NISTIR 8116

A Guide to United States

Footwear 

Compliance 

Requirements
A Guide to United States

Footwear Compliance Requirements

Lisa M. Benson

Karen Reczek

This publication is available free of charge from: 

http://dx.doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8116 

NISTIR 8116 
A Guide to United States

Footwear Compliance Requirements

Lisa M. Benson*

Karen Reczek

Standards Coordination Office

* Dakota Consulting

This publication is available free of charge from: 

http://dx.doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8116 

March 2012 

Revised June 2016 

NISTIR 8116 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Penny Pritzker, Secretary 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Willie May, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director 
Acknowledgements

The lead author for this document is Lisa M. Benson, Dakota Consulting, under contract to the 

Standards Coordination Office of NIST. Additional guidance, initial research, and review of the 

document were provided by the staff of the Standards Coordination Office of NIST including: 

Mary Donaldson and Karen Reczek. Invaluable support was also received from the 

knowledgeable experts at the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Trade 

Commission who provided input into the document and also conducted a thorough review.

Consumer Product Safety Commission reviewers were Patty Edwards and Arlene Flecha Castro. 

Federal Trade Commission reviewers were Steve Ecklund and Robert Frisby.

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Table of Contents

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE ..................................................................................................................... 1

SCOPE................................................................................................................................................ 1

OVERVIEW OF U.S. FEDERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ........................................................................... 1

FEDERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (MANDATORY)....................................... 2

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ........................................................................... 2

Consumer Product Safety Act.................................................................................................. 2

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)................................................. 2

Children’s Footwear Only ........................................................................................................ 2

Tracking Labels for Children’s Footwear ................................................................................. 3

Certificates and Mandatory Third-Party Testing..................................................................... 3

Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).............................................................................. 3

Sharp Points and Edges on Children’s Products...................................................................... 4

Flammability of Clothing.......................................................................................................... 4

Pending Regulations of Note................................................................................................... 5

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)........................................................................................ 5

Marking Of Imported Articles and Containers ........................................................................ 5

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)..................................................................................... 5

Toxic Substance Control Act (TCSA) ........................................................................................ 6

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ................................................................................................ 6

Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) ................................................................................ 6

Leather and Imitation Leather Guide ...................................................................................... 7

Fur Products Labeling Act........................................................................................................ 7

Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010 ............................................................................................ 7

The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 ................................................................................ 8

Tariff Act of 1930, Prohibition on Importation of Dog and Cat Fur Products......................... 8

Environmental Claims.............................................................................................................. 9

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)............................................................ 9

Occupational Safety and Health Act Of 1970 (OSH Act) ......................................................... 9

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)..................................................................... 10

Organic Fibers: Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) ............................................ 10

OVERVIEW OF U.S. STATE REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS ........................................................................... 11

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STATE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (MANDATORY)........................................ 11

Packaging and Labeling ............................................................................................................. 11

UPLR....................................................................................................................................... 11

Toxics in Packaging Legislation.............................................................................................. 12

State of California...................................................................................................................... 12

Lead and Other Toxic Substances.......................................................................................... 12

Safer Consumer Products Regulations.................................................................................. 12

Made in the USA.................................................................................................................... 13

State of Illinois........................................................................................................................... 13

Lead........................................................................................................................................ 13

State of Minnesota.................................................................................................................... 14

Formaldehyde in Children’s Products ................................................................................... 14

State of Washington.................................................................................................................. 14

Lead, Cadmium, and Phthalates in Children’s Products........................................................ 14

Multiple States.......................................................................................................................... 14

Flame Retardant Regulations................................................................................................ 14

Chemicals of Concern ............................................................................................................ 14

Felt Sole Waders and Boots................................................................................................... 15

OVERVIEW OF THE U.S. VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK ................................................................ 15

STANDARDS DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONS (SDOS) ................................................................................ 15

ASTM International ................................................................................................................... 15

TESTING AND CERTIFICATION BODIES .................................................................................................... 16

Testing ....................................................................................................................................... 16

Certification............................................................................................................................... 16

RELEVANT U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES .............................................................................................. 17

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)............................................................................... 17

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).................................................................. 17

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).......................................................... 17

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)................................................................................... 17

Federal Trade Commission........................................................................................................ 18

U.S. Department of Agriculture ................................................................................................ 18

U.S. FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA..................................................................................... 18

Trade Associations .................................................................................................................... 18

Footwear Market Data.............................................................................................................. 19

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A Guide to United States

Footwear Compliance Requirements

SCOPE

This guide addresses general purpose footwear (made of leather, fur, and man-made materials)

and protective footwear (for use in the workplace). 

