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]

marking... thanks for the great info!

[Former_Member]

Marking for my sister who wants to open a shop on etsy..

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

I've been trying to keep up with all this and as far as I can tell, the things I make for children...teddy bears and puzzle balls...are exempt because they're made of fabric, thread & stuffing with no other embellishments. But I'm confused about the labeling requirements. Do I have to add tags to these items?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/donnapool?section_id=5749810
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=19692642

[Former_Member]

Marking, thank you!

[TheWrapScrapPony]

donnapool---
Labeling and lead testing are two separate issues. So even though you are exempt from testing because of your materials, you still have to label.

[ItzFitz]

marking.. and confused..

[Former_Member]

marking!

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

thanks for all the information. I'm so confused right now about all this that for the moment i dicided to removed all my items from my shop till i figure this out and dicide if I want to continue doing hair bows.

[Former_Member]

Oh man, this is a tad scary....I just started on esty about 2 months ago....I sell cooties. They are made of yarn which I would think would be fine but then they have those safety back eyes...that is about all there is to them besides the poly fil stuffing and the paper cootie catcher.

Can someone tell me what they think about my product? Could I just say in my listing that these are NOT intended for children under the age of 12? Is that enough?

Thanks for any advice anyone has for me. Great posting!

[TheKnicKnacShack]

Thanks for posting all this great info!

[Former_Member]

Thanks! Great info!

[SewFunDollClothes]

igotcooties says:
Oh man, this is a tad scary....I just started on esty about 2 months ago....I sell cooties. They are made of yarn which I would think would be fine but then they have those safety back eyes...that is about all there is to them besides the poly fil stuffing and the paper cootie catcher.

Can someone tell me what they think about my product? Could I just say in my listing that these are NOT intended for children under the age of 12? Is that enough?

Thanks for any advice anyone has for me. Great posting!
______________________________________

Sorry but just saying your item is not intended for children under 12 is not going to fly with the CPSIA. Your items are so totally adorable, and something I would totally consider buying for my 5 year old granddaughter, I'm thinking you'll need to comply with the law.

Really cute items though!!

[Former_Member]

It's all either confusing or else I'm supposed to put a label in all baby products with content and "made By" infor or I just don't get it. I'm not sure. The article is long and repetitive to the point of boredom so very hard to read.

[Former_Member]

Yes, CindySue240...You have to put a label in all of your items...see the CPSIA website for info. on tracking labels...

[Former_Member]

Thanks - Marking.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the info! I think most of my items are exempt from testing, and I hope to keep it that way! Now on to researching labels....

[Former_Member]

BumWrap:

The problem is that even if the items are not marketed to children they will STILL fall under the CPSIA guidelines for testing IF they look as if they might be for kids. For example: If someone made "dolls" that they only market to adults they would still be considered for children if they COULD be or even LOOK like they could be used by kids...that is what is so frustrating for many.

[Former_Member]

AsYouStitch:

The polka dot ribbon you use will need test results. Only single colored ribbon is exempt. Ribbon that has screen printed designs (polka dots, shapes, hearts, etc.) needs test results. You may use polka dot ribbon that looks like the dots are sewn on (turn the ribbon over), if they are printed on it is not exempt....

[Former_Member]

marking...

[Gardenbonbons]

Thanks for the links. Does anyone know of a good attorney or expert who can address specific questions? I have questions that don't seem to be answered on those links but think it would be fun to do something educational and entertaining for children at some point if I can get direction.

[Former_Member]

PicCircusDesigns: Thanks for bringing up the ribbon, I hadn't caught that one. Still have lots to learn! Thanks for your help

[Former_Member]

Here are a couple of links to documents the CPSIA has just recently released. As far as I can tell, from the second link, the stay of enforcement is EXTENDED until further notice for most products. This is great news for a lot of us! But I'd like to hear your feedback if I am not reading something correctly!


Interim Enforcement Policy on Component Testing and Certification of Children's Products and Other Consumer Products to the August 14, 2009 Lead Limits, December 28, 2009: http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr10/comppol.pdf

Consumer Product Safety Act: Notice of Commission Action on the Stay of Enforcement of Testing and Certification Requirements, December 28, 2009:
http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr10/stay.pdf