For those with certification, how hard was the process

[Former_Member]

I want to apologize in advance if this has already been posted, but I have been searching the forum for the last couple of hours, and not seen this question answered. As some of the posts have explained, as well as the cpsia, I believe that I will need to do third party testing for some of the new products I plan on selling. I will be painting on wood, and using the pieces on children's necklaces.

So, for those of you that have actually gone ahead and tested, how difficult was the process? I have contacted several companies to do the testing, and am waiting for a response.

Was the cost as excessive as everyone is claiming?

Do you need a certificate of compliance for every different item? Or if they all consist of the same components, is one test enough?

Would you mind sharing who did your testing? There are so many to choose from.

I am trying very hard to get all of this, but hopelessly confused! I know many of you are highly versed on this subject, and I want to thank you in advance for any information you can share!

[SparxsDesigns]

I dont sell items that require testing, YET. I will give you a bump up hoping someone will help you.

[Former_Member]

Thanks sparxs! I know I'm not the only one wondering about this, plus I've seen some shops say they are compliant. I just wanted to know how they did it:)

One company has contacted me so far - I'll let you all know how much they quote me for the test.

[wigglysee]

purple, I had a company come out to my house and do xrf testing on all my completed products and supplies to make sure they were lead free. The cost was $129.00 per hour.

[Former_Member]

Testing is on hold for approx. one year as long as you KNOW your components are in compliance with the lead limits. After that your items will need to be wet tested (which destroys the item) and meet an even lower standard.
Each component must be tested, i.e. each piece of wood unless it is from the same first piece, each color of paint every time you open a new jar, your finishing product for your item.
Every time you change a component (different color paint or new jar) you will need to retest.
This is just lead, there is another whole test procedure for phialates (sp).
If your item does not meet the new standards you face up to 15 years in prison and major fines, there is no warning given. Any states AG can file charges, this can be based on someones giving your name to them in secret.

[Former_Member]

O.K., I was under the impression that jewelry items already needed to be tested as of March 23, 2009, but I may have been reading a very old link. I have read the cspia guidelines, so I'm aware of the one year extention for other children's items.

I thought wood is exempt according to the cspia guidelines, it is the paint and finishes that are the problem.

Not to belabor the issue, but some of you are certified. How did you go about doing this.



Wigglysee, thank you for posting. And thank you VintageEmbellishment for your comments.

[Former_Member]

The ones who may be certified for now, used the xrf testing which is only good until wet testing is required.

[Former_Member]

purplesmurple ... yes jewelry for children must be 3rd party tested as of right now, as well as any items that contain any paint, even non-toxic paint, and most baby items. The stay is limited, see here if your products fall into need testing or postponed on this "Table A: Compliance and Testing Timetable" at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/manufacturers.html#q4 . Here's a great and some what easy to read guideline, done ? & answer style, for us crafters in general http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.html .

[Former_Member]

For a bow maker, does anyone know if we are required to have official tests on the barrettes we use? I've asked the store I bought them at, and they said they wouldn't be selling them if they didn't meet standards. Is that good enough?

[TheWrapScrapPony]

Sugar...
For me I would need more from a supplier than "we wouldn't be selling them if they didn't meet the standards." Even though the testing has been suspended until 02/10, you still need to meet the lead limit requirements. I see it as a catch 22. How can you be absolutely sure that your components meet the lead limits unless you test them?

I did XRF testing with a group of Etsians (sent off my items), even though many of my components already had a statement from the supplier saying there was no lead in the items. I wanted to be completely sure.

At the very least you need an official statement from the supplier (not the store that sells it) that says the item is lead free. Otherwise find someone who is doing group XRF testing to get it done at a low cost. Mine only cost about $15!

[Former_Member]

ribbons and bows oh my and ribbon retreat both have compliant clips. On ribbon retreat, you can print them out and look them over before you buy.

[Former_Member]

I heard back from one of the companies that do wet testing, and it is quite complicated. The metal components are simple to test, but things get complicated with the painted parts. Each and every paint color would need to be tested. According to the company that does the testing (which I found on the official cspia page), I would not need to test yet as long as I can collect documents from each companies products I use.

Now I'm even more confused:( If I eliminate all metal pieces from the jewelry, and only use cord and wood do I need to test? Ugh!

She also said wet testing on one necklace, consisting of cord, painted wood, and fine silver findings would cost between $200-$300.

[Former_Member]

Here is my 3 part blog series on testing...

http://buggalove.blogspot.com/2009/01/cost-of-compliance-with-cpsia.html
http://buggalove.blogspot.com/2009/01/cost-of-compliance-with-cpsia-volume-2.html
http://buggalove.blogspot.com/2009/01/cost-of-compliance-volume-3-sending.html

[Former_Member]

purple - it is unreal how costly the testing is!!

[Former_Member]

Bugga, thanks for all of your thorough investigating!
It's very helpful, and looks like I'm just going to have aim for an older market.

[Former_Member]

Ditto mitsel8. I'm going to have to aim for the 12 and older groups. This really stinks, because I love to create for children, having three little ones myself. Don't you wonder where this ultimately will end up in a couple of years? Will there be a black market for handmade toys?

It is like the cartoon "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", no more toymakers to the king, the MiesterBurger will put us all in jail. haha

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Remember, the testing companies are going to tell you that you have to test everything, even your dog, your husband, and the envelope that the items came in. They have been given a license to steal by the confusion in this law. You need to read and understand the law as it is written, and all the guidelines that the cpsc has given you. If you have a question that is not answered then write the cpsc, with your specfic question. If you are not willing to do this, then rethink your businmess plan.