Can You Help? What do I need to do for CPSIA?

[HomeCraftedGifts]

I must admit that I get confused every time I read about CPSIA. I understand that this law is going to affect us at the beginning of next year. What do I need to do?
I read that textiles are considered okay.
What about Velcro? What about Polyfil? Is that considered a textile.
I make handmade dolls and want to be able to sell them.
Do I have to make labels saying that my products are safe?
Help please!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!!

[UniquelyEwe]

Hi,
yes, I admit it's confusing. There are many, many post in the forums regarding CPSIA. Just enter it in the search bar and take your pick. You'll probably find more than you ever wanted to know. :-)

[Former_Member]

It is a lot to get through, but there are some great posts. The post called 'Everything you wanted to know about CPSIA' is a great place to start. There are required labels for all goods made for children under 12. This went into effect Aug. 14. Certain materials are exempt from testing, and the links in that 'everything' thread will help you find what you need. Good luck!

[knitwit4ever]

And don't forget that textiles already have labelling rules, prior to and separate from the CPSIA. Here's a link to those rules from the FTC: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/textile/bus21.shtm

[Former_Member]

@HomeCraftedGifts
the "Everything you wanted to know about CPSIA" thread is here - http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6235864

Tag and label sources here on etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6229106&page=2

[HomeCraftedGifts]

Thank you everyone!!!!!!!!

[HomeCraftedGifts]

Wow! this is a lot to digest! I'm sure I will have more questions, but now I need to sort this all out.

[HomeCraftedGifts]

Thank you again to all who responded!!

[Former_Member]

The simple version is that anything for children 12 and under must be labeled, clothing or product. ALL clothing of anykind any size, must be labeled.

Label must contain store name, city, state, country, fiber content, laundry instructions, Date of manufacture DOM, and item # in case of recall.

It has been said the fine for not labeling correctly is $11,000. I'd rather be safe than sorry, so my labels have all that on it.

Labels must be fabric,printed, not iron on printing, and sewn into the item. If it is a garment, there are specific places it must be sewn.

I make my own labels, 1/5 x 3" with my computer and cotton fabric or twill ribbon. Easy peasy, el cheapo.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the 'simple version' Susan!
Benzie

[Former_Member]

Here's some reading to get you started on understanding the CPSIA. There is alot more to it than just labeling compliancy. You may want to consult a legal professional to help you understand how it applies specifically to your products.
The main CPSC website
http://www.cpsc.gov/

The CPSIA main website
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

CPSIA guidance for small businesses/crafters includes Table : B exempt from lead testing raw material list
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.pdf

Tracking labels
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/sect103policy.pdf

CPSIA's FAQ page
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/sect103.html#103q8

The CPSC's age determination guideline http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/adg.pdf

A timeline from the CPSIA http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/rulemaking.pdf

Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Total Lead (Pb) in
Children’s Metal Products (Including Children’s Metal Jewelry) found at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/CPSC-CH-E1001-08.pdf

Even non-metal components must be tested using destructive digestive testing read more here http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/CPSC-CH-E1002-08.pdf

Small Parts Regulations Summary http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/regsumsmallparts.pdf

=========================================================
susanleeglam, I've noticed in several posts from you that you state that the non-compliancy fine is $11,000 USD, is that just on the labeling portion of the CPSIA law or the FTC care labeling?
If you read the original law as passed by congress and the house of representatives the fines for non-compliancy of the CPSIA tesing start at $100,000 per item batch and can go upto 1/2 a million depending on what failure of following the law that the product had, not to mention any civil lawsuits.

[Former_Member]

*marking* for later :)

[Former_Member]

susanleeglam said:
...
Labels must be fabric,printed, not iron on printing, and sewn into the item. If it is a garment, there are specific places it must be sewn.
...

I make my own labels, 1/5 x 3" with my computer and cotton fabric or twill ribbon. Easy peasy, el cheapo.
__________


Hi hi Susan,

Just an FYI. The labels need to be "permanent". Iron on transfers can be used if they fuse to the fabric and are permanent, but not if they just "adhere" (i.e. could be peeled off). I've done testing and my transfers last through washes, don't peel off and direct printing (ink jet and laser) does not last through washes. Thought I'd just clarify. ;)

Glad to see you taking your own initiative and making your labels. I agree with you that it's best to be safe than sorry!

Amy

[Former_Member]

thank you susanleeglam!

[Former_Member]

susanleeglam - I missed where it said that the labels can't be iron-on printing. Do you have a link to those regulations by chance so I can re-read them?

How do you print your own labels? I make my own, but they are iron on printing, so if that's a no go, then I need another way.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I was looking at the labels on some of my own clothing. They were "professionally printed" name brand manufacturer. Guess what? The labels are no longer readable. How many of you go to buy new bras and look at the labels in your old bras and can't read the style and size on the label? There is no permanant labeling.

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

@turtletaylor
I've been through the CPSIA documents and can't find where Iron on transfers can't be used. But you should be sure the transfer is CPSIA compliant.


@FayeMaloneDesigns
How true! ;D We'll just have to do the best we can!