Garment Inspection | Special Regulations for Children's Clothing Exports to the United States

1. Lead Content Control (16 CFR 1303)

1. Metal hardware (buttons/snap fasteners/zippers/grommets):

   • Total lead content ≤100ppm

   • Exemption conditions: Inaccessible parts (such as metal parts of underwear lining)

2. Surface coating (screen printing/heat transfer/paint decoration):

   • Lead content ≤90ppm

   • Must pass ASTM F2853 test

   • Suppliers are required to provide a Children's Product Certificate (CPC)

3. Textile substrates :

   • Dyed/undyed natural/synthetic fibers (cotton/polyester, etc.) are permanently exempted from testing (according to 16 CFR 1500.91)

2. Small Parts Safety (16 CFR 1501)

1. Applicable objects : children's clothing under 3 years old

2. Prohibited Items :

   • Buttons or decorations with a diameter of less than 31.7mm (must pass a 70N tensile test)

   • Knots and loops with a length of more than 6mm

   • Parts that can easily fall off (sequins/rhinestones/beads)

3. Test method :

   • Apply 50N tension and maintain for 10 seconds

   • If it falls off or the size is less than 31.7mm, it is unqualified.

3. Drawstring Ban (ASTM F1816-21)

1. Head and Neck Ban (Tops Sizes 2T-12):

   • Any drawstrings on the hood/neck are prohibited

2. Waist/Hem Drawstring (Tops Sizes 2T-16):

   • Exposed length ≤7.5cm

   • No loops, knots or charms at the ends of the cord

   • Internal fixed point spacing ≤ 15cm

4. Flammability Standards (16 CFR 1610/1611)

1. Everyday clothing for children over 3 years old :

   • Passed the vertical burning test (Class 1)

   • Surface fluff burning speed <4 seconds

2. Children's sleepwear (9 months - 14 years):

   • Mandatory flame retardant treatment (Class 1)

   • Label: "Flame Resistant"

5. Phthalates Restriction (16 CFR 1307)

1. Sleep products for children under 3 years old (including pajamas):

   • 6 types of phthalates including DEHP/DBP/BBP ≤ 0.1% (1000ppm)

2. Screen printing ink :

   • A third-party SDS report is required

VI. Compliance Process

1. Before production :

   • Verify ink/coating supplier CPC certificate

   • Designed to avoid risks of cords and small parts

2. Before shipment :

   • Send to CPSC approved laboratory for testing (such as SGS/Intertek)

   • Issue CPC certificate (including manufacturer information, test standards, production date)

3. Labeling requirements :

   • Permanent washing label indicates:
     RN# XXXXXX (品牌注册号)
Care Instruction
Fiber Content

2025 New Regulation Warning : CPSC plans to reduce the total lead limit for accessible parts from 100ppm to 50ppm, and recommends upgrading supply chain controls in advance.