Product Safety Manual-Apparel.09.05.2017
Product Safety Manual-Apparel.09.05.2017
Product Safety Manual-Apparel.09.05.2017
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
APPAREL AND APPAREL-TYPE ACCESSORIES
Contents
Contents.................................................................................................................................................................... 1
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
REGULATORY AND CHEMICAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 7
1 Compliance with U.S. Product Safety Rules ......................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Consumer Product Safety Act and Amendments Summary....................................................................................... 7
1.2 Gap Inc.’s CPSC Testing and Certification Program .................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Gap Inc. CPSC Certification Folder on GapSource Library .......................................................................................... 8
1.4 Responsibility as a Certifier ........................................................................................................................................ 8
1.5 Gap Inc. Due Care Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.6 Certificates of Compliance (COC) ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.7 How to Certify Compliance ........................................................................................................................................ 9
2 Restricted Substances ....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Restricted Substances List (RSL) – EU REACH ........................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Gap Inc. RSL Testing Program...................................................................................................................................10
2.2.1 Critical “REACH” Testing Failures.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Non-Critical Advisory RSL Component Failures ....................................................................................................11
2.2.3 Result Tracking ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
3 Chemicals of Concern – Selected Substances ..................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Antimicrobial Treatments ........................................................................................................................................ 11
3.1.1 North America Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.2 European Union Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 11
3.1.3 Marketing Claims .................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.2 Azo Dyes ...................................................................................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Testing ..................................................................................................................................................................12
3.3 BPA (Bisphenol-A) .................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.4 Cadmium ..................................................................................................................................................................13
3.5 Chemical Finishes ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.6 Chromium VI (Hexavalent Chromium) ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.6.1 Testing ..................................................................................................................................................................13
3.7 Colorfastness of Dyes ............................................................................................................................................... 14
3.7.1 ColorFastness to Saliva in Infant products............................................................................................................ 14
3.7.2 Pigment ban for Baby 0-24 months and Maternity .............................................................................................. 14
3.8 DMFu (Dimethyl Fumarate) .....................................................................................................................................14
3.9 Formaldehyde .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.9.1 Testing ..................................................................................................................................................................14
3.9.2 Formaldehyde Emission from Composite Wood Products ................................................................................... 15
3.10 Heavy Metals (Soluble) ............................................................................................................................................ 15
3.10.1 Testing ..................................................................................................................................................................15
3.11 Heavy Metals (Total) – Packaging ............................................................................................................................ 16
3.12 Lead .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.12.1 General Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 16
3.12.2 Children’s Products ............................................................................................................................................... 16
2 Restricted Substances
2.1 Restricted Substances List (RSL) – EU REACH
Gap Inc.’s regular Testing Program limits selected hazardous chemicals. With rapid expansion of chemical legislation
across markets, Gap Inc. created a more comprehensive Restricted Substances List (RSL) and associated special
testing program in 2008. The RSL, initially created to address Europe’s REACH6 Regulation, also facilitates
compliance with new chemical reporting laws7 in states like California, Washington, and Maine as well as chemical
restrictions in new markets.
REACH is chemical regulation that ensures EU manufacturers and importers control chemical hazards in their
products. EU regularly updates its list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
o SVHC are chemicals categorized by scientific and governmental authorities as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic
to reproduction (CMRs). Also included are other persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic substances (PBTs) as
well as substances of equivalent concern.
o SVHCs are regulated at a concentration ≥0.1% by weight of the entire product. A much stricter standard of
limiting the SVHC concentration to ≥0.1% by component weight is expected to eventually become the standard.
o Consumers and governments may inquire about presence of SVHC in products above 0.1% and must be
answered accurately within 45 days.
o If a product contains an SVHC >0.1%, importers/manufacturers must calculate and report annually the total
aggregated amount of the SVHC above 1 ton in all their products in the EU market.
o All SVHC are slated to be eventually banned from use in the EU unless authorized for a specific use by a specific
company that petitions for and justifies the SVHC’s use. SVHC will gradually be restricted to strict limits in
imported articles over time.