OVERVIEW OF U.S. FEDERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Once a law has been enacted by Congress, the appropriate federal agency (e.g., the Consumer 

Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Highway Traffic and 

Safety Administration, et al.) may create the regulations to implement the law. Before such 

regulations can be adopted, the appropriate federal agency ordinarily will issue a notice of 

proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to solicit public comments on the proposed rules. . To provide 

opportunity for public comment, the appropriate federal agency must issue draft regulations or 

“Proposed Rules” that are published in the Federal Register and as a WTO TBT notification. The 

agency reviews the comments and can then issue a “Final Rule” that also is published in the 

Federal Register, and later, published annually in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Together, the enabling acts/laws [published in the United States Code (USC) once passed] and 

the final regulations (published in the Code of Federal Regulations) provide a framework for the 

implementation and enforcement of most federal laws in the United States.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

 Regulations are mandatory

 Standards are voluntary (unless “Incorporated by Reference” in a regulation)

 Guidelines may be voluntary (but are often de facto industry standards)

 “Red” text highlights mandatory requirements 

 “Blue” text indicates a hyperlink to a website, page or document on the web

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FEDERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (MANDATORY)

Several U.S. federal agencies administer regulations associated with footwear.

Agency Scope

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Children’s footwear; hazardous substances

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Country of origin for most imported products

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Labeling

Occupational Health and Safety 

Administration (OSHA)

Protective footwear

United States Department of Agriculture 

(USDA)

Organic claims

Note: Textile fiber identification and labeling are not required for footwear, unlike for apparel.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Consumer Product Safety Act

Title 15, United States Code, Chapter 47, Sections 2051-2089

The Consumer Product Safety Act, entered into law on October 27, 1972, was enacted to 

establish the Consumer Product Safety Commission and define its authority with the purpose of 

protecting the public against unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products;

assisting consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products, developing 

uniform safety standards for consumer products; and promoting research and investigation into 

the causes and prevention of product-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)

Public Law 110–314, August 14, 2008

On August 14, 2008, President Obama signed into law Public Law 110-314 (Consumer Product 

Safety Improvement Act of 2008). On August 12, 2011, he signed into law amendments to the 

Act, Public Law 112–28, August 12, 2011. The Act provided CPSC with significant new regulatory 

and enforcement tools as part of amending and enhancing several CPSC statutes, including the 

Consumer Product Safety Act.

Children’s Footwear Only

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) enacted in 2008 regulates specific 

substances in children’s products including children’s footwear. The CPSIA sets limits for lead 

content and phthalates in children’s products. A children’s product is defined as a consumer 

product designed or intended primarily for children age 12 years or younger. 

With respect to children’s footwear, Section 101(a) of the CPSIA restricts children’s products, 

including children’s footwear, and components of children’s footwear, to a lead content limit 

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of 100 parts per million (ppm.) In addition, the use of paint or similar surface coating on 

children’s shoes must not exceed 90 ppm. The CPSC recently revised 16 CFR 1500.91(d)(7) to 

clarify that the Commission has determined that textiles that have treatments and applications 

consisting entirely of dyes do not exceed the lead content limits and are not subject to the third 

party testing requirements for children's products, so long as those materials have not been 

treated or adulterated with materials that could add lead.

Tracking Labels for Children’s Footwear

Tracking labels are required for all products that are designed and intended primarily for 

children ages 12 and younger, including children’s footwear. The tracking label must be 

affixed to the product (to the extent practical) and packaging, visible, legible, and provide 

certain basic identifying information, including:

 Manufacturer or private labeler name;

 Location and date of production of the product;

 Detailed information on the manufacturing process, such as a batch or run number, or 

other identifying characteristics; and

 Any other information to facilitate ascertaining the specific source of the product.

For more detailed information, see CPSC’s:

Tracking Label Requirements for Children’s Products

Certificates and Mandatory Third-Party Testing

Section 102 of the CPSIA requires every manufacturer or importer of all consumer products 

that are subject to a consumer product safety rule enforced by the CPSC to issue a general 

certificate of conformity based on testing the product and stating that the product complies 

with the applicable standard, regulation, or ban. The certificate must accompany the product

and be furnished to the retailer or distributor. Section 102 also requires the manufacturers or 

importers of children’s products (products designed and intended primarily for children age 

12 years or younger) to certify that the products comply with all relevant product safety 

standards by issuing a children’s product certificate supported by tests performed by a CPSCaccepted third-party testing laboratory that has been accredited. CPSC also has regulations 

pertaining to certificates; they can be found at 16 CFR 1110.

