How To Obtain a GCC

[littlegentleman]

I wrote to the supplier of one of my items and asked for a GCC. I provided links to the CPSIA website and gave a summary of my business and what I needed. They said that wouldn't be a problem and I ordered another batch of supplies. When I received it, all that it included was a print out of the Wikipedia entry on plastic, saying what plastic contains. Obviously, this is not what I need. My question is - what do you ask for when you get these from your suppliers? I can't keep wasting money on supplies I can't use hoping to get correct documentation. Help!

Thanks!
Michelle

[Former_Member]

I don't think very many of us have gotten as deep of a detailed copy has what one of the ladies provided as a sample... but most def.. need a description of the item and lab results.. and of course name of the company and the testing lab.. its has to be a certified lab..

[littlegentleman]

I found this link showing what information it is supposed to contain: www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/cpsia/faq/elecertfaq.pdf. I feel like I am going to have a hard time getting all of this information. Has anyone been successful?

[Former_Member]

These are older GCC's but may help in the area of what needs to be included on them. I wish all companies would do this don't you? It would be so much easier!

http://jacquardproducts.com/cpsia.php

Michelle, I know how you feel, I did the same thing. Then I started only ordering products if they gave me the GCC's first. I figure if they don't give me the info I need, they lost my business! Hope this helps.

[littlegentleman]

Thank you, Sara. That is very helpful. I'll keep looking and hopefully I can find a supplier who has all of that.

[TurkandBean]

If they aren't providing what you need and you're ordering after they led you to believe they'd give you one I hope you're returning your items. I know that the law puts the responsibility on the last person using the products before selling them to kids, but I think we need to band together and show these manufacturers that our business will be going to the companies who provide supplies and make it easy for us to get the data we need.

[Former_Member]

Oh I am thinking the same thing with Hobbly Lobby and Michaels... I have 100's of dollars of ribbon... that I feel in my gut is safe.. but will collect dust if I can't move it...

[LoopsAndLines]

I am looking for painted wooden beads that I can string between hand knitted toys. Found Melissa & Doug online and a wonderful link to their GCCs for each item. Copied and will include with each sale. What a great way to do business M & D.

http://www.melissaanddoug.com/product_information?f=gcc

Lisa

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Lisa T. You do not include testing information when you sell to a customer at the retail level. Meaning an Etsy customer.

The only time you need to include the information is when and if you are selling wholesale to a brick and mortar shop.

If you send customers testing results when you shouldn't they will be wondering why everyone else, including Walmart, and Toysrus are not giving them something when they buy a children's item.

[LoopsAndLines]

Hadn't thought of that, Beverly. Thanks for the "heads up!" So I will keep the GCC on file. What do you think about including info about the content/compliance of the beads in my listing?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

If you are registered as a small batch manufacturer at CPSC's saferproducts.gov you could say so in your listings. Just don't give anyone your registration number!

[Former_Member]

What if you sell in a store, but its on consignment?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I think the store owner should have to have a COC from you on file, as they are actually the ones selling the merchandise. Could be wrong, but it's their store, would think they would be responsible for insuring that all the merchandise was legal. Like no Loungewear that didn't meet sleepwear laws, and drawstrings on hoodies.

[lilbritknits]

Yes, you do need to give the store GCCs if it's on consignment or wholesale. i asked this question to neil Cohen, the small ombudsmen.

[Former_Member]

Doesn't your registeration # have to be on your batch labels?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

No, it goes on the Certificate of conformity.