Gap Inc. RSL sets limits for hazardous chemicals in finished products components, based on a combination of
legislative requirements, industry best practice, and scientific evidence.
For any product offered in Europe, Gap Inc. prohibits presence of SVHCs above 0.1% by weight of the product.
Most current RSL and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) are available on GapSource Library on Gap Web.
Gap Inc.’s RSL applies to all Gap, Banana Republic, Outlet, Old Navy, and Athleta styles. Intermix styles will be
phased in at a later date.
3.2.1 TESTING
The regular Testing Program limits testing of Azo amines to the following high-risk fabrics and materials: hand dyed
cotton, silk, wool, animal hair and leather. However, RSL testing looks for prohibited amines in all materials.
3.3.1.1 Testing
The Restricted Substances List Testing Program, where styles are selectively sampled for testing, screens for BPA in
all materials of children’s products. (See Restricted Substances List (RSL) – EU REACH in Section 2).
3.4 Cadmium9
Across all markets, Gap Inc. bans cadmium from use except where a product cannot function without it, such as in
certain electronic components not in the scope of apparel and apparel accessories.
Cadmium limit of 0.01% by weight (100 ppm) in non-jewelry is verified through testing of EU and EU franchise non-
jewelry orders. The scope of testing is limited to manufactured materials such as metal, plastic, and coatings.
Although mandatory testing is not required in other markets, cadmium is still banned.
Jewelry for all ages: Cadmium restrictions and testing are required for jewelry. All regulatory and chemical
requirements for jewelry are consolidated in Section 4 below but Table 3 here summarizes the cadmium limits.
3.6.1 TESTING
Leather substrates of all baby products as well as kids’ footwear and accessories are routinely tested for CrVI in the
regular Testing Program. Leather substrates in adult handbags intended for the EU market are also routinely tested
for CrVI. The RSL Testing Program, where styles are selectively sampled for testing, tests all leather substrates of
components in baby, child and adult products for CrVI (See Gap Inc. RSL Testing Program in Section 2).
3.9 Formaldehyde
Gap Inc. restricts formaldehyde in textiles (including leather), textile trim (including linings, ribs, cuffs, non-woven
interlinings, labels, etc.), and accessories with skin contact such as footwear and textile/leather jewelry components.
Please note: Japan law requires any textile accessory sized for Baby to meet the strict limit for Baby, whether or not
it has direct skin contact.
Table 4 – Formaldehyde Limits
Formaldehyde Limits: Apparel and Apparel Accessories
Product Type / Test Method Baby (0-36 months) Children and Adults
Apparel, Apparel Accessories, Af < 0.05 75.0 (parts per million)
Jewelry and Home Textiles Japan Market: Results between 0.03 and 0.05 require
JIS Method 1041 GIS PI to verify that units tested by color meet S2
sampling plan for each color’s quantity on Japan PO.
Footwear:
Leather 30 ppm 150 ppm
ISO TS 17226
Textile 20 ppm 75 ppm
ISO 14184-1
Outerwear Af < 0.05 Children Adults
(Coats, jackets for wear over Japan Market: Results between 0.03 and 0.05 require 75 ppm 300 ppm
other garments) GIS PI to verify that units tested by color meet S2
JIS Method 1041 sampling plan for each color’s quantity on Japan PO.
3.9.1 TESTING
Textiles are tested following Japanese Test Method (J.I.S. 1041, Law 112). Footwear and related accessories are
tested to EU ISO methods noted in Table 4.
3.10.1 TESTING
All accessible components of baby products and children’s jewelry are subject to testing following BS EN 71-3 (mod).
For leather and suede substrates, which typically are chromium-tanned, the chromium value is reference only.
