Not a toy... not intended for persons under 14

[MemoriestoYou]

Saw that on the back of an item I purchased at Michaels the other day. It was on a supply item and not a finished product but I suspect more companies are going to do that to get out of the testing. Wonder how many customers see that on the back and have no idea what they are talking about!

[Former_Member]

What was the item?

[knitwit4ever]

That won't be of much help if it looks like a toy and is pictured with kids playing with it.

However, there are certainly supply items too fragile for play and not intended to be given to children. For those, it probably is valid.

[Former_Member]

I have been seeing more items with codes and information printed right on the item. I bought a plastic pail and shovel for a buck at the Christmas Tree Shop, and was surprised that all the important info was printed right on the plastic head of the shovel!

[TheOwieHut]

It's the quick and dirty way to get around testing. I'm seeing more and more of them too.

I've also seen "For display only"

[Former_Member]

Here in the UK, any item that is likely to be used by a child or will be attractive to children comes under the regulations equivalent to the USA CPSIA, even if labelled "not a toy. Not intended for the under 14's"

so sneaky labelling will not allow a manufacturer get around complying with regulations

[Former_Member]

MarmaladySupplies says:
Here in the UK, any item that is likely to be used by a child or will be attractive to children comes under the regulations equivalent to the USA CPSIA, even if labelled "not a toy. Not intended for the under 14's"

so sneaky labelling will not allow a manufacturer get around complying with regulations

......................

That hasn't been my experience.

Within the adult dollhouse hobby everyone is very aware that they have to make that statement, even to the extent of putting a sign on a stand at fairs, as long as they do they are OK to sell.

Adult dollhouse collectibles are superficially similar to children's dollhouse toys but besides being choking hazards in many instances they are also often made of materials not suitable such as thin glass.

If making a clear statement that an item is not suitable for children under 14 there would be no dollhouse shops or manufacturers left in business.

This probably applies to many other model hobbies, railways, RC planes and cars etc. where the adult versions can be deadly to children.

[Former_Member]

"If making a clear statement that an item is not suitable for children under 14 there would be no dollhouse shops or manufacturers left in business."

Should have said ...


If making a clear statement that an item is not suitable for children under 14 was not acceptable there would be no dollhouse shops or manufacturers left in business.

[Former_Member]

It has been my personal experience -- i have seen a Trading Standards Officer take such an item for testing at a craft fair. The item in question was a small crochet sheep using pipe-cleaners for legs etc.
(it wasnt one of my items, but something from a person i was sharing a stall with)

[Former_Member]

Given the number of items that would appeal to children but are totally unsuitable we would be in a bad way if they all took that attitude. Every Dolls House fair would be closed, all the dolls house shops would go out of business.

[Former_Member]

I am seeing this on A LOT of items from michaels.

[Former_Member]

WhittierWoodlands says:
I have been seeing more items with codes and information printed right on the item. I bought a plastic pail and shovel for a buck at the Christmas Tree Shop, and was surprised that all the important info was printed right on the plastic head of the shovel!
...........

yup- the date code is supposed to stay with the item, so if there's no permanent tag, it needs to be printed/molded directly on. we've started doing that where I work too.

[JansWearableJoy]

I've been seeing a lot of jewelry items at Michaels with those warnings. I've also seen some lines that are labeled "CPSIA" compliant", too.

[Former_Member]

I've been told (thankfully) that my wall decor items do not have to comply with CPSIA even though some are targeted as children's decor. I think I'll be adding "For display only" just for extra caution, though.

I don't consider that to be sneaky labeling. Any thoughts?

[Former_Member]

I think we might have two situations here. Some manufacturers are probably copping out, but I think some items are just for decoration. I wouldn't expect everything I put on the wall or on the christmas tree to be kid safe.

But a lot of craft items are used to make things for kids to use or play with. I am seeing in other threads that many companies DO test. Maybe they are showing that they are listening to their market (responsible people like us) and want to please--or at least sell. There is another thread going about lists of supply sellers that do comply. I think we should consider voting with our supply budget dollars (or euros, etc.)

[Former_Member]

Here is a link to that other thread. It is on top right now but things move around.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6006981&page=78

[Former_Member]

I was talking with my friend about this today.

I make headbands. I created them with the 100% intention of selling them to adults. I don't even make children's items right now. I know they fit children because my friend's daughter put one on one day. I was at a craft fair, and a mom tried it on her daughter (before CPSIA). Should I now stop this?

I understand that manufactures shouldn't get away with not testing by labeling "not for children." I don't have any headbands up right now, but I haven't included the 'not for children' label on my listings/items.

Should I?

[DragoninKnots]

Flutter, I think you bring up a good point. I've removed all children's items from my shop, but a pink fluffy scarflette made for women will likely appeal to and fit a girl, so I'm not sure what to do. I can't eliminate everything cutesy.

[Former_Member]

I am not a CPSIA expert or anything...ha...but your stuff looks grown-up to me.

Also, apparently (from what I read a few months back) textiles are exempt from testing...I assume that includes yarn?? But, you still have to follow the labeling rules, if for kiddos.

[DragoninKnots]

Yeah, I just don't really want to bother with the more complicated labeling rules. I would if I did more kid's stuff, but it seemed like too much work for a few items here and there. Also, I might run into problems with buttons.

[TheRusticHome]

WOW! McDonalds just had to recall all the Shrek glassware they have been selling, due to lead.
So, even the BIG companies are actually being held accountable. About time.

[Former_Member]

Rustic, just saw that.

That was fast, too. Glad to see the large companies are accountable...like you said.

[Former_Member]

fluttermill, regarding your headband issue, from what I understand (and please don't quote me on this), as long as the item is not intended PRIMARILY for children you are safe. Also, if the item is geared toward, say, a 10-year old and would appeal to that child beyond age 14, it's not considered a children's item either. I'm basing this on bits that I've read and have TRIED to understand, so maybe you can look further into those 2 points... and bring those headbands back!

Good luck!

[Beads2string]

Oh BlueKitty having issues with miniature/dollhouse items would bring this 40yr old girl to tears. I've built dollhouses/miniatures since I was in elementary school. It is indeed an art and would hate regulations to make it die out. Think of the museums.

[Former_Member]

Given the number of items that would appeal to children but are totally unsuitable we would be in a bad way if they all took that attitude. Every Dolls House fair would be closed, all the dolls house shops would go out of business.

....................

:( I love my dollhouse.