For more detailed information, see CPSC’s:

Testing and Certification and

FAQs - Certification and Third-Party Testing 

Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA)

Title 15, United States Code, Chapter 30, Sections 1261-1278

16 CFR 1500, Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) Regulations

FHSA regulations set forth requirements for hazardous household substances in products. The 

FHSA requires household substances that meet the definition of hazardous (as defined in the 

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Act) to bear cautionary labeling to warn the consumer of the hazard(s) associated with the 

use of the product, that would enable the consumer to safely use and store the product, first 

aid instructions where applicable, and the statement “keep out of the reach of children.”

Whether a product must be labeled depends on its formulation and the likelihood that 

consumers will be exposed to any hazards it presents in reasonable and foreseeable customary 

use, which includes ingestion by children. The FHSA also defines as banned hazardous 

substances those products that are intended for use by children that present an electrical, 

mechanical, or thermal hazard, with some exceptions. The Act also allows the Consumer 

Product Safety Commission to ban through rulemaking certain products that are so dangerous 

or the nature of the hazard is such that the cautionary labeling requirements are not adequate 

to protect consumers. 

Sharp Points and Edges on Children’s Products

16 CFR 1500.48 “Technical requirements for determining a sharp point in toys and other articles 

intended for use by children under 8 years of age” sets forth the test method for determining if a 

sharp point, exposed in normal use or through reasonably foreseeable damage or abuse, on toys 

and other articles intended for use by children under 8 years of age presents a potential risk of 

injury by puncture or laceration under section 2(s) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. 

Likewise 16 CFR 1500.49 “Technical requirements for determining a sharp metal or glass edge 

in toys and other articles intended for use by children under 8 years of age” provides the sharp 

edge test method used to make a determination if metal or glass edges, exposed in normal use 

or as a result of reasonably foreseeable damage or abuse, on toys and other articles intended 

for use by children under 8 years of age present a potential risk of injury by laceration or 

avulsion under section 2(s) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Children’s footwear 

technically does not fall under the scope; however, children’s footwear that contains sharp 

points and edges may be considered a hazardous product and CPSC has and will request a 

voluntary product recall by the manufacturer or issue a mandatory recall.

For more detailed information, see CPSC’s: Regulatory Summary for Requirements 

under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act: Labeling and Banning Requirements for 

Chemicals and Other Hazardous Substances

Flammability of Clothing

16 CFR 1610 – Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles provides methods of testing 

the flammability of clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing by classifying fabrics 

into 3 classes of flammability based on their speed of burning. This minimum standard specifies 

that textiles used in apparel must meet class 1 or 2 flammability requirements. Class 3 

textiles, the most dangerously flammable fabrics, are unsuitable for use in clothing because of 

their rapid and intense burning. Footwear is exempt from the requirements of 16 CFR 1610, 

provided that it does not consist of hosiery in whole or part and is not affixed to or does not 

form an integral part of another garment.

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For more detailed information, see CPSC’s:

Regulatory Summary for Flammable Fabrics Act and

Laboratory Test Manual for 16 CFR Part 1610: Standard for the Flammability of Clothing 

Textiles

Pending Regulations of Note

The CPSC has recently published in the Federal Register Notices of Proposed Rulemaking

(NPRM). Each notice provides specifics as to the amendments under consideration and makes a 

request for comments. See:

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Prohibition of Children's Toys and Child Care Articles Containing 

Specified Phthalates (December 30, 2014)

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Certificates of Compliance (May 13, 2013)

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Marking Of Imported Articles and Containers

Title 19, United States Code, Chapter 4, Section 1304

All products imported into the U.S. must conform to 19 CFR 134, Country of Origin Marking

regulations. These regulations require that every article of foreign origin (or its container) 

imported into the U.S. be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly, and permanently 

as the nature of the article (or its container) will permit, in such a manner as to indicate to an 

ultimate purchaser in the U.S., the English name of the country of origin of the article at the 

time of importation.

For more detailed information, see CBP’s:

Terminology and Methods for Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Antimicrobial Materials: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 

Title 7, United States Code, Chapter 6, Section 136

This Act provides for federal regulation of the distribution, sale, and use of pesticides to protect 

human health and the environment. Products that kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered 

pesticides, and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. The EPA will not 

register a pesticide until it has been tested to show that it will not pose an unreasonable risk 

when used according to the directions. This includes pesticides used on textiles to provide 

antimicrobial or other pesticidal characteristics. 

