Printing on youth apparel seems simple, right? Everything is smaller, but as long as you size everything to fit, it shouldn’t be a problem. Turns out, it’s a little more complicated than that. Garment decorators need to know the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) enforces safety regulations on children and youth products. Let’s dive into it and find out what it means for you.
WHAT IS IT?
It applies to everything made for children. Since kids have a tendency to put things in their mouths, the CPSIA makes sure whatever they’re wearing, or eating (even if they shouldn’t be eating it) is safe.
TRACKING
- Manufacturer or private labeler name
- Location and date of production of the product
- Detailed information on the manufacturing process, like a batch/run number or other identifying characteristics
- Any other information to help find the specific source of the product
Printing a tracking label on youth apparel might not fit the vibe of your design, but it’ll keep you covered legally in case something happens. Many printers create a neck label that contains the tracking information, so it’s more discreet. Keep a record of your own work with each batch too. Every job should be a new batch, even if you’re using all the same supplies. That way, you’ll have proof that your product is safe.
RELATED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM NECK LABELS
SUPPLIES NEEDED TO BE COMPLIANT
PLASTISOL INK
The most common screen printing ink is plastisol ink and has not been made with lead for decades, and phthalates are pretty much nonexistent in today’s inks.
Still, it's similar to lead paint where you wouldn't just trust an old un-labeled bucket lying around.
Most companies like ScreenPrinting.com sell only phthalate-free, CPSIA compliant plastisol ink. Wilflex™ and FN-INK™ are both excellent choices.
All children’s products must be tested for compliance by a CPSC-accepted accredited laboratory. No matter which ink you’re using, you’ll need documentation from a supplier or manufacturer that clears the product according to the CPSIA. These are usually electronic documents. It creates an information trail that gives you peace of mind that your products are safe.
Again, make sure to keep a record of your shop’s ink usage in batches. If you’re creating your own tags, keep track of that ink too. Do your due diligence so your shop is set up for success.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Printing with Plastisol Ink
WATER-BASED INK
Unlike plastisol ink, water-based ink does not contain plasticizer, so it's always free of phthalates. Water based inks like Green Galaxy offer a "soft-hand" feel, meaning the ink is soft to the touch once printed, making them a great choice for youth clothing.
If your shop creates apparel for large youth retailers like Nike, you’ll likely be using water-based ink anyways. In addition to the soft finish, another reason is many retailers want to avoid any potential challenges with the CPSIA regulations and plastisol ink.
RELATED: Is Water-Based Printing Right For You?
PRESS NEEDS
With a few adjustments, like using a smaller platen and the right squeegee, you’ll be ready to tackle tiny tees with confidence. Printing at a smaller scale does require attention to detail, but once dialed in, youth printing can become a rewarding part of your shop’s services.
When printing youth sizes, precision is key. Your press should support smooth platen changes, tight registration, and consistent pressure. Even on small garments, quality shouldn’t take a hit, and a reliable press ensures it won’t.
Whether you're running a single-station manual press or a full production setup, it’s worth exploring equipment that grows with your business. Look for features like side clamps and micro-registration to keep your smallest prints crisp and centered. If you're just getting started, you’ll find capable, budget-friendly options too.
Browse the full Screen Printing Press Collection to find a press that meets your current needs and sets you up for future success.
RELATED: WHICH SCREEN PRINTING KIT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY SHOP?
Since even before the act was passed, the screen printing industry has taken great steps in improving product safety. From phthalate-free plastisol ink to child-safe rhinestones, there’s a good chance that the supplies in your shop are already good to go. Familiarize yourself with the CPSIA rules and regulations and document, tag, & track your products to keep your shop and garments safe.
Even with these restrictions, printing youth & children's apparel opens up exciting opportunities for shops of all sizes.