I sell children’s pajamas. Which CPSC rules, tests and labels apply?
Pajamas, nightgowns and robes up to size 14 are children’s sleepwear. Each style must either pass the flame-resistance tests of 16 CFR part 1615 (up to 6X) or 1616 (7 to 14), or meet the tight-fitting definition, with its size limits, yellow hangtag and snug-fit label. Garments sized 9 months or smaller can qualify as exempt infant garments.
Two routes for each style
| Flame-resistant sleepwear | Tight-fitting sleepwear | |
|---|---|---|
| Flammability rule | Part 1615 up to size 6X 16 CFR 1615.1(a), part 1616 for sizes 7 to 14 16 CFR part 1616 | Part 1610, the general clothing standard, and part 1611 for vinyl film CPSC sleepwear FAQ |
| What is checked | Five specimens per sample: average char length no more than 7.0 in, and no specimen burning its full 10 in 16 CFR 1615.3(b), on prototypes before production, then unit by unit 16 CFR 1615.4(d), a garment production unit being up to 500 dozen 16 CFR 1615.1(l) | Maximum chest, waist, seat, upper arm, thigh, wrist and ankle dimensions for each size, and no trim standing out more than 1/4 in 16 CFR 1615.1(o). You may measure it yourself, without a lab CPSC sleepwear FAQ |
| Labels | Permanent care labels where a known agent or treatment reduces flame resistance; “wash before wearing” if tested after one washing 16 CFR 1615.31(b) | A yellow hangtag of 1½ × 6¼ in with the prescribed warning, and “WEAR SNUG-FITTING, NOT FLAME RESISTANT” on the size label at center back 16 CFR 1615.1(o) |
Tight-fitting sizes are written in months or numbers, never S, M or L CPSC sleepwear FAQ. An infant garment is sized 9 months or smaller, within length limits, labeled in months, and meets parts 1610 and 1611 16 CFR 1615.1(c).
What every route still needs
- A CPC based on tests by a CPSC-accepted lab: parts 1615, 1616 and 1610 are all on CPSC’s list of rules requiring third-party testing CPSC CPC rules list.
- Total lead content and lead in paint for prints and painted snaps or zippers, which CPSC lists for infant and tight-fitting garments too CPSC sleepwear FAQ.
- Phthalates, for sleepwear for children 3 and younger: CPSC staff applies part 1307 to sleepwear CPSC example CPC, the rule for child care articles that help children 3 and younger sleep 16 CFR 1307.2.
- A permanent tracking label; hangtags do not count CPSC tracking label FAQ.
The paperwork behind flame-resistant styles
Each garment carries its production unit identification on a label of at least 0.5 × 0.75 in, or stamped on it. The importer keeps records tying each unit to its tests, fabrics and any flame-retardant treatment, plus samples to repeat prototype tests, tested specimens and one untested garment per style: 3 years, or as long as relied on plus 3 years for prototype records 16 CFR 1615.31(b)(8), (e).
Writing the certificate yourself is allowed. If you would rather not, send us each style, its sizes and your lab reports: we check which route it is on, the rules and exclusions that apply, and whether the reports cover them, then write the CPC, the Registry import file and the broker sheet. $79 per product, 2 U.S. business days. We do not test, measure or label garments.
Last reviewed: October 5, 2026 · First published: October 5, 2026 · Not legal advice.
Sources read October 5, 2026
- 16 CFR 1615.1(a) — Definition of children’s sleepwear
- 16 CFR part 1616 — Children’s sleepwear, sizes 7 through 14
- CPSC, FAQ: Infant garments and tight-fitting sleepwear
- 16 CFR 1615.3 — Children’s sleepwear: test criteria (char length)
- 16 CFR part 1615 — Children’s sleepwear, sizes 0 through 6X
- 16 CFR 1615.1(l) — Garment production unit (up to 500 dozen)
- 16 CFR 1615.1(o) — Tight-fitting garment
- 16 CFR 1615.31 — Children’s sleepwear: labeling, recordkeeping, guaranties
- 16 CFR 1615.1(c) — Infant garment (sized nine months or smaller)
- CPSC, Rules requiring third-party testing and a CPC
- CPSC, example CPC for children’s clothing
- 16 CFR 1307.2 — Definition of child care article
- CPSC, Tracking Label FAQ