However, presence of chromium triggers additional testing for chromium VI, which must be non-detectable
(see Section 3.6 above).
3.12 Lead
Gap Inc. and the laws in many markets impose severe limits on lead in children’s products. Increasingly, lead is
restricted in products for adults as well, including by Gap Inc.
3.12.1.3 Certifications
Children’s products: Under US law, Children’s products require testing and certification. (See “Certification of
Compliance” in Section 1.6 above.)
3.12.2.5 Illinois
Illinois law14 requires special lead warning labels for certain children’s products with components exceeding 40 ppm
lead. The following products with accessible components whose lead test results exceed 40 ppm must not be
distributed in Illinois. Lead warnings are not an option.
o Paint/surface coatings on children’s toys
o Children’s Jewelry
3.12.4 CANADA
Canada lead limits for most apparel and apparel accessories are covered by Gap Inc. lead limits in the tables above.
However, any apparel or apparel accessory with a component that qualifies as one of the following must comply
with the more stringent lead limit of 90 mg/kg in the Canada market:
o Toys and articles for learning for children under 3 years, e.g. crayons.
Gap Inc. Safety Requirements
Apparel And Apparel-Type Accessories Page 18 of 63
o Products intended to be brought to mouth for any age, e.g., musical instruments.
3.13.3 EVALUATION
A Gap Inc. approved lab must review chemical formulation of filling. Documentary assessment is usually sufficient to
pass the product. If questions arise, lab may require testing under the GP 8003 protocol (Liquid Based Solutions).
Vendors submit product sample along with fill formulation detailed on special form provided by lab.
Lab notifies vendor and Gap Inc. if it determines testing is necessary.
3.14 Mercury
3.14.1 ALL PRODUCTS
Intentionally added mercury is prohibited in all components, including surface coatings. Mercury occurs in nature
and can be an unavoidable contaminant; hence only trace amounts less than 1 ppm (0.0001% by weight) are
permitted.
3.14.2 BATTERIES
Mercury is prohibited above trace amounts (less than 1 ppm) in all button cell batteries (removable or non-
removable). Even though mercury had a functional purpose in button cells, it has now been banned in our markets.
Suppliers must provide documentation of mercury content in products with button cell batteries.
Mercury-compliant button cell batteries are available from multiple foreign and domestic sources, including New
Leader, an approved supplier in China.
Note: Alkaline (cylinder) batteries generally are not manufactured with mercury.
3.15 Nickel
Nickel is a potential skin sensitizer. For all markets, Gap Inc. restricts nickel migration (leaching) in jewelry and
apparel trims in direct and prolonged contact with skin. Nickel migration is restricted by law18 in the EU for items in
direct and prolonged contact with skin.
3.16.1 TESTING
The RSL Testing Program, where styles are selectively sampled for testing, restricts and tests for 18 PAHs, including
PAHs in Table 11. (See Restricted Substances List (RSL) – EU REACH in Section 2 and List on GapSource Library.)
3.17 Phthalates
Phthalates are substances that perform “plasticizing” functions such as softening and dispersion in certain plastic
substrates and surface coatings.
4 Jewelry
4.1 Jewelry Definition22
Anklet, arm cuff, bracelet, brooch, chain, crown (tiara), cuff link, tie clip, hair accessory, earring, necklace, pin, ring,
and any bead, chain, link, pendant, or other component of such ornament.
Any charm, bead, chain, link, pendant or other attachment to shoes or clothing that can be removed and used as a
component of jewelry.
Watch in which a timepiece is a component of an ornament, excluding the timepiece itself if the timepiece can be
removed from the ornament
Key Rings
“Body piercing jewelry” for immediate use in new piercing of a body part or mucous membrane23. This type of
jewelry, not currently sold by Gap Inc. has additional material restrictions.
Jewelry components in craft kits where the final assembled jewelry product is principally designed and intended as
an ornament worn by a person.
