Quick Q on Probably A No-Brainer

[Former_Member]

Hi guys...never ventured to sell kid's stuff before so I have never worried about CPSC regs. My question is, (and I did search the past Forums) is children's clothing regulated? Specifically, 1) must it be labeled with content and 2) are there any safety issues to be aware of (I love to make the pillowcase dresses, but heard that the ties constitute a danger).

Hope I don't sound dumb or lazy, but the info is hard to find (at least for me). Thanks much for your help!

Leslie

[Former_Member]

Tons of rules...
You must label with CPSIA and FTC labels...
All materials must be either exempt or you will need test results for all items used...
Non-metallic fabric and thread is exempt...
There is tons of info. in the forums or check the CPSC/CPSIA website for more info.

[Former_Member]

whoa! thanks. I had just scratched the surface but suspected there were regs somewhere...now I know to look for them.

[CharlieandClaireCo]

eachdayisremarkable

i just posted this for someone else. you need to find a reputable person. they will know the laws, be reasonably priced and help you out. my fave is jennifersjewels here on etsy. she is the best. if you stick to working with only cotton and approved sources for your notions, i.e. snaps, buttons etc., you will not have to test your final product.

here is what i had to say about it.
i use a local etsian and i have her leave a spot for a date and batch number. at staples i purchased a little stamp maker (comes with a bunch of rubber numbers and letters) and at michaels i purchased archival ink (permanent and works great on satin labels, no bleeding). works great and looks professional. i used JennifersJewels here on etsy. she is fabulous. i invested 25 for the stamp set and 10 for a 4" by 6" ink pad, that i probably will never use up. the labels vary, but she is VERY reasonable and EXTREMELY knowledgeable about exactly what needs to be on the labels. hope this helps. because a small investment now will save you thousands in fines later.

[Former_Member]

It is a brave group to get into the CPSIA regulations. It's an amazing amount of regulation.

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much, Emmas Closet; I am contacting Jennifer today...and I agree, JaniceC., I was reading about the testing reqs just for lead this morning and I thought about how that would just strangle the life out of all cottage industries...all those suits sitting together compiling those hard-line rules that are very difficult for the little guy to follow in the real world...

[Former_Member]

I was thinking of making felt baby shoes. Do these have to abide by CPSIA regulations? I don't live in US

[Former_Member]

If you want to send them to the USA then Yes, you need to abide by the CPSIA rules...felt is exempt though....so, you would need tracking labels (see the CPSIA and FTC websites for guidance). Also, any embellishments you add need to be exempt or you will need test results for those items.....

[Former_Member]

feltywelty,
First and foremost you need to abide by the laws and regulations for your home country. Now if you plan on selling your items internationally that's where you get caught up in having to follow another country's laws in addition to your own.
US Customs like many other countries can choose to do a spot inspection on any package entering the USA and confiscate it for return to sender or destruction as not being compliant with any number of laws or regulations. Under the CPSIA a child's product must show compliance though proper paperwork and testing of nonexempt materials to be sent into the USA. It's not the international manufacturer's financial responsibility to do the actual testing but the customer that is requesting the item to be imported to them. But the catch is the paperwork must accompany the product though customs, so in a sense it becomes the international sellers problem to make sure everything is done prior to shipment.
As of right now most felts along with other most fiber based materials are exempt from many CPSIA testing criteria but you still need to include paperwork to that effect. Most of the testing comes to play when you add non-fabric based embellishments like buttons, brads, or rhinestones then you need actual lab generated test results included with the shipments.
You can choose to take the chance that an item you send to the USA may not be inspected for the paperwork, but you must be equally prepared to take the loss if the item is destroyed for failure to comply. I tend to equate it with send fashion items to Italy, if you don't have the right licenses and permissions or follow Italy's manufacturing laws prior to sending certain things then that item is lost forever.

[Former_Member]

Thankyou so much