So very confused!

[WonderandKind]

Okay.... I recently decided to make child friendly mohair stuffed animals (I currently make artist bears) and registered as a small batch manufacturer. However, I am thoroughly confused as to if I'm exempt or have to do third party testing. The materials I will be using are mohair fabric (which is natural fiber), wool for stuffing, safety eyes, and safety joints,& thread. I think I have to comply to the ASTM for toy safety? I found the website, but they charge almost $80 bucks just for the PDF. I'm also bad at all the legal speak....wish someone could just hold my hand thru this process so I know I'm doing everything right..lol. So...with that being said....if anyone can give some insight...particularly on children's toys, I'd greatly appreciate it:)

[WHIMSICALandWITTY]

TOYS

http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/111656/regsumsmallparts.pdfhttp://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-titl...

Are any toys and products exempt from the smallparts regulations?
(1) Yes. Balloons, books and other articles made ofpaper, phonograph records, writing materials suchas crayons, chalk, pencils and pens, modeling clayand similar products, and finger paints, watercolorsand other paint sets are exempt because they cannotbe manufactured in a way that would prevent themfrom breaking into small parts when subjected touse and abuse testing. Children’s clothing andaccessories such as shoe lace holders and buttons,and grooming, feeding and hygiene products such asdiaper pins and clips, barrettes, toothbrushes,drinking glasses, dishes and eating utensils are alsoexempt because they need to be small to performtheir intended purpose. See 16 C.F.R. Part1501.3&4(b). (emphasis added)

(2) Rattles and pacifiers are subject to their own smallparts requirements. See 16 C.F.R. 1510.3 and1511.4(d).

(3) A product intended for use by children under threemust meet the requirements of the small partsregulation unless the product is one of those itemsthat is specifically exempt from the regulation.

More on toys:
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Toy-Safety/

http://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Toy-Safety/FAQs-Safety-Standard-for-C...

http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/109675/testtoys.pdf

https://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/113962/adg.pdf

Where to look for CPSC accredited testing laboratories:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/labsearch/Default.aspx
When contacting a lab, it helps to include a photograph and detailed description of the item(s) you are interested in having tested.

[Former_Member]

Qualifying small batch manufacturers registered with the Commission are NOT required to third party test for the following children's product safety rules (Group B):

ASTM F963-11 Toy Safety Standard;
Total Lead Content in Children's Products, Sec. 101 of the CPSIA;
Ban on certain phthalates in children's toys and certain child care articles, Sec. 108 of the CPSIA;
Bicycle helmets, 16 CFR §1203;
Bunk beds, 16 CFR §1213 and 1513;
Rattles, 16 CFR §1510;
Dive sticks, 16 CFR §1500.86;
Bicycles, 16 CFR §1512;
Carpets and rugs, 16 CFR §1630 and §1631;
Vinyl plastic film, 16 CFR §1611;
Wearing apparel, 16 CFR §1610;
Clacker balls, 16 CFR §1500.86;
Children's sleepwear, 16 CFR §1615 and §1616;
Electronically operated toys, 16 CFR §1505;
ATVs, 16 CFR. §1420; and
Mattresses, 16 CFR §1632.

With respect to Group B, qualifying small batch manufacturers will need to ensure that the products comply with those regulations and issue a general certificate of conformity (GCC).

Anything listed above does not require 3rd party testing. But you still have to make sure the products are safe by the standards in that ASTM toy safety standard. I just bought the document yesterday and had my father, who's a mechanical engineer, run the proper tests on my items.