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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link
CPSIA lead limits, in plain English
The two limits and their exceptions
- Substrate (base material): 100 ppm total lead maximum. Small, limited exceptions exist, such as certain alloys that cannot technically achieve the limit.
- Paint and surface coatings: 90 ppm maximum, and the substrate-under-coating limits still apply.
- Age matters less than access: the limits apply to accessible parts of children’s products generally, not just items for toddlers.
How sellers get lead testing done
Labs test each distinct material in the product: the wood, each paint color, the metal clasp, the fabric. That is why multi-material products cost more to test, and why supplier material declarations matter: fewer distinct materials means a cheaper report. The results feed the CPC, which cites CPSIA Section 101 and 16 CFR Part 1303 alongside the other applicable rules.
Questions people ask
Does the lead limit apply to vintage items?
Resellers of used children’s products have some relief, but products that exceed lead limits cannot be sold at all regardless of age, and certain items with excessive lead are banned outright. Check CPSC reseller guidance before listing vintage children’s items.
What ppm is dangerous?
There is no known safe level of lead exposure for children, which is why the limits are strict. Treat 100 ppm substrate and 90 ppm paint as hard ceilings for new children’s products.
Which certificate cites the lead limits?
The CPC: your certificate lists CPSIA Section 101 and 16 CFR Part 1303 among the rules the product meets, backed by the lab report. Generate yours free with the tool on this page.