4.3.3 LEAD
Adult jewelry metallic components have different lead limits compared to other accessories, following California
law and legal settlements25. Non-metallic component limits are the same for all adult products.
Kids and baby jewelry lead limits follow CPSIA requirements applicable to all children’s products.
Important note on EU: Effective October, 2013 in-store, all jewelry components for EU-EU Franchise orders were
required to meet 0.05% (500ppm) for all ages26.
o Established Gap Inc. requirements for non-metallic components of adult jewelry and all components of kids’
jewelry already comply with the requirement.
o For adult metallic components, testing to the new lead limit was implemented in July, 2013, to ensure
compliance.
4.3.4 NICKEL
Nickel migration is restricted by law27 in the EU in jewelry items.
Nickel content in posts and assemblies for pierced earrings or other jewelry intended to penetrate a body is
restricted to a migration limit of 0.11 micrograms/cm2/week. (Assembly components hold the piercing post or wire
in place, e.g., back, butterfly). Other jewelry (non-penetrating) is restricted to the migration limit of ≤0.28
micrograms/cm2/week.
Testing: EU orders (including franchise) of Jewelry and specified apparel trims with direct and prolonged skin
contact are required to be tested, following BS EU methods for wear (BS EN 12472) and release(BS EN 1811).
6 Flammability
Gap Inc. imposes flammability restrictions on textile apparel and accessories, with certain exceptions. Special
requirements apply to children’s sleepwear. Please refer to Gap Inc. Flammability Safety Requirements in the
Softlines Manual on GapSource Library.
8.1 EU Restrictions
Prohibited products include apparel with three-dimensional appliqués, embroideries, charms, or other trim that
looks like food. Gap Inc.’s policy is to not offer in the EU any product that represents a food, if any of the following
apply:
o Product or trim replicates the food’s 3-dimensional shape and form, even if not true to size or color.
o It could be detached or has detachable parts if mouthed.
o It could be mistaken by a child for a sweet or candy.
Examples: Socks with a round protruding cherry appliqué on the ankle are not permitted, but a tee shirt with a
printed cherry design is allowed.
Given the broad scope of the laws in the EU, any accessory or apparel with trim whose shape mimics a food, even if
not completely realistic, should be avoided. These restrictions are effective for product destined for the EU market.
Please note, although outside the scope of this chapter, toys representing fruit that have met the safety
requirements for all ages of the European Toy Safety Standard (EN 71) are not prohibited.
Figure 1 – Small Parts Choking Tube (1.25 in. diameter x 2.25 in. interior depth & 1.0 in. interior depth)
10 Graspable Components
10.1 Attachment Strength (Tension, Torque and Drop)
Small parts and/or graspable components, functional and decorative, are subjected to attachment strength tests.
The component is expected to withstand a tension force of 17 lbs., applied evenly within a period of 5 seconds and
maintained for an additional 10 seconds. In addition, the component should withstand torque forces of no less than
4 in. lb., applied evenly within a period of 5 seconds in a clockwise direction, as well as a counter-clockwise
direction. The torque requirements for certain zippers vary depending on size – see test protocols for details.
An attachment strength failure is defined as a complete or partial detachment and/or tearing or rupturing of the
base to which the component was attached. A risk assessment performed by an approved test lab or by Product
Integrity is necessary to determine whether the attachment strength failure constitutes a potential hazard, such as
a small part or sharp edge/point, to the expected user.
A drop test may also be required in lab tests to certain trims and products that are made from rigid materials, with
potential to break into small or sharp pieces (for example rhinestones, toggle buttons, jewelry or sunglasses).
13 Fragile Trims
Trims that cannot be appropriately measured for attachment strength through conventional test equipment due to
size or delicacy are considered fragile trim.
Examples include but are not limited to beads, studs sequins and rhinestones.
Fragile trims that are accessible or graspable are prohibited on garments and accessories designed for children aged
3 and under (up to sizes XXS and/or 3T).