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FIFRA does not allow companies to make public health pesticidal claims for any product distributed 

or sold unless the product has been approved and registered by EPA or is covered by an exemption 

from registration. The EPA will take action against companies that make such claims. 

For more detailed information, see EPA’s

Summary of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA),

Consumer Products Treated with Pesticides,

Pesticide Registration Notice By Year,

Pesticide Registration, and

Pesticide Product Labels

Toxic Substance Control Act (TCSA)

The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (15 USC 2601-2692) provides EPA with authority to 

require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to 

chemical substances and/or mixtures. Certain substances are generally excluded from TSCA, 

including, among others, food, drugs, cosmetics and pesticides.

EPA has promulgated a significant new use rule (SNUR) for the use of hexabromocyclododecane 

and 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) as flame retardants in consumer textiles 

(other than for use in motor vehicles). The rule, effective November 23, 2015, will add a section 

to 40 CFR 721 to require persons who intend to manufacture (including import) or process 

these chemicals for the above stated use to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that 

activity. The required notification will provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the 

intended use and, if appropriate, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs. 

EPA is proposing to designate polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are used as flame 

retardants, and benzidine dyes, which are used to dye textiles, as SNURs.

For more detailed information, see EPA’s

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD),

PBDE Action Plan, and

Benzidine Dyes Action Plan

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act)

15 United States Code, Chapter 2, Subchapter I, Sections 41-58

The FTC Act broadly prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.

The commission will find deception if, either by the inclusion or exclusion of information, it is 

likely to: 

Mislead consumers acting reasonably under the circumstances, or 

Affect the consumer’s choice or conduct, thereby leading to injury.

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The FTC Act allowed the FTC to enact several regulations intended to prohibit unfair or 

deceptive acts or practices.

Leather and Imitation Leather Guide

16 CFR 24, Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products

These guides apply to the manufacture, sale, distribution, marketing, or advertising of all 

kinds or types of leather or simulated-leather, including footwear. 

Fur Products Labeling Act

Title 15, United States Code, Chapter 2, Subchapter IV, Section 69

16 CFR 301, Rules and Regulations under the Fur Products Labeling Act (FPLA)

Any product that is manufactured, imported, or sold that contains fur must comply with the 

labeling requirements under the Fur Products Labeling Act (FPLA). Fur products – made 

either entirely or partly with fur — must have a label disclosing

 whether the fur is natural or pointed, bleached, or dyed;

 the name of the animal;

 if the fur product is composed of more than 10 percent surface area of pieces;

 the country of origin of imported fur products, including the country of origin for 

imported furs made into fur products in the U.S.;

 any other information that is required or permitted;

 the name or Registered Number (RN) of the manufacturer or dealer;

 if the fur is used or damaged.

The above required information also must appear on invoices and in advertising for the fur 

products.

Domestic fur products may be labeled to show origin, but the law does not require it. 

Domestic furs also may be labeled to show the particular state or part of the country in which 

they originated. 

Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010

Public Law 111–313

In December 2010, Congress passed Public Law 111–313, Truth in Fur Labeling Act. As of 

March 18, 2011, the Commission’s exemption to the Fur Products Labeling Act for fur 

products with a component value of $150 or less was no longer in effect.

Shoes and footwear are exempt from the other FTC labeling requirements for textile 

identification. All footwear containing wool must comply with the Wool Products Labeling Act.

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For more detailed information, see FTC’s:

How to Comply with the Fur Products Labeling Act and 

Clothing and Textiles – Legal Resources

The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939

Title 15, United States Code, Chapter 2, Subchapter III, Section 68

16 CFR 300 Rules and Regulations under the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939

The importation, manufacture, sale , offer for sale, transportation for sale, distribution, or 

advertising of any wool product which is misbranded or falsely or deceptively advertised is 

unlawful and is considered an unfair method of competition and an unfair and deceptive act 

or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Wool Products 

Labeling Act requires marketers to attach a label to each wool product disclosing: 

 the percentages by weight of the wool, recycled wool, and other fibers accounting for 

5% or more of the product, and the aggregate of all other fibers;

 the maximum percentage of the total weight of the wool product of any non-fibrous 

matter; 

 the name under which the manufacturer or other responsible company does business 

or, in lieu thereof, the registered identification number (‘‘RN number’’) of such 

company; and 

 the name of the country where the wool product was processed or manufactured.

A 2014 amendment to the Wool Rules allows certain hang-tags stating a fiber generic name,

trademark, or fiber characteristics that do not disclose the product's full fiber content; 

however, if the wool product contains any other fiber, the hang-tag must disclose clearly and 

conspicuously that it does not provide the product's full fiber content (e.g., “This tag does not 

disclose the product’s full fiber content” or “See label for the product’s full fiber content”)

The Wool Act also contains advertising and record-keeping provisions. 

