Does CPSIA apply to adult apparel or only kidswear?

CPSIA lead limits apply to any product intended primarily for children 12 and under. Adult apparel falls under CPSC's flammability rule (16 CFR 1610) and requires a General Conformity Certificate for the flammability test. Kidswear needs the tighter Children's Product Certificate covering lead, phthalates, tracking labels and flammability.

What tests does CPSIA require for children's apparel?

For most children's apparel: total lead content (100 ppm), lead in surface coatings (90 ppm), phthalates in printed and coated components (0.1%), flammability under 16 CFR 1610 or 1615/1616 for children's sleepwear, and small-parts testing for any hard trims on garments for under-3s.

What is a tracking label and where does it go?

CPSIA requires permanent, distinguishing markings on the product and packaging showing the manufacturer, the location and date of manufacture, and cohort information sufficient to identify the production run. On garments this is usually printed on the care label.

Do I need CPSIA testing done in the USA?

No, but the lab must be CPSC-accepted. SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek and TÜV all operate CPSC-accepted labs in Dhaka. We work with SGS Bangladesh for CPSIA testing on kidswear orders.

What is the difference between CPSIA and Prop 65?

CPSIA is federal, focused on children's product safety. Prop 65 is a California state law that requires warnings for consumer exposure to listed chemicals — the list includes many textile-relevant substances. If you sell into California, plan for both. Prop 65 does not require pre-market testing but the warning language and settlement risk are significant.

Tat Apparel Co.

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