1、 China's mandatory safety standards (must be met)

All clothing sold in the Chinese market (except for some special categories such as infant and toddler textiles) must comply with the following mandatory national standards:

Note: The above two standards are mandatory, and any batch of clothing must provide a third-party testing report (or self inspection by the enterprise, but market supervision will judge based on this) before it is launched.

2、 Chinese clothing product standards (recommended, but mandatory for routine use)

According to different categories, corresponding product standards (GB/T, FZ/T) should be implemented, which specify specific technical indicators (such as shrinkage rate, pilling, fracture strength, degree of slippage, etc.).

3、 Ecological Textiles and Voluntary Certification (International Market Tool)

These certifications are widely used in exports and high-end brands, representing product safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.

4、 Functional Clothing Testing Standards

If it claims to be waterproof, breathable, antibacterial, flame-retardant, UV resistant, etc., it must be tested according to the corresponding standards and a report must be issued, otherwise it is suspected of false advertising.

5、 Main export market regulations and testing standards

1. European Union

• REACH regulation: Restrictions on substances of high concern (SVHC), currently exceeding 240 items. Common restricted substances in clothing include lead, cadmium, phthalates, DMF (dimethylformamide), NPEO, etc. For children's clothing, the chemical requirements in the 2009/48/EC (Toy Safety Directive) are also followed.

• EU Hazardous Substance Testing Standards:

  • Azo dyes (22 prohibited) are tested according to EN ISO 14362-1.

  • Formaldehyde content (may have its own national standards, such as Germany).

  • Hexavalent chromium according to EN 420 EN 1811 (leather).

• Physical safety of children's clothing: EN 14682 (rope and drawstring safety).

• Flame retardant (such as pajamas): EN 14878 or EN 1103.

• Label: According to Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, the fiber composition must provide the country of origin and washing symbol (ISO 3758).

2. United States

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces:

  • 16 CFR 1610 (Flame retardant standard for clothing and textiles).

  • CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act): Total lead content (≤ 100 ppm), phthalates (≤ 1000 ppm for children's products).

  • Suede fabrics or children's pajamas in clothing are more flame retardant according to 16 CFR 1615/1616.

• Fiber labeling: According to 16 CFR 300 (Wool Products Labeling Act) and Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFA).

• ASTM standards (commonly used for testing methods):

  • ASTM D5034 (breaking strength), D3885 (color fastness to light), etc.

3. Japan

• Japanese Household Product Safety Law (JIS) and JIS L standards.

• Formaldehyde limits refer to JIS L 1041 and Japanese Act No. 112, and are divided into categories for infants and young children, direct contact, and indirect contact.

• Azo dyes: Japan prohibits specific azo dyes (such as 24 carcinogenic ones).

• Physical tests: JIS L 1929 (changes in washing dimensions), JIS L 0849 (color fastness to friction).

4. Other regions

• Canada: CCPSA (Consumer Product Safety Act of Canada) is similar to the United States, with SOR/2016-194 (Textile Flame Retardant) added.

• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 1125 (Clothing Adhesive Tape), AS/NZS 4399 (UV Protection Level). Children's pajamas are flame retardant according to AS/NZS 1249.

6、 Common items and cycles of clothing inspection