For more detailed information, see FTC’s:

Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts

The Cachet of Cashmere: Complying with the Wool Products Labeling Act

Tariff Act of 1930, Prohibition on Importation of Dog and Cat Fur Products

Title 19, United States Code, Chapter 4, Section 1308

19 USC 1308 prohibits the import, export, distribution, transportation, manufacture, or sale in 

the U.S. of products containing dog or cat fur. As of November 9, 2000, the Dog and Cat 

Protection Act of 2000 calls for the seizure and forfeiture of each item containing dog or cat fur. 

The Act amended the Fur Products labeling Act to exclude dog and cat fur products from those 

items the Commission is authorized to exempt from the labeling and other requirements of the 

Fur Act and implementing regulations.

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Environmental Claims

16 CFR 260, Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims

These guides apply to environmental claims included in labeling, advertising, promotional 

materials and all other forms of marketing, whether asserted directly or by implication, 

through words, symbols, emblems, logos, depictions, product brand names, or through any 

other means, including marketing through digital or electronic means, such as the Internet or 

electronic mail. The guides apply to any claim about the environmental attributes of a 

product, package, or service in connection with the sale, offering for sale, or marketing of 

such product, package or service for personal, family or household use, or for commercial, 

institutional, or industrial use.

In 2012, an update by the FTC modified the existing guide sections on general environmental 

benefit, compostable, degradable, ozone, recyclable, and recycled content claims. It also added 

new sections on carbon offsets, certifications and seals of approval, free-of claims, non-toxic 

claims, made with renewable energy claims, and made with renewable materials claims.

For more detailed information, see FTC’s:

Environmental Claims: Summary of the Green Guides

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Occupational Safety and Health Act Of 1970 (OSH Act)

United States Code Title 29, Chapter 15

The OSH Act was established to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for every working 

man and woman in the nation and to preserve human resources. Among many other 

provisions, the act provides for the development and promulgation of occupational safety and 

health standards.

Protective Footwear Only

OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to 

hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing 

these exposures to acceptable levels. Employers are required to determine if PPE should be 

used to protect their workers.

PPE is addressed in specific standards for general industry, shipyard employment, marine 

terminals, and longshoremen. The standards for “general industry” in 29 CFR 1910 applicable to 

protective footwear are:

 29 CFR 1910.132, General requirements (personal protective equipment)

 29 CFR 1910.136, Occupational foot protection

 Appendix A, References for further information (non-mandatory) 

 Appendix B, Non-mandatory compliance guidelines for hazard assessment and personal 

protective equipment selection

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OSHA requires that protective footwear comply with one or more of the following standards:

ASTM F-2412-2005 Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection, which is incorporated by 

reference in 29 CFR 1910.6 for 29 CFR 1910.136

ASTM F-2413-2005 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective 

Footwear, which is incorporated by reference in in 29 CFR 1910.6 for 29 CFR 

1910.136(b)(1)(i)

ANSI Z41-1999 American National Standard for Personal Protection -- Protective 

Footwear, which is incorporated by reference in 29 CFR 1910.6 for 29 CFR 

1910.136(b)(1)(ii) [Note: Was withdrawn by ANSI in 2005.]

ANSI Z41-1991 American National Standard for Personal Protection -- Protective 

Footwear, which is incorporated by reference in 29 CFR 1910.6 for 29 CFR 

1910.136(b)(1)(iii) [Note: Withdrawn by ANSI in 2005.]

Note: ASTM standards F2412-2005 Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection and F2413-2005

Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection replaced ANSI Z41,

which was withdrawn in 2005. In 2011, the ASTM standards were revised to ASTM F2413-11 

and ASTM F22412-11.

For more detailed information, see OSHA’s:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Industry Guidance

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Organic Fibers: Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA)

Title 7, United States Code, Chapter 94, Organic Certification, Sections 6501-6523

The USDA regulates the term organic as it applies to agricultural products through the National 

Organic Program (NOP) Regulation, 7 CFR Part 205. Raw natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, 

and flax are agricultural products and are covered under the NOP crop and livestock production 

standards. Any textile product produced in full compliance with the NOP regulations, including 

being certified by an approved third party, may be labeled as NOP certified organic and display 

the USDA organic seal. Products produced in accordance with the Global Organic Textile 

Standard (GOTS) may be sold as organic in the U.S. but may not refer to NOP certification or 

display the USDA organic seal. 

