Abstract: The continuous increase in urban building density and population density have led to an increased demand for enhanced flame-retardant properties in cables and wires, with particular focus on the materials used for cable sheaths. A comprehensive review of recent advancements in flame-retardant materials for polyolefin sheaths both domestic and international research was provided. The mechanisms of various flame-retardant additives were thoroughly examined, contrasting their relative efficacies and highlighting the performance differences between different types. The interplay between flame-retardant effectiveness and mechanical strength in polyolefin composites, as well as the impact of these properties on the processability of sheathing materials were analyzed. Finally, the future developments in halogen-free flame retardants for polyolefin sheaths was prospected, which could provide new ideas for research on improving flame-retardant properties for cable sheaths.