compliance · 5 min read

US CPSIA for children’s apparel: the tests you cannot skip

Children’s apparel in the US is regulated more tightly than adult apparel. The rules apply to the product, the packaging and the label, and the testing has to come from an accepted laboratory.

By Weft Bridge · Reviewed by our Guangzhou sourcing team · Updated 2026-11

The core requirements

Requirement	Limit	Applies to
Total lead, substrate	100 ppm	Accessible parts
Lead in paint / surface coating	90 ppm	Prints, coatings
Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, etc.)	0.1% each	Plasticised components
Tracking label	Permanent mark	Product and packaging
Third-party testing	CPSC-accepted lab	Children’s product

What counts as a children’s product

Generally, products designed or intended primarily for children 12 years old or younger. Size, marketing and packaging all count as evidence of intent.

A t-shirt in adult sizes with a cartoon print can still be treated as a children’s product if it is marketed to children. The design and the marketing decide, not just the size range.

Practical steps

Test the finished product, including prints and trims, at a CPSC-accepted lab.
Keep the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) with the test reports.
Add a permanent tracking label with the manufacturer, date and batch.
Re-test when a component or supplier changes.

FAQ

Does CPSIA apply to fabric alone?

The obligation applies to the finished children’s product. Fabric suppliers can provide test data, but the finished item still needs testing.

Is a general certificate enough?

No. The CPC must reference the specific product and the test reports behind it.