Tutus?

[Former_Member]

First, I'm so sorry, if this has been asked a million times! I'm new to etsy and not sure how to navigate all this. I've been trying to gather information about CPSIA compliance certification. A boutique near me would like to sell my tutus, but they say I have to have compliance certificates. I was under the impression tulle, thread, elastic, and ribbon was exempt. Am I wrong?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

No you are not wrong, except for screen printed ribbon which must be tested for lead in paint. But most boutiques will require a GCC, also known as a General Certificate of Conformity. You will have to make one for each style/color of tutu, and it accompanies your shipment. You can go to the CPSC, do a search on CPSIA for GCC or General Certificate of conformity, and you will be able to find a sample certificate. You may also have to give them a copy of the final rule on exemptions, as they may not be up on all the ins and outs of all of the thousands of pages of documents.

Also do a search on forums posts above in the search area for GCC.

[Former_Member]

In a sense, you and the retailer are both right. You're right that tulle, thread, elastic, and ribbon is exempt from lead testing as long as there is no screen printing, metalic looking threads, or chemical treatment on the otherwise exempt materials. The retailer is right that they need documentation that the final product is compliant. You may not need any testing but you still need to do the paperwork & tracking labels and keep a file about each product (or batch of products) you make showing it's compliancy. What the retailer is probably looking for is a GCC, the government requires a retailer or USA based wholeseller to keep a copy of this in their files for each batch of children products they carry regardless of the exemption status of the raw materials used to make the item.
The CPSC has an outline of what needs to be on the GCC at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/elecertfaq.pdf .

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much! There is so much information, to wade through. It's quit overwhelming. I see that I do need a certificate, to show the final product is compliant. I have kept reading all the guidelines and info., bit how in the world do I get a certificate? I can't find any information about that!

[Former_Member]

The government does not issue a certificate of compliancy. That's what the self issued GCC is for. If all the raw materials that go into the making of the finished product are on the exemption list just keep a copy of all the packaging that shows what each material is. If non-exempt parts are used then contact the manufacturer(s) of the supply(ies) to see if they have tested already and will give you a copy of the properly formated test report or a copy of their self issued GCC. Then copy the test report along with the copies of the wrappers from the exempt products make up a file for each product (or batch of items) that you make then fill out our own GCC for the finished item(s). Make a copy to give to the retailer of the finished item(s) GCC and keep the original in the file with the supplies packaging and test reports.

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much!! My questions are answered. You all have been so helpful!