For more detailed information, see USDA’s

Policy Memorandum - Labeling of Textiles That Contain Organic Ingredients and

National Organic Program Handbook

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OVERVIEW OF U.S. STATE REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

A growing number of areas are covered by both state and federal statutes, including consumer 

protection, employment, and food and drug regulation. (State laws give way to stricter federal 

laws that address the same issue.) When a state’s Governor signs the bill, it becomes a state 

law. Once a law has been enacted by a state, it is the responsibility of the appropriate state 

agency to create the regulations necessary to implement the law.

STATE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (MANDATORY)

In the U.S., some state laws and regulations are enacted that are more stringent than the 

federal laws. These laws include regulations for products, labeling, packaging, chemical 

restrictions, etc. California and New York are heavily regulated for many consumer products.

Agency/Organization Scope

State Authorities Responsible for Weights 

and Measures

Labeling

Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) Packaging

California Office of Environmental Health 

Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

Toxic chemicals 

California Department of Consumer Affairs Made in the USA claims

Illinois Department of Public Health Lead labeling

Minnesota Department of Commerce Formaldehyde in children’s products

Washington Department of Ecology Lead, cadmium, phthalates in children’s products

Several States Flame retardants, chemicals of concern, felt soles

Packaging and Labeling

UPLR

The Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations (UPLR) contained in Uniform Laws and 

Regulations in the areas of Legal Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality, NIST Handbook 130, have 

been adopted into law in 45 of the 50 U.S. states. The purpose of these regulations is to provide 

accurate and adequate information as to the identity and quantity of contents of packages so 

that purchasers can make price and quantity comparisons. 

UPLR requires that consumer packaging bear a label specifying the identity of the commodity; 

the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and the net 

quantity of contents in terms of weight or mass measure, or numerical count in a uniform 

location upon the principal display panel.
Page | 12

Toxics in Packaging Legislation

This model legislation was originally drafted by the Source Reduction Council of the Coalition of 

Northeastern Governors (CONEG) in 1989. It was developed in an effort to reduce the amount 

of heavy metals in packaging and packaging components that are sold or distributed 

throughout the United States. The law is designed to phase out the use and presence of 

mercury, lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium in packaging. The legislation has been 

successfully adopted by nineteen states.

For more detailed information, see Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse white paper:

Toxics in Packaging Fact Sheet

State of California

Lead and Other Toxic Substances

California regulates lead and numerous other substances and chemicals, in both adult and 

children's products through their Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, more 

popularly known as Proposition 65 or Prop 65 (California Health and Safety Code. Section 

25249.6, et seq.). There have been several settlements relative to chemicals such as lead, and 

DEHP (phthalates) in footwear. These settlements provide guidelines for suggested limits. Prop 

65’s List of Hazardous Substances is maintained and updated as new chemicals are identified. 

The following warning language is required on products sold in California if they contain 

chemicals on the Proposition 65 list and the amount of exposure caused by the product is not 

within defined safety limits.

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer 

and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

For more detailed California official information on Proposition 65, see: 

Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Proposition 65 in Plain 

Language

Also see Prop 65 News

Safer Consumer Products Regulations

The Safer Consumer Product Regulations applies to all consumer products placed in the stream 

of commerce in California. It requires manufacturers or other responsible entities to seek safer 

alternatives to harmful chemical ingredients in widely used products. The regulations require 

the Department of Toxic Substances to adopt regulations that will establish a process for 

identifying and prioritizing chemicals in consumer products and to establish a process for 

evaluating chemicals of concern in consumer products and their potential alternatives. 

For more detailed information, see

What are the Safer Consumer Products Regulations?
Page | 13

Made in the USA

A recent law relaxed California’s strict “Made in USA” Law. Under the revised law “Made in the 

USA”, “Made in America”, “U.S.A.” or similar labels are allowed even if a product has some 

foreign components. The labeling is permitted if any foreign component or part does not 

constitute more than 5% of the final wholesale value of the product or any foreign component 

or part does not constitute more than 10% of the final wholesale value of the product AND the 

manufacturer can show that those components cannot be obtained or produced domestically.

State of Illinois

Lead

Public Act 097-0612, The Lead Poisoning Prevention Act

The Act makes it illegal to sell, have, offer for sale, or transfer children’s products that contain a 

total lead content in any component part of the item that is more than 0.004% (40 parts per 

million) but less than 0.06% (600 parts per million) by total weight (or a lower federal or State 

standard for lead content if applicable) unless that item bears a warning statement that 

indicates that at least one component part of the item contains lead. The warning statement 

must contain at least the following: 

"WARNING: CONTAINS LEAD. MAY BE HARMFUL IF EATEN OR CHEWED. COMPLIES WITH 

FEDERAL STANDARDS."

