Product Safety, Prop 65 & Ethical Compliance

Last Updated: January, 2026

1. Our Commitment to Safety & Transparency

At Custom Patches San Diego, we recognize that the patches we manufacture end up on school uniforms, tactical gear, and corporate apparel. We are not just a supplier; we are a California-based manufacturing partner. This means we are held to, and strictly adhere to: some of the most rigorous product safety and environmental standards in the world.

We are committed to ensuring that every product leaving our facility is safe for use, ethically produced, and compliant with state and federal regulations.

2. California Proposition 65 Compliance

As a business operating in the State of California, we strictly adhere to the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65.

What is Prop 65?

Prop 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Our PVC & Rubber Products (Phthalate-Free)

The custom patch industry historically used PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) containing phthalates (plasticizers) to keep the rubber soft. Phthalates are on the Prop 65 list.

Custom Patches San Diego utilizes Phthalate-Free PVC formulations.

We have engineered our soft rubber patches to remain flexible and durable without relying on the toxic plasticizers banned by Prop 65. Because we prioritize these safer materials, our PVC products generally do not require a Prop 65 Warning label.

However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure full compliance across our entire supply chain:

  • Testing: We regularly audit our raw material suppliers to ensure compliance with California standards.
  • Labels: If a specific custom order requires a specialty material or finish that falls under Prop 65 mandates, we will apply the appropriate “WARNING” label to the packaging as required by law.

3. CPSIA Compliance (Children’s Product Safety)

We proudly manufacture patches for Elementary Schools, Little Leagues, and Youth Organizations across San Diego County. We understand that products intended for children under 12 years of age are subject to stricter federal safety rules under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Lead Content:

Our embroidered, woven, and PVC patches are manufactured to comply with the CPSIA limit of under 100 ppm (parts per million) for lead content in accessible substrates.

Phthalates in Children’s Toys/Items:

Our PVC patches intended for childcare articles or toys comply with the CPSIA permanent ban on DEHP, DBP, and BBP phthalates.

If you are ordering patches specifically for a youth market (e.g., K-6 School Uniforms), please notify your Account Manager so we can ensure the appropriate General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is noted for your order.

4. Sustainable Manufacturing (Eco-Initiatives)

We believe that high-quality manufacturing shouldn’t cost the earth. We have implemented several sustainability initiatives in our production process:

  • Recycled Polyester Threads: We have transitioned the majority of our standard embroidery production to use high-tensile threads made from Recycled Polyester (rPET). These threads offer the same colorfastness and durability as virgin polyester but divert plastic waste from landfills.
  • Waste Reduction: Our digitization process is optimized to minimize thread waste. In our San Diego facilities, we recycle scrap backing materials and cardboard packaging.
  • Non-Toxic Inks: For our Sublimated (Printed) patches, we use water-based, non-toxic sublimation inks that are free from heavy metals and harsh solvents.

5. California Transparency in Supply Chains Act

In compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (SB 657), we are transparent about our manufacturing footprint.

Custom Patches San Diego operates a Hybrid Manufacturing Model:

  • Local Production: Quick-turnaround orders, prototyping, and specific finishing tasks (like heat-pressing and laser cutting) are handled right here in San Diego, California.
  • Global Facilities: For large-scale bulk production, we partner with ethically audited facilities overseas to keep costs competitive for our clients.

Ethical Labor Standards:

We verify that our supply chain is free from slavery and human trafficking. We require our direct suppliers to certify that materials incorporated into the product comply with the laws regarding slavery and human trafficking of the country or countries in which they are doing business.

  • Audits: We conduct announced and unannounced visits to our partner facilities.
  • Standards: We refuse to work with any facility that employs child labor, forced labor, or fails to provide safe working conditions.

6. Material Safety Data (The “Ingredients”)

For clients in the Biotech and Medical sectors (Sorrento Valley/UTC), we offer full transparency regarding the materials used in your clean-room environments.

  • Embroidery Thread: 100% Polyester or Rayon (Cellulose-based).
  • Backing Materials:
  • Plastic: PVC/Polypropylene blend (Stabilizers).
  • Heat Seal: Polyamide-based hot melt adhesive.
  • Velcro: 100% Nylon Hook & Loop.
  • Woven Labels: 100% Damask Polyester.

7. Product Care & Laundering Safety

While our products are made to be safe, proper care ensures they remain safe and durable throughout their lifecycle.

  • Flammability: Our standard patches are not rated as Flame Resistant (FR) unless specifically requested. Do not use standard polyester patches on FR gear (e.g., Firefighter Turnout Gear) without upgrading to Nomex® thread and backing.
  • Washing: We recommend washing embroidered and woven patches in cold water with mild detergent. High-heat industrial drying may degrade the Iron-On adhesive backing over time.

8. Contact Us Regarding Compliance

If your organization requires specific safety certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, Reach, or MSDS sheets) for your order, please request these before production begins.

Custom Patches San Diego – Compliance Team
Email: [email protected]
Address: San Diego, CA