific butterfly and bow pattern. While silk is generally known for being somewhat flame-resistant compared to synthetic fabrics like polyester, this particular batch failed to meet the rigorous federal flammability standard required for clothing textiles sold in the United States. This means it ignited too easily or burned too fast under test conditions. Since the defect is in the fabric's fundamental chemical or physical composition, it cannot be fixed. A refund allows you to purchase a different scarf that meets safety standards, ensuring your style does not come at the cost of your safety.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to part with a beautiful accessory simply because of a safety notice. You may have worn these scarves countless times without incident, or perhaps you bought them as a special gift and feel attached to the aesthetic. After all, the recall facts state that there have been no reported incidents so far. This lack of immediate news can create a false sense of security, leading some consumers to think, "It’s only a flammability issue; I’ll just be careful." However, ignoring a flammability violation is not merely a technical oversight—it is a gamble with your physical safety that relies on luck rather than logic.
The core danger here lies in the fundamental nature of the material. These are 100% silk scarves from Raj Imports that have failed to meet the federal flammability standard for clothing textiles. Silk is a natural protein fiber, and while it feels luxurious against the skin, its behavior when exposed to flame or intense heat can be unpredictable if it has not been treated or manufactured to specific safety thresholds. The federal standard exists to ensure that clothing slows down ignition and self-extinguishes quickly enough to allow a wearer to react and move away from the source of fire. When a product fails this standard, it means the fabric may ignite more easily than expected, or it may continue to burn vigorously once lit.
If you continue to wear these scarves, you are increasing your risk exposure in everyday scenarios that most people do not think twice about. Consider the simple act of lighting a candle, standing near an open fireplace, or even being close to a stovetop while cooking. In these moments, a stray spark or a brief encounter with a flame can be catastrophic if the fabric is highly flammable. Because silk can melt and adhere to the skin when it burns, the resulting injuries are often severe, causing deep tissue damage that requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The "risk of burn injuries" mentioned in the recall is not a theoretical possibility; it is a direct physical consequence of the material's failure to perform under fire conditions.
Furthermore, relying on "being careful" is a flawed safety strategy because accidents are, by definition, unexpected. You might be adjusting your scarf while walking past a grill, or a draft could blow a candle flame directly onto the fabric. In those split seconds, there is no time to assess whether a specific item is safe or not. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially choosing to keep a potential hazard in your daily life without any of the protective barriers that a compliant product would provide. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings meet safety standards is worth far more than the inconvenience of returning an item. Do not wait for a spark to prove the risk real; take the proactive step to remove the danger from your home and your wardrobe today.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a particular batch of silk scarves that did not meet federal flammability standards, the underlying principle applies to all textiles we wear and use in our homes: fire safety is about minimizing exposure to ignition sources and understanding how materials behave when they encounter heat. Natural fibers like silk, while luxurious and breathable, are highly combustible. Synthetic blends may melt rather than burn, but they can still cause severe thermal burns. Understanding these material properties helps you make smarter choices about where and how you wear or display delicate fabrics.
To reduce the risk of clothing-related fires, it is essential to be mindful of your immediate environment. Avoid wearing loose-fitting scarves, shawls, or long sleeves near open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, stoves, or campfires. Even a brief moment of proximity can result in severe injury if the fabric ignites. If you enjoy using scented candles or incense to create a relaxing atmosphere, place them on stable, non-flammable surfaces and keep them well away from hanging fabrics or drapes that could sway into the flame. Consider using battery-operated LED candles for ambiance, which provide the same aesthetic without the fire hazard.
Regularly checking your home for other potential textile hazards is also a wise practice. Ensure that curtains and drapes are kept several feet away from space heaters, radiators, and light bulbs, which can become hot enough to ignite nearby materials without an open flame. For families with young children or pets, consider keeping decorative scarves and throws stored in drawers or closets when not in use, rather than draped over chairs or beds where they might be pulled down onto heat sources.
Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels. Sign up for recall alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other relevant agencies. These notifications often highlight emerging risks related to everyday items like clothing, electronics, and furniture. By keeping your home environment clear of unnecessary ignition sources and staying updated on safety recalls, you can enjoy the comfort and style of textiles with greater peace of mind. Remember, prevention is always more effective than reaction when it comes to fire safety.