Newbie with questions on CPSIA testing and FTC labeling requirements

[Former_Member]

Hello!

I've done some reading on labeling requirements, but still have a few questions. I'll be making children's clothing out of used wool or fleece sweaters. If the fiber content label in the garment doesn't have the company name on it, can I reuse that in my garment?

Also wanted to make sure I understand the labeling requirements. My label needs to list the fiber content as well as laundering instructions. A separate label needs to contain tracking info (when the garment was made, how to contact me). Right?

I'll also be making children's clothing from bath/beach towels and linens purchased from a regular brick and mortar store. These fabrics would be considered exempt from testing, correct? But I would need to label them according to FTC requirements?

Am I totally off here? Any help as I wade my way through would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Judy

[TheMarmaladeForest]

I am in the same boat as you, starting out new in the midst of all this chaos. A lot of your questions are a little up in the air as they just had a hearing and will be passing final judgements soon. but I've done tons of reading this last week and will answer you as best I can:
1. I'm not sure if you can re use the labels. I think you could. the only thing that I wonder is if those labels and the ink printed on them is cpsia compliant. if they are adult sweater than they most likely haven't been tested by the company that made them...and annoyingly enough the labels materials must be in compliance too.
2. your label needs the name of your company, washing instructions, fiber content and country of origin in which fibers came from (USA or imported is enough info I believe). I dont believe it has to be a seperate label but it can be if you want, but you must also have the tracking info. when it was made, batch # type of stuff.
3. for now cottons, wool, etc (theres a list marked table B at the cpsc website stating what is currently exempt) can be used without testing...however come january of 2012 if they haven't changed the laws to better suit small manufactureres and crafters like us, then those items may not be exempt. that's part of what is up in the air right now.

isn't this stuff frustrating?!?! I have a 19 month old daughter and of course I want her to be safe, but blanket laws like this that cover a general distance are just plain ignorant!

please anyone, correct me on all of the above if I'm wrong, but as I read this is what I believed it to be saying.

you also need to be careful about the buttons, velcro, zippers, etc. sigh.

[monkeyandfriends]

The fabric is exempt UNLESS it has any metallic threads or glitter, etc. You can not reuse the original tag. Once you make it into something else, your own label is required. Keep the label in your tracking records. Just staple it and a scrap to a product sheet. You can use a printout of the listing and attach a ziploc with any materials, packages such as button cards, etc.

Here's my tag, I have it formatted as a label on Microsoft Word.

Handmade in the U.S.A.
100% Cotton
Origin China
Machine Wash Cold
Tumble Dry Low
Iron if Needed


Monkey&Friends
www.etsy.com/shop/monkeyandfriends
Orange County, CA

2011/2012 - I stitch through the year made. (use contrasting thread)

JFMAMJJASOND - this is for the month made. I stitch through the appropriate letter,

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the replies. Mary Beth, I like your idea of stitching through the appropriate year/month!

So if I don't know the origin of the fabric, do I put origin unknown?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

If you are using recycled items or buying new from a b & m store they should have FTC tags already on them. The FTC laws have been around for a long time. You can use the information on the old tags to make your new ones.