CPSC request for comments on the tracking label requirements

[Former_Member]

Just wanted to make sure everyone saw this:

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/trackinglabels.pdf

[Superflykidz]

Thanks!

[Former_Member]

So we have to put labels on our products NOW?

[Former_Member]

WOW! I don't know what to say anymore.

[Former_Member]

I haven't quite figured out HOW I'm going to put a label on/in my little Kiddie Kuffs. I did download the PDF and have it saved. Then I went to the site they had on the last page of that document.

http://www.euchinawto.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=258&Itemid=1

Marge in Reno

[Former_Member]

These labels have to be permanent? How can that work on a lot of items?

[Former_Member]

Yes, this is a part of the law that has gotten lost in all of the hubbub about the lead limits & testing. I'm sure this permanent labeling is going to be a huge problem for certain products. Which is why it is important that we submit our comments regarding the tracking labels to the CPSC.

[Former_Member]

Too many parts of this law are really worrisome, especially since the authors stated they wrote it with a broad stroke on purpose.

[Former_Member]

Bibzees, just to clarify, labels are required as of August 14th, 2009.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the post! Going to send email.

[Former_Member]

i don't believe for a moment they wrote it broadly on purpose... hah. i think they were so focused on one problem, they forgot the ramifications of such a law.

testing EVERYTHING ever made for kids.

baffling.

[Former_Member]

Darnit, can't read it! Shows up for me as 6 blank pages! :-(

[Former_Member]

you can email inquiries & comments to trackinglables@cpsc.gov

I just sent my continuing question (asked several times of several CPSC people and no answer yet) on how to put an appropriate label (not hangtag, not sticker<<as law specifies) on a 4 in tall hand crochet plush... or baby socks or hair skrunchies...

Required label sewn on (like mattress labels) would be bigger than item, and would interfere with use of item.
Also not appropriate or possible to PRINT this information directly on the item.

[Former_Member]

Aside from putting labels on tiny items (a huge problem), this just doesn't make sense for a small crafter. The items are all made in my home (it's not like I have several factories working on my clothes) and they are all batches of one. If there ever ends up being a problem with something I make, it'd be simple to say "oh yes, the snap shirt I sent to Minnesota (made up example)." Such overkill.

Has anyone seen how specific the info needs to be? I want to get my tags printed soon. For location, do I need city and state, just state, USA? For date, will the year suffice? If anyone has a link, I'd appreciate it.

[Former_Member]

There's at least one thread about this over at Fashion Incubator. I haven't been over there in a while, crazy busy these days, but I remember the thread.

What some people are doing is to have labels or stickers or tags made up with open spaces for info, and then using a permanent pen (like a fine-point Sharpie) to fill in specific things like dates.

Here's a link for the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on labeling garments and other textile products: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/textile/bus21.shtm

[Candejo]

Here are the current guidelines for labels..

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/cpsia-and-tracking-label-requirements/

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the replies, Generations and Candejo. Off to read...

[NotMyTreeStore]

The guidelines state that labels need to be included on items "to the extent practicable." I think that's a huge thing; I'd hate to call it a loophole, but how "practicable" is it to put a non-removable label on a small crocheted ring for a finger? I think it leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

[krtwood]

moving this on up above the spam and deleted posts...

[Former_Member]

omg this is the first I heard of this.

[Former_Member]

marking