If a style encompasses both baby and toddler sizes, fragile trim is prohibited for that style.
Age Restriction Not permitted for baby and toddler apparel sizes 0 to 24 Not permitted for babies less than 12 months.
months. Permitted on toddler apparel sized 12 months and over
Permitted on toddler apparel sized 2T and over, provided that provided that design, manufacturing and test
design, manufacturing and test requirements are met requirements are met
Design & Maximum diameter permitted is 3mm. Must be machine attached, lockstitch sewn & secured.
Manufacturing Must be machine attached, lockstitch sewn & secured. Must have a minimum attachment of 2 points (edge to
Requirements Individual sequins minimum attachment at 4 points center, center to edge).
4 passes x 2 required = 8 passes total 2 passes x 2 required = 4 passes total
Must be attached using polyester core with polyester outer Must be attached using polyester core with polyester
wrap or continuous filament trilobal polyester thread, outer wrap or continuous filament trilobal polyester
minimum Tex 30 thread, minimum Tex 30
Thread must meet test specifications as listed in Table 25 Thread must meet test specifications as listed in
Sequins must be round, flat, with smooth edges and have a Table 25
center hole. Sequins must be round, flat, with smooth edges and
Sequins must not have sharp, rough edges or burrs by visual have a center hole.
assessment. Sequins must not have sharp, rough edges or burrs by
Interlining reinforcement is required behind embellishment visual assessment.
to ensure secure attachment. Interlining reinforcement is required behind
Hand attachment, monofilament thread attachment and glue embellishment to ensure secure attachment.
attachment are not permitted. Hand attachment, monofilament thread attachment and
glue attachments are not permitted.
Age Not permitted for baby & toddler apparel sized 0 - 36 months Not permitted for baby & toddler apparel sized 0 -
Restrictions Permitted on toddler apparel sized 3T and over, provided that design, 36 months
manufacturing and test requirements are met. Permitted on toddler apparel sized 3T and over,
provided that design, manufacturing and test
requirements are met.
13.7 Glitter
13.7.1 CHILDREN AGE 3 AND UNDER
Loose glitter is prohibited. Glitter must be completely contained in gel/print or sealed in a way so that individual
glitter flakes cannot detach.
Alternative trims such as direct embroidery, screen-printing or permanently sewing/tacking the embellishment to
the base of the fabric, if possible, are encouraged.
13.8.1.1 Development
All styles using Heat Transfers must be developed and sampled with a GIS office and undergo development testing.
Thirty (30) repeated home laundering cycles or five (5) dry clean cycles (according to care label instruction) required.
An alternative test method should be used where laundering is inappropriate such as on footwear or backpacks.
Consult Product Safety or Product Integrity manager for details.
13.8.1.2 Production
Enhanced Production testing is required to ensure durability for the life of the garment. Twenty (20) repeated home
laundering cycles or one (1) dry clean cycle (according to care label instruction) required. An alternative test
method should be used where laundering is inappropriate.
o Any part (including the edge) of the heat transfer lifting or detaching during testing will be considered a failure
and will not be allowed for baby product.
14 Labels
This section outlines safety requirements for various types of labels (adhesive, pressure-sensitive, heat transfers, and
tear away labels) attached to children’s apparel and apparel accessories.
Figure 6 – Grommet/Eyelet
17 Zippers
17.1 Safety Requirements
Metal, coil and plastic zippers may be used on kids & baby apparel and apparel accessories. Aluminum zippers are
not allowed. Additional design and testing requirements may apply for zippers used on baby products (Refer to
Section 17.2 for details)
PSR test requirements for zippers are outlined in the following documents on GapSource Library:
o GP 100 - Apparel & Apparel Accessories PSR Protocol
o GP110 - Trim Component PSR Protocol
o Zipper Specification #4000 in the Performance Protocols & Specifications also contains additional zipper strength
specifications that impact safety.
