Is DTG Ink Safe for Children? OEKO-TEX and CPSIA
When ordering printed shirts for children, baby gifts, or products bound for the US market, asking whether the ink is safe is a fair question — and it deserves an answer backed by a real certification, not just a claim.
What is OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT
OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT is a certification for chemicals and inks used in textiles, confirming a product does not contain substances restricted under the OEKO-TEX standard. The Innobella ink used for Startee’s DTG orders on a Brother GTX is certified to OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT.
What is CPSIA and why it matters for US sales
CPSIA (the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) is a US consumer product safety law that applies to children’s products imported into the US market. Startee’s products for the US-facing Print on Demand service comply with CPSIA — see Print on Demand — US Market.
Why DTG is often chosen for garments worn close to skin
DTG uses water-based ink that soaks directly into cotton fibers instead of coating the surface with a thick layer of plastic like some other printing methods — this is why DTG is often chosen for children’s wear or garments worn close to skin, provided the ink itself carries a safety certification such as OEKO-TEX. See how it works at DTG Printing (Direct to Garment).
How to check if a printer’s ink is certified
- Ask the printer which ink they use and whether it holds an OEKO-TEX certification or equivalent.
- For US-bound goods, ask specifically whether the product complies with CPSIA.
- The certification belongs to the ink/chemical, not the whole workshop — ask for the exact certification name and ink brand.