How do I know a shop here passed CPSIA?

[SavoyFaire]

I'm not seeing this mentioned in shop home pages. How do I know if they've tested? I want to buy some things over the next few months for gifts but am worried.

[threekittensknitting]

Possibly convo the shop owner and ask, I would bet that before long it may be something we all have in our home page.

[Former_Member]

Alot of shops use exempt materials and therefore aren't required to "pass" any tests. Also, I don't think you are supposed to state that you are CPSIA compliant (hopefully JewelryDesignsbyME will chime in here)....

[Former_Member]

I would definately ask the shop owner. If something is made of all textiles, they are most likely compliant as textiles are exempt from testing. If its something that is going to be baby-mouthed, I would personally double check.

[Former_Member]

I agree with what PicCircus said- most shops use exempt materials,but if you have any questions about a certain item ask the seller. Check out the CPSIA website and familiarize yourself with what needs to be tested and what doesn't - that should go far in helping you narrow down your gift choices.

[Former_Member]

You don't for sure that is why I am VERY careful what I buy for my kids here. There are many reputable shops but as a mom I make careful mental notes of shops who are like,"These rules are stupid and I'm not following them!" Because you see people all the time in this forum just say that! LOL

I definitely, as a mom, don't think these laws are stupid and would like to buy from people who follow them, whether that be a big or small company. The fact that there are big companies that don't follow them (who I choose not to buy from) does not mean I'm ok with little companies not following them (who I would also choose not to buy from if they did not follow them)

[threekittensknitting]

PicCircusDesigns says:
Alot of shops use exempt materials and therefore aren't required to "pass" any tests. Also, I don't think you are supposed to state that you are CPSIA compliant (hopefully JewelryDesignsbyME will chime in here)....

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were not supposed to state that your were compliant. Do you know why that is? If your product is something in question that people will want to know.

[Former_Member]

threekittensknitting
threekittensknitting says:
PicCircusDesigns says:
Alot of shops use exempt materials and therefore aren't required to "pass" any tests. Also, I don't think you are supposed to state that you are CPSIA compliant (hopefully JewelryDesignsbyME will chime in here)....

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were not supposed to state that your were compliant. Do you know why that is? If your product is something in question that people will want to know.
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yeah I too always thought it was odd that you can't state you are compliant BUT my guess is because the CPSIA has no way to verify the veracity of those claims... you could just say it and not be it.
This is why I watch very carefully what people say... if they are highly critical and feel "oh we used to play with lead when I was a kid and look at me I'm ok" LOL I do worry that they may cut corners in their shop... hell some people come right out and say they think it is stupid and won't follow.
As a mom I move along to the next shop LOL

[knitwit4ever]

As suggested above, many of us use exempt materials only (or in a majority of kids' items), so for those no testing/passing is involved. There really isn't any way to say we know the rules and are following them! You'll have to ask.

[LeafandYard]

PicCircusDesigns says:
Also, I don't think you are supposed to state that you are CPSIA compliant (hopefully JewelryDesignsbyME will chime in here)....
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I believe you are correct, but I can't find the reference. There is something in that ghastly law that says you have to be compliant, but can't advertise that you are (only if someone asks).

If you want to be sure, you need to ask for their documents.

[Former_Member]

out of control!

most here use materials that are either exemp (fabric, yarn, wood etc.) so there is absoulutly no need for any statements!

and if there are any questionable compontents most of the companies selling the procduct have certicates avail for use by the vendors..(buttons, zippers etc)

if you have any questions or doubts.....just use common sense...ASK THE VENDOR ...no one here has anything to hide!

[Former_Member]

I will try to find the link about not stating that you are compliant. I think you can, however, provide the appropriate documentation to a buyer who request it.

Off to search....

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

One of the reasons that you can't say, I'm CPSIA compliant, is because you leave the impression that the CPSIA issues certification. There is no official "stamp of approval".