No exposed sharp points or edges are allowed on kids & baby zippers in accordance with ASTM F963/16 CFR 1500.
All kids & baby zippers in all retail markets must be Kensin. Kensin trims contain metal components that can pass
through needle detectors without setting off alarms. Refer to the Gap Inc. Needle & Foreign Metal Contamination
(FMC) Policy under the Quality Assurance link on GapSource Library for more information.
Decorative Pulls Decorative pulls come in a large variety of Decorative pulls are only permitted on zipper sizes 5 and
shapes, sizes and materials including but above and must be sourced from YKK.
not limited to: plastic, rubber, PVC, metal Increased testing is required to ensure sufficient
or other rigid or semi-rigid materials. attachment strength and guard against choking hazards
They may have an increased degree of (See Section 17.2.2).
interest/”play value” for young children
due to shape, and/or movement of pull.
Figure 8: Pompoms
Table 31 – Pompom Requirements by Age
Age Pompom Requirements
Not permitted on free ends of ties, cords, drawstrings, etc.
Not permitted on hoods or on back of garments.
No glue or metal brads are permitted in construction or attachment.
All Ages Fleece pompoms are permitted for all age. They should be constructed of one piece of fabric folded in half so that
the individual cut ends are exposed.
Fabric-filled pompoms are permitted for all ages. They should be constructed from one piece of fabric and stuffed
with polyfill to create desired effect.
Loops must not exceed 3 inches in circumference.
Traditional yarn and thread pompoms are not permitted for children 36 months and under.
Pompom should measure 2 inches or greater in diameter to ensure a compliance.
Baby 0 – 36 Individual yarn strands are required to measure less than 12 inches.
months For apparel, apparel accessories and home textiles, minimum attachment strength is specified at 17 lb., for 10 secs,
for both whole unit and individual strands.
For toys, min attachment strength is specified at 21 lbs., for 10 secs, for both whole unit & individual strands.
19.1 Scope: Gap Inc. Jewelry Standards Apply to All Jewelry as Defined by Gap
Inc.
Refer to Section 4 for Gap Inc. Jewelry Definition.
19.9 Watches
All Markets except EU: Watches for all ages fall within the scope of jewelry and therefore additional testing, age
labeling, and safety warning requirements apply. Refer to Table 16 for age labeling requirements.
EU Market: Watches for all ages are not allowed in the EU market due to WEEE restrictions. Refer to Section 5 for
more details.
19.11 Headbands
Headbands fall within the scope of jewelry and therefore additional testing, age labeling and safety warnings
requirements apply. Refer to Table 16 for age labeling requirements.
Baby and Toddler (0-5T):
o Decorative features that have the potential to become small parts (beads, rhinestones, crystals, studs, heat
transfers, etc.) are not permitted.
o All textile attachments must be machine-sewn. Hand sewing of attachments is not permitted.
o Glue is not permitted for use in textile attachments.
Kids (4 Years & Older):
o Glue is allowed as a secondary means of reinforcing textile attachments for added strength.
20.1.2 BAGS FOR TODDLERS AND INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 24 MONTHS OF AGE
Bags with straps or handles that present a potential loop hazard are prohibited.
20.3.1 SUSPENDERS FOR TODDLERS AND INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 24 MONTHS OF AGE
Sales or marketing of suspenders to children younger than 24 months of age is specifically prohibited as a matter of
Gap Inc. policy.
20.4.1 VISORS FOR TODDLERS AND INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 24 MONTHS OF AGE
The manufacturing of any visor for use by children less than 24 months is prohibited as a matter of Gap Inc. policy
20.5.1 SCARVES FOR TODDLERS AND INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 24 MONTHS OF AGE
o Sales or marketing of scarves to children younger than 24 months of age is specifically prohibited as a matter of
Gap Inc. policy.