The Act also makes it illegal to sell, or give away any lead-bearing substance that may be used 

by the general public, unless it bears a warning statement as prescribed below, or as 

prescribed by any other federal regulation. The statement shall be located in a prominent 

place on the item or package (16 CFR 1500.121). 

If no regulation is prescribed, the warning statement shall be as follows when the lead-bearing 

substance is a lead-based paint or surface coating:

“WARNING-CONTAINS LEAD. MAY BE HARMFUL IF EATEN OR CHEWED. See Other Cautions on 

(Side or Back) Panel. Do not apply on toys, or other children’s articles, furniture, or interior or 

exterior exposed surfaces of any residential building or facility that may be occupied or used by 

children. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.” 

If no federal regulation is prescribed, the warning statement shall be as follows when the leadbearing substance contains lead-based paint or a form of lead other than lead-based paint:

“WARNING: CONTAINS LEAD. MAY BE HARMFUL IF EATEN OR CHEWED. MAY GENERATE DUST 

CONTAINING LEAD. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.” 

The warning statements do not apply to any product for which federal law governs warning in a 

manner that preempts state authority.
Page | 14

State of Minnesota

Formaldehyde in Children’s Products

Minnesota bans the sale of certain products intended for children aged 8 and under that

contain intentionally added formaldehyde or ingredients that degrade into formaldehyde.

Children’s product is defined as a product primarily designed or intended by a manufacturer to 

be physically applied to or introduced into a child's body, including any article used as a 

component of such a product, excluding a food, beverage, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical 

product or biologic, children's toys (covered under ASTM F963), or a medical device.

State of Washington 

Lead, Cadmium, and Phthalates in Children’s Products

Washington’s Children’s Safe Products Act restricts the sale of children’s products containing 

more than 0.009 percent by weight of lead; more than 0.004 percent by weight of cadmium, or 

0.10 percent by weight of phthalates, individually or in combination. 

The limits and scope of this law is more stringent than the current federal requirements. 

Products included under this Act include children’s cosmetics; jewelry; toys; car seats; and 

childcare articles, including clothing and footwear.

See Washington Department of Ecology’s:

Children’s Safe Products Act Webpage

Multiple States

Flame Retardant Regulations

Several U.S. states have legislation banning the use of flame retardants, such as PentaBDE, 

OctaBDE, DecaBDE, TCEP, and chlorinated tris, in products. The states include: Hawaii, Illinois, 

Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and 

Washington. Legislation has been proposed in the following states: Alaska, California, 

Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, and 

Washington.

Chemicals of Concern

Several states, including Oregon, Washington, Vermont, and Maine, require manufacturers 

selling children’s products that contain a chemical that is included on the state’s chemicals of 

concern list to provide notice to the state prior to sale in that state. In some cases, the 

manufacturer must remove or make a substitution for the chemical.
Page | 15

Felt Sole Waders and Boots

Several States, including Alaska, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, 

and Vermont, have banned felt soles on waders and boots to prevent the spread of invasive 

species in their waterways.

OVERVIEW OF THE U.S. VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK

The U.S. system of standards development is driven by the private sector. The majority of U.S. 

standards are voluntary and developed through consensus methods that reflect the needs of 

producers and manufacturers, users and consumers, and the government. The American 

National Standards Institute (ANSI) (a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization) 

coordinates much of the private sector activities of the voluntary standards development 

community in the U.S. There are hundreds of voluntary standards developing organizations in 

the United States responsible for standardization in many different industries and business 

sectors. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a part of the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, is the national metrology laboratory for the United States. NIST 

provides the technical measurement infrastructure to support global trade and the commercial 

measurement system. NIST, through its Standards Coordination Office, advises on and 

coordinates federal participation in standards setting.

STANDARDS DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONS (SDOS)

ASTM International is the main standards developer that develops and maintains consensus 

standards and test methods pertaining to protective footwear. A number of the ASTM 

standards are Incorporated By Reference in the CFR (as cited above under OSHA), and are 

mandatory.