I think that the vast majority of those that post on the forum are all in compliance, as best we can with the changing rules. Just because we don't like the law, especially how vague it has been, how there are few absolutes, except the word "any", how we have been strung along with unknowns and maybes for 2 years after this law was written, does not mean that we are ignoring the law. I don't like the income tax laws, but I pay my taxes.

I would be more worried about stores that are selling items that are made with things that we know for certain will not pass testing. And generally they are stores that have never been on the forum, and don't have a clue.

[Former_Member]

I don't like that we need to have laws like this. That some manufacturers will cut costs so much as to endanger us.

To avoid testing costs, I am using only compliant materials and mostly knitting items now.

[Former_Member]

I know I personally use products that are exempt from testing (yarns, natural fibers, etc) and I don't use any buttons or zippers. I think most shop owners here do the same.

[SavoyFaire]

Thanks for all the tips!

I don't have time to read all that OMG way too much nor to ask every shop in which I like things.

Wouldn't a shop state it up front especially as it's such a big thing now?

These are a few gifts for a baby and a couple of young children not something I'll need to buy repeatedly. I'd expect to do it quickly and easily. It's just not working out that way. Sort of like have to weed thru all the mistagged stuff. By the time I find what I like the shop has no info. Frustrating.

[SavoyFaire]

Sounds easy to me let me take a stab:
This shop follows CPSIA rules and regulations so you can be sure items you purchase for babies and children are safe.

I didn't even pause to think - not rock science. They'd have my orders! Sounds like they care!

[SavoyFaire]

I am just asking and appreciate those whom have done so. I don't want to hear when giving a gift about if it was safe, etc nor worry about it if I didn't ask. Thanks so much for letting me know the bottom line of that yes ghastly, long article they actually cannot say they are compliant! Extremely difficult for shops. Sorry to have to ask that and thanks again for the quick and helpful answers!

[Former_Member]

FayeMaloneDesigns
FayeMaloneDesigns says:
One of the reasons that you can't say, I'm CPSIA compliant, is because you leave the impression that the CPSIA issues certification. There is no official "stamp of approval".

I think that the vast majority of those that post on the forum are all in compliance, as best we can with the changing rules. Just because we don't like the law, especially how vague it has been, how there are few absolutes, except the word "any", how we have been strung along with unknowns and maybes for 2 years after this law was written, does not mean that we are ignoring the law. I don't like the income tax laws, but I pay my taxes.

I would be more worried about stores that are selling items that are made with things that we know for certain will not pass testing. And generally they are stores that have never been on the forum, and don't have a clue.
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You so right and ain't that the truth!
Though...saly I have seen a few threads where the shop stands up and proudly professes that they have no intention of following "those stupid laws" LOL and I am always like... "Well alrighty now!" LOL :)

[Former_Member]

Wasn't aware of the 'don't talk about it' rule.

Can you just not use the term "compliant" ? Or is any reference to following CPSIA regulations for natural materials forbidden?

[SavoyFaire]

I started the other day asking a few shops and have gotten no replies yet so came here and by the sounds may not answer me if they aren't as they can't admit it and take a chance on being reported? Guess this didn't work out too well either so I'll just fav the few kind people here who were so helpful!

[SavoyFaire]

I was wonder that too StoryBuilderToys! My items are safe or something?

[Former_Member]

I hope I don't get in trouble for this, "All our products are made only with non-toxic materials that qualify as natural by CPSIA regulations."

I mean, if I gotta jump through hoops to keep my stuff safe shouldn't I be able to let people know?

[knitwit4ever]

SavoyFaire, if you are looking for baby/kid items, any fabric/yarn items that do not have hardware (buttons, zippers) and do not use water-proofed or coated materials will be exempt from lead testing. Elastic and rubber are OK, too. Plain, uncoated wood and other natural plant materials are also exempt, as are precious stones, stainless steel and some other stuff.

Ask about plastic and vinyls; ceramics, glass and crystals; painted or coated products. Ask about small parts/choking hazards.

Hope that helps a bit!

[knitwit4ever]

And ask about snaps and other metal components!