What certificates do kids' clothes need to sell in the US?

Kids' clothing needs a Children's Product Certificate and a CPSC-accepted lab report. Children's sleepwear has its own rules under 1615 and 1616 (16 CFR 1615).

Which certificate you need

Before the clothes enter the US, the US importer must issue their CPC; a factory-issued CPC doesn't meet that requirement (16 CFR 1110.7).

Starting July 8, 2026, the importer must submit certificate data electronically in ACE when filing the entry, for every shipment regardless of value (16 CFR 1110.13). The electronic filing supplies the certificate data elements required under 1110.11 through CPSC's PGA Message Set (16 CFR 1110.13).

Check the clothing report's lab against the CPSC directory, including whether its acceptance scope covers the tested provisions. Each model and color needs a report, and the issuing lab can verify the report number (CPSC lab search).

Which tests apply

Flammability testing applies to clothing under 1610 (16 CFR 1610). Children's pajamas instead bring in the sleepwear provisions in 1615 and 1616 (16 CFR 1615). For sleepwear for children under three, phthalate testing is also required.

Lead testing covers trims such as zippers, buttons and printed designs. Dyed or undyed textile fibers have a lead-testing exemption under 1500.91 (16 CFR 1500.91).

Drawstrings are also part of the clothing checks. For sizes 2T through 16, hood or neck drawstrings are a substantial product hazard under 1120.3(b), which names ASTM F1816-97 (16 CFR 1120.3).

What goes on the label

You need a tracking label, plus fiber content and country-of-origin information. The fiber and origin labels fall under the FTC textile rules in 303 (16 CFR 303). Care instructions have a separate labeling rule under 423 (16 CFR 423).