Acceptable: Toe closure Unacceptable: Toe closure Unacceptable: Untrimmed Unacceptable: Toe finish with
threads trimmed to max threads not trimmed to max sewing thread in footed loops (no loops allowed).
length of ½ inch. length of ½ inch. apparel.
24 Laceration
24.1 Sharp Points and Edges
Sharp points and edges, whether functional or not, are never permitted for products intended for infants and
toddlers under 4 years of age, under any circumstance.
Accessible sharp points or edges, as defined by 16 CFR 1500.48 (points) and 1500.49 (edges), are not permitted on
any apparel or accessory product for children, with the exception of products having a sharp edge or point that is
essential to the function of the product.
o For example: An earring with a thin, rigid post necessary for insertion into earlobes would be permitted.
However, for most apparel, accessories and footwear, an exposed sharp edge or point is not necessary to the
function, and is prohibited in the as is condition and as a result of use and abuse testing.
Plastic
Triangular Outerwear Only
Coil
Plastic
All apparel
Gusset Coil
(where feasible)
Metal
Plastic
One Flap All apparel Coil
Metal
Plastic
Kissing Two-Flap All apparel Coil
Metal
Figure 15: Front zipper acceptable construction for Infant one-piece garments
25 Footwear
25.1 Footwear Safety for All Age Groups
Gap Inc. requires footwear for all age groups to meet certain safety and durability standards to ensure the safety of
its customers. Footwear failing to meet these standards may constitute a critical hazard, and be considered unfit for
sale. Refer to PSR footwear protocol GP2102 for specific details regarding these tests.
o Slip Resistance
o Bond Durability
o Strap Attachment (including special strap tests for flip flops)
o Heel Attachment
o Heel Impact
Restrictions or prohibitions apply to outsoles with textile surfaces, depending on shoe type and location of textile
application. Such styles should be reviewed with a Product Safety or GIS Product Integrity manager to determine if
a restriction applies.
Note: Footed Sleepwear and Socks, while not within the scope of “Footwear” are required to meet slip-resistance
requirements for sizes 12 months and over.
26 Sunglasses
26.1 Requirements (All Age Groups)
Laboratory testing of sunglasses is restricted to specific approved labs capable and certified to execute highly
specialized and regulated testing of sunglasses. Please consult Product Integrity to obtain information regarding
qualified lab contacts.
Labeling requirements, which vary significantly across markets, are detailed in the Footwear and Accessories
Manual under Product Guidelines and Testing on GapSource Library.
29 Promotional Items
29.1 Product Safety and Regulatory Requirements
Promotional products intended for distribution to customers are required to meet the same safety and regulatory
requirements as merchandise intended for sale.
Promotional concepts must be reviewed and approved by Product Safety & Regulations (PSR), prior to the
promotional event.
Use of the term “promotional item” includes the following types of customer-facing items:
o Bonus item
o Gift with purchase (GWP)
o Gift or prize in association with a promotional event
o Store giveaway
To learn about the policy, please see the latest version of Technical Bulletin 76 series – Product Safety and Regulatory
Requirements for Promotional Items for full details.
Both laws amended sections of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 USC §§2051-2089)
2 US Federal Register -16 CFR 1107 Testing and Labeling Pertaining to Product Certification Final Rule (link)
3 US Federal Register-16 CFR 1109 Conditions and Requirements for Relying on Component Part Testing or Certification, or Another
Party’s Finished Product Testing or Certification, to Meet Testing and Certification Requirements Final Rule (link)
Page 8
4 16 CFR 1109.4(g) Definition of Due Care: Due care means the degree of care that a prudent and competent person engaged in the
same line of business or endeavor would exercise under similar circumstances. Due care does not permit willful ignorance.
