CPSC Public Hearing on Alternative CPSIA Testing for Small Batch Manufacturers

[Former_Member]

Hey Etsy Peeps,

Not sure whether you saw, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is hosting a public hearing on alternative testing requirements for small batch manufacturers, like yourselves, on 10/26 in Bethesda, MD.

You can register to attend the hearing in person or via webcast, but registration ends 10/21: http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/smallbatch.aspx

These requirements may impact you, if you manufacture or sell toys or children's products. They restrict lead and phthalates and require testing by a CPSC-accredited third-party, starting 1/1/12.

FYI! Good luck!!

[Former_Member]

PS Forgot to say: For the latest on CPSIA & other regulations, check out my Tweets: http://www.twitter.com/SBfromTUVSUD

:)

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the heads up.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Here's the links. If you can't attend, you can send a written statement. I STRONGLY suggest that you do this. For most of us, it would be next to impossible to send 5 or 6 samples of a something for destructive testing, when we only make 1-5 of an identical item. If I want to put a zipper in a dress, I will have to send 5 or more for testing, so that I can use one to make an original OOAK dress.

Register for Public Hearing: Alternative Testing Requirements for Small Batch Manufacturers http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/smallbatch.aspx

Federal Register Notice: Alternative Testing Requirements for Small Batch Manufacturers, Notice of Public Hearing, CPSC Docket No. CPSC-2011-0070, October 6, 2011 http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr12/smallbatch.pdf

[Former_Member]

Not sure whether any of you are already members of industry associations, like the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), Fashion Jewelry Trade Association (FJATA), Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA), or Toy Industry Association (TIA), but those groups can really help you understand your compliance obligations.

They also do a great job of advocating on behalf of their members to the CPSC and other government agencies.

One other note: During today's CPSC webcast, they spoke a lot about outreach especially to handmade product makers and sellers and mentioned Etsy specifically. Etsy is definitely on CPSC's radar, so the time to raise your questions and concerns is NOW!

I am a regulatory compliance consultant for a third-party testing laboratory and I primarily work with major retailers and brands; however, I am a longtime Etsy shopper and a big fan, so I am happy to help anytime! Feel free to send me a private message :)

[Former_Member]

Hi there,

I see it's been a while since the last statement on this thread. What was the end result of this hearing? Have any new regulations been made, or old ones rescinded?

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I just saw this thread, Ditto what Villa Sevilla said above.

[TurkandBean]

The most current regulations are outlined in the pinned posts within this team.

https://www.etsy.com/teams/6861/keeping-up-with-cpsia/discuss/12707632/ and can be read on the CPSIA website.

The hearings as mentioned in this post were to help draw up the laws as they are being implemented now.