ASTM International

100 Barr Harbor Drive

P.O. Box C700

West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 USA

Telephone: + 1.610.832.9500

Staff Directory

The ASTM Committee responsible for footwear is Committee F13 on Pedestrian/Walkway 

Safety and Footwear.
Page | 16

ASTM voluntary footwear standards include, but are not limited to:

F2232 Standard Test Method for Determining the Longitudinal Load Required to 

Detach High Heels from Footwear

F2412 Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection

F2413 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) 

Toe Cap Footwear

F2892 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Soft Toe Protective 

Footwear (Non-Safety / Non-Protective Toe)

For more detailed information, see SATRA Technology’s: Footwear Testing

TESTING AND CERTIFICATION BODIES

Testing 

Only OSHA protective footwear is required to be tested (to the standards cited above under 

OSHA). Numerous laboratories test footwear; some may be accredited. A listing of accredited 

testing laboratories for footwear can be found at A2LA Directory of Accredited Organizations.

Listing of more testing laboratories for footwear can be found at ASTM International Directory 

of Testing Laboratories. (Search on the keyword “footwear” or for a specific ASTM, CPSC 

standard, etc.). Testing of footwear to the appropriate U.S. standard can be conducted by any 

testing laboratory, including laboratories outside the United States.

Certification

Section 102 of the CPSIA requires every manufacturer or importer of all consumer products 

that are subject to a consumer product safety rule enforced by the CPSC to issue a certificate 

stating that the product complies with the applicable standard, regulation, or ban. The 

certificate must accompany the product and be furnished to the retailer or distributor. Section 

102 also requires the manufacturers or importers of children’s products (age 12 years or 

younger) to certify that the products comply with all relevant product safety standards by 

issuing a children’s product certificate supported by tests performed by a CPSC-accepted thirdparty testing laboratory. 
Page | 17

RELEVANT U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20229 USA

Telephone: +1.703.526.4200 and (toll-free) +1.877.227.5511

Email Online Form

For more detailed information, see CBP’s:

What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Footwear

and USITC’s:

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States – Chapter 64 on Footwear

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

4330 East West Highway

Bethesda, MD 20814 USA

Telephone: +1.301.504.7923

Email Online Form

CPSC Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs +1.301.504.7071

CPSC Office of Compliance and Field Operations

CPSC Deputy Director 

+1.301.504.7915

+1.301.504.7520

CPSC Office of Import Surveillance +1.301.504.7677

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Directorate of Standards and Guidance

200 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20210 USA

Office of Physical Hazards 

Telephone: +1.202.693.2092

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Imports Program

2000 Traverwood Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA

Telephone: +1.734.214.4100

Fax: +1.734.214.4676

List of Contacts
Page | 18

Federal Trade Commission

600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20580 USA

Telephone: +1.202.326.2222

List of Contacts

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250 USA

Telephone: +1.202.720.2791

U.S. FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

Trade Associations

American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) 

1601 North Kent Street, 12th Floor

Arlington, VA 22209 USA

Telephone: +1.703.524.1864 and +1.703.522.6741

AAFA is the national trade association in the U.S. that represents apparel, footwear, and other 

sewn products companies and their suppliers.

The AAFA publishes in several languages a Restricted Substances List (RSL) that provides 

information related to regulations and laws that restrict or ban certain chemicals and 

substances in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products around the world.

Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA)

1319 F St NW # 700

Washington, DC 20004

(202) 737-5660

Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) represents retailers, distributors, 

manufacturers, suppliers and international trade associations involved in the footwear industry.

It also serves the full supply chain of the footwear industry from research, design and 

development, to manufacturing and distribution, to retailers selling to global consumers.
Page | 19

Footwear Market Data

Latest Free Edition: 2008 AAFA Shoe Statistics

Current and older editions available online from AAFA on its Industry Statistics page; see 

“Statistics.”

Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA)

International Trade Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

Trade Data: U.S. Imports and Exports of Textiles and Apparel

Footwear, Leather and Fur Products, and Travel Goods Index
Page | 20

The NIST Standards Information Center makes every effort to provide accurate and 

complete information. Various data such as names, telephone numbers, links to 

websites, etc. may change prior to updating. We welcome suggestions on how to 

improve this Guide and correct errors. The Standards Information Center provides this 

information “AS-IS." NIST and the Standards Information Center make NO WARRANTY 

OF ANY TYPE, including NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A 

PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NIST makes no warranties or representations as to the 

correctness, accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the Information Fact Sheets. As a 

condition of using the Guides, you explicitly release NIST/Standards Information 

Center from any and all liabilities for any damage of any type that may result from 

errors or omissions in the Guide or other data. Some of the documents referenced point 

to information created and maintained by other organizations. The Standards 

Information Center does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or 

accuracy of these materials.

February 2012/Revised June 2016 

Prepared by the Standards Information Center 

Standards Coordination Office (SCO) 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 

standardsinfo@nist.gov

http://www.nist.gov/ncsci