5 16 CFR 1107.20-26, Subpart C- Certification of Children’s Products
Page 10
6 Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)
7 Washington State’s Children’s Safe Products Act (CSPA), chapter 70.240 RCW, Rules in WAC 173-334-110 forward; California’s Safer
Consumer Product Alternatives, Statutes of 2008, Chapter 559, AB 1879 Health & Safety Code §25252 and Chapter 560, SB 509,
Health & Safety Code §25251; Maine’s An Act to Protect Children’s Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Toys and
Children’s Products, Laws of 2007, Chapter 643, (2008), 38 Maine Rev. Stat. Ann. §1691
Page 12
8 REACH, Annex XVII, entry 43, (EC) No. 1907/2006
Page 13
9 Restricted widely but in different applications by market, e.g., EU REACH, Annex XVII, point 23, (EC) No. 1907/2006; RoHS
2002/95/EC; various US States restrict Cd in children’s Jewelry, and under CA Prop 65 settlements, cadmium is also restricted in
adult jewelry.
Page 15
10 ASTM F963 Standard Consumer Product Specifications for Toy Safety is a mandatory US Consumer Safety Standard
Page 17
11Requirements in 16 CFR 1500.90 were modified under H.R. 2715 in 2011. This amendment provides for a functional purpose
exception to the children’s lead limits. But the conditions imposed severely restrict the use of this exception.
12 See 16 CFR 1500.88
13 Children’s Products Containing Lead; Determinations Regarding Lead Content; see 16 CFR 1500.91.
14 Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (410 ILCS 45/6(a)), specifically prohibits sale of painted toys, child care articles, and
children’s jewelry with total lead content above 40 ppm unless the product bears this warning statement: “WARNING: CONTAINS
LEAD. MAY BE HARMFUL IF EATEN OR CHEWED. MAY GENERATE DUST CONTAINING LEAD”
Page 19
15 Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA): A product that is not intended for children, but that creates a risk of substantial injury
or illness because it contains hazardous chemicals, requires precautionary labeling under the Act [15 U.S.C. 1261(p)]. CPSC Guidance
on hazardous liquids in children’s products is found in 16 CFR 1500.231. See also ASTM F2923-11 “Standard Specification for
Consumer Product Safety for Children’s Jewelry,” section 11.
16 Cleanliness is determined by methods in USP 24<61> Microbial Limits Tests or the most current edition of the U.S. Pharmacopeia.
These requirements are applied to liquid filled toys. See ASTM F963-11, section 8.4.1.
17 Coliform: Fecal Coliform (Escherichia); other common types: Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Hafnia, Kliebsella, Serratia
18 See REACH, Annex XVII entry 27, Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
Page 20
19 EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 1272/2013
Page 21
20 For example, California Toxic Toys Act 2007 (Assembly Bill 1108); EU REACH Regulation Annex XVII, entry 51, 52
21 Notice of Proposed Rule Making, Federal Register Vol. 29, No. 249, December 30, 2014: 16 CFR 1307, Prohibition of Children’s
Page 22
24 Center for Environmental Health v. Aeropostale et al, Case No. RG 10-514803 (September 2011)
25 CA Health & Safety Code § 25214.1-.2; County of Alameda Case No.RG-04-162075
26
Commission Regulation (EU) No 836/2012, amending Annex XVII to Regulation No 1907/2006 as regards lead
Page 23
27 See REACH, Annex XVII entry 27, Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
Page 25
28 California Jewelry Law, CA Health & Safety Code §25214.3.1
Page 26
29 Directive 2012/19/EC – WEEE of 13 August 2013 (repealed former 2002/96/EC of 27 January 2003). See Frequently Asked
Questions http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/faq.pdf
Gap Inc. Safety Requirements
Apparel And Apparel-Type Accessories Page 62 of 63
30 Directive 2002/95/EC – RoHS of 27 January 2003; RoHS Recast Directive 2011/65/EU, effective January 2, 2013
31 Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators Directive (Directive 2006/66/EC of 6 September 2006) as
amended by Directive 2013/56/EC
32 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, found in California Health and Safety Code Section 25249.5 and in