EVERYTHING you need to know about the CPSIA

[#1]

Lots of folks are just discovering how the CPSIA affects them. This post is intended to help you find the info you need all in one place.

If you make any product intended for children ages 12 and under, you need to read this thread. In it you will find important links to give you information straight from the source, the CPSC.

First of all, you can go to the CPSC website and add yourself to their email list so that you will get all the updated information directly to your email. This is very helpful, as the CPSC issues new statements and guidelines quite often. You won't have to search for the answers because they come directly to your email!

Here's the CPSC website link to the info on the CPSIA
On the top left corner is a link to subscribe their email list.

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Here's 3 links that should give you all the info current info you need.

CPSIA guidance for small businesses/crafters
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.pdf

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

FAQ
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/sect103.html#103q8


Please read these links before posting questions.
Be informed and happy crafting!

If you have other important links please feel free to add them :)

[LindaLMartinArtist]

@luvmymonkeys from what I could see crochet items don't have to be tested because they are natural fibers or The yarn has been pretested before sold.

[Former_Member]

Hmmm. So confused. What about my bows? Pretested?

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much. big help. I couldn't find info at first. Nice to have them all in one place. :)

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Very confusing for a Canadian. I think I'll just abstain from making childrens items for now and hopefully things will be clearer in the future.

[LollyCrochet]

Question, if I knit baby blankets, Can I sell them or do they have to be mark for children over 12 years old?

I do nor know what to do!

[Former_Member]

marking

[TheWrapScrapPony]

thegirlyplace says:
Hmmm. So confused. What about my bows? Pretested?
---

Your supplies won't need to be tested until feb 2010, they put a one year stay on testing. However, you should be certain that your supplies fall under the lead limits. Do a search and you'll see posts from other bow makers about it. You do need labels however.


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needlepointnmore says:
Question, if I knit baby blankets, Can I sell them or do they have to be mark for children over 12 years old?

I do nor know what to do!

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Baby blankets can't be marked for children 12 and over because as you said they are "baby" blankets intended for use with babies. You don't have to test your supplies because yarn is exempt from testing. You do however need to label your items.

[Former_Member]

So do i as a person who does not make things for children have to be concerned with this ...

[Former_Member]

my blessed baby..you are awesome and thank you!

[Former_Member]

Brilliant websites - thanks!

[Former_Member]

marking!

[AnjeeMaiCreations]

I read all those links word for word and still it is extremely vague. If you ask me this law is intended to make it hard for small crafters (who are now becoming such a large group of people around the world that I believe they are a threat to big business). Certifying your stuff is going to COST you A LOT - probably so much that you won't be able to continue what you are doing now - this law will make you a bad guy - make your joyus craft illegal. I say fight it gandhi style and keep on buy and making handmade stuff for your kids.

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=112553

[TheWrapScrapPony]

claymate...

I am hopeful that come february, when testing is supposed to be required, that the cpsc and congress will allow for component testing or supplier testing. They already have allowed for component testing of pthalates. And with all the exempt materials for lead testing, it seems that they are on their way to making component testing for lead as well.
If they allow for XRF it's really not that bad. I went in with a group of other Etsians for XRF testing and it cost about $40. The labeling requirement is no longer a big deal either.
I really think the CPSC recognizes how the CPSIA is detrimental to small businesses and they are working to give us guidance on how to comply.
I will be able to continue what I am doing now and so will many other crafters. It'll be OK :)

[bobbinalong]

I think it might be worth your time to read this.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09306.html

They are adding new content all the time. As you read it, you will notice some of the vagueness we have all been complaining about. An example, we could get our items labeled and tomorrow they would change the rules.

This law was not ready when it was put into affect. It still isn't in my mind.

[AnjeeMaiCreations]

I sure hope so. $40 sounds fine. I'm just a *little* paranoid. But just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get me. :)

[Former_Member]

marking

[SocialButterflies]

Marking! Thank you for such useful info!

[Former_Member]

Thank you!!

[Former_Member]

I thought they were pushing everything back a year to review the guidelines..or am I just way behind..?

[Former_Member]

esandeskids - the push back was for lead testing, but labeling is effective 8/14. Loads of info in here.

This forum has loads of great info and the ladies are really good at updating the latest info and changes for everyone.

[MamasFeltFood]

To my understanding, I could attach the tag to the handmade bag I send with the product since felt food doesn't really have a place to put the tag on couldn't I? I hate all this legal mumbo jumbo.

[Former_Member]

So where does everyone get their tags made and what do you use to fill in the DOM?

[TheWrapScrapPony]

Prairie, I bought iron on labels from namemaker.com I just right the DOM in with a pen. Works fine so far!
I think there is a thread pertaining to labels though. You might find recommendations for other sellers there as well.

Mamasfelt,
yes you can attach the label to the packaging if it won't fit on the item very well.

[TheArtfulMommy]

I make my own labels and write the DOM on the label with a sharpie. My only concern is the plastic buttons I use. . .if I get a certificate from the manufacturer is that okay until next year when testing is mandatory?