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 :)

[Former_Member]

I found a great fine point fabric marker at JoAnn's and am using it to print (I admittedly am obsessive about my handwriting, so it's legible) my labels. I am just avoiding ordering them until the laws are more clear and more permanent. I am writing all CPSIA and FTC info on a small label and sewing it in. They actually look pretty cute, wash well, and are saving me a bundle until I know exactly what I need. Just an idea.

[Former_Member]

Marking

[Former_Member]

Marking!

[Former_Member]

I had put CPSIA on the back burner for awhile - guess it's time to take a look at it again. Thanks, Myblessedbaby.

[TheWrapScrapPony]

Artful Mommy, yes you are correct!

2sweetthings, thanks for suggestion. I'm not too happy with the fabric marker I have. I check out JoAnns for a fine print one.

[Former_Member]

2Sweetthings - Thank you SO MUCH for the tip about the Sharpie. What do you make the labels out of? Twill tape?

[Former_Member]

Marking. Many thanks for this thread!

[LaPerlaPottery]

I notice people witing "marking". Is that like a bookmark for this post? If so, how do you do that?

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Hi LaPerla...any comment you post here will automatically "mark" it for you...now when you go to forums, at the top of your screen you will see "view topics you've posted in" to see any forum topics you've commented on.

so, you don't have to do anything further...{=) People just use the word "marking" to mark for future reference, w/out commenting on the topic.

hope this helps.

[Former_Member]

marking

[1286Kids]

Thanks for answering that question bizzybcreations!! I always wondered why people did that and never wanted to ask :)

[Former_Member]

So being the OCD rule follower that I am, I get so nervous about all this. Someone posted on another thread that they are NOT allowing component testing, and I was under the impression that they were allowing that, so long as we have verification of the materials in use. Can anyone clarify this in English? I have been working to get results for anything that I might use that isn't exempt... Thanks!

[Former_Member]

In MY understanding, if the law went into effect today, as it is written now, MSDS information and other such information would not be acceptable. Testing of the complete product would be required. BUT, from what have read (again...MY understanding), the commision is "moving in the direction" of component testing. If you gather all of your MSDS info and verification from manufacturers that they have tested NOW, you will be ready and as close to compliance as you can be when/if component testing be approved.

If I'm wrong, someone let me know!

[Former_Member]

2sweetthings, the only answer I could give you is that for right now, during the stay of testing, that the CPSC is allowing us to use GCCs and COCs from the supply manufacturers. Unless you are making items with paint or jewelry or certain baby items the CPSC is not requiring the finished product to goto the accredited labs for testing and the certificates from the manufacturers of are to show "good faith" that we are producing are items within the acceptable levels. Once the stay is lifted in Feb 2010 even if you are using using 99.99% of exempt raw materials in your item by adding even one element that is not exempt that will cause the whole item to be required to tested as a completed product at the labs.
Just as an example - A yarn knitted shawl with a single button to hold it closed at the neck is OK now as long as you have some written proof from the button manufacturer that the lead level is under 300ppm. But come Feb 2010 that same shawl when completed would have to goto to a lab for testing to prove that the whole thing is under the 300ppm for lead, because buttons are not on the exempt material list even though yarn is.

[Former_Member]

SidewalkSensations, the law is in effect as of Feb 10th 2009. There is a stay of testing but as manufurer's of the final product we still must be able to prove that to the best of our knowledge that the items are under the limits.
MDMS sheets are not allowed because they do not prove what the levels are of the of the chemicals and elements are and are simply there so under OSHA if there is an accident that medical personel are aware of how to proceed in their treatment.
Yes the CSPIA commission is entertaining the possiblity of component testing but only in so far as if the completed item is made of mostly exempt materials that the only parts of the items that would need to be removed and dissolved in the digestive testing would be the non-exempt parts rather than the whole item going into an acid bath.

[Former_Member]

Thanks! My understanding was the same... I am trying to make everything using all exempt materials, just to be safe, but I was unclear what was in effect now. I think it's just safer all around at this point to use all exempt and rest easy!

[Former_Member]

I completely cover my clippies with the ribbon - is that considered 'inaccessible' and exempt from testing? thanks!!

[KrissysOTMCrochet]

Marking

[pneumadragonfly]

marking and thank you for posting the info

[Former_Member]

marking... thanks for the info.

[camelotstreasures]

Marking

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

marking, thanks!!

[Former_Member]

marking