buttons??

[Former_Member]

I have been reading & trying to figure this law out & its just too confusing. Can someone help me please? If I make a child's dress or jumper to sell can I put buttons or zippers on it? Are certain brands ok? If I have something from the company that states that it meets CPSIA standards is it ok??? I saw somewhere that certain things are ok if inaccessible to the child, would buttons on the back of a dress be considered inaccessible?? This law is making me want to pull my hair out LOL.

[SewFunDollClothes]

Check out the thread "Everything you need to know about CPSIA" here:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6235864

There is currently a 'stay' on testing items, and there are several things that have been put on an exempt list. But as of Feb. 2010, anything that's not on that exempt list must be third party tested. I'm pretty sure buttons, zippers, snaps ... etc, are in the 'need to be tested' category.

This law is such a mess - I've been pulling my hair out for a year now!

Good luck!!

[Former_Member]

what about Velcro? I see you use it on the doll dresses. Is that ok?

[Former_Member]

tractors--I am not sure about velcro or hook and loop fasteners. I need to look that up as well.

[Former_Member]

Ok thanks. If anyone finds out could you post it here in case I haven't figured it out yet? I start reading this stuff & my head starts spinning.

[SewFunDollClothes]

Sounds like velcro is going to be ok ... check out this thread for more info:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6285106

But it seems like every time we get something figured out ... CPSIA comes out with a new exemption or interpretation of the law. And things could change again before Feb. 2010! Aggghhhh ... my head hurts! lol

[SewFunDollClothes]

Oh - and did you see the part about labeling? Everything made for children under the age of 12 must have a tracking label ... check out info on that here:


http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/sect103policy.pdf

(Sorry if I just gave you another headache too!)

[HouseOfLittleTomato]

This is the 'short version' of CPSIA for crafters/ small businesses (which is just slightly easier to understand than the long version... ):

http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/smbus/manufacturers.html

After February 2010, if your buttons are UNTREATED wood, they are exempt from testing. However, if they are sealed, they are treated and need testing. If they are untreated, they may end up splintering after washing a few times which really isn't safe...

You can use mother of pearl, shell, stone, or coconut buttons since they are all made out of natural materials. Basically we just need to start getting creative with our material choices to avoid crazy-expensive testing fees.

I am slowly phasing out all non-exempt materials for the February date, but still keeping an eye on the ever-changing legislation. *IF* they pass the 'component testing' then you can use zippers, buttons, etc. as long as the manufacturer has tested the items and you can get the proof of certification...

Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

If you look up past blogs in this forum you'll find info on buttons. I contacted the company that distributes Favorite Findings Buttons to JoAnns and Walmart, Blumenthal Lansing Company. They were very helpful. The buttons are polyester and have been tested for both lead and phthalates. I received a letter of compliance after I emailed sku numbers to them. Hope this helps.