cpsia and small parts testing

[TheMarmaladeForest]

hello all! I have recently jumped into the jumble of trying to figure out all this CPSIA compliance stuff. I am new to designing and sewing childrens clothing and my aesthetic often relies heavily on fabric covered buttons that are 7/8" big. I have found a supplier of the metal part of the buttons who has supplied me with paperwork showing that they are CPSIA compliant, however I am now looking for answers in the smallparts issues.
Can I not put these buttons on clothes for kids 3 and under? or can I put them on but have to attach a tag stating they can be a choking hazard?
I know there is small parts testing but I cant find any info anywhere on what that entails, where you get it done, how often it must be done and on what products and how much it costs.
I also read some info that if the buttons are functioning buttons (ie not decor but actual closures) then that may change up the outcome of the law?
I would love to hear any info, advice or fingers poited to resources that can help me with this!
I just watched some of the OCt 26th hearing (until my 1 yr old freaked out anyhow) and I'm hoping to read tonight that thye decide to make things a bit easier and more reasonable for us small crafters.

thanks in advance!

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Cautionary warning, regardless of what they decide, if something doesn't pass the small parts test, and comes off and a kid chokes, you will be liable.

Go to the CPSC.gov site. On the left column you will find CPSIA That link takes you to the CPSIA section. Tons and tons of information to wade thru. You can do a search for small parts testing. There is a 2 page blurb with diagrams of what a small parts testing tube looks like. If it fits inside the tube it's too small. You can send the buttons off to a CPSIA certified lab for testing, don't know the cost. I think you can get the tubes to test yourself, I'm not sure anymore.

Now buttons by and large are not considered choking hazards because for children's clothing they need to be small to work and because they are generally so small, even if they swallowed one, it would pass right on thru. The size you are talking about is not small.

My concern with covered buttons is making sure the fabric covered top stays on and doesn't come off. I stopped using them years ago, because they always seemed to come apart after using them for awhile. Maybe they have improved

[TheMarmaladeForest]

thanks so much for the reply!

so small parts testing is only required for the garments that are worn by children 3 and under? In that case I may bypass all the trouble and sew on fabric circles to simulate the look of covered buttons for the items that are 3T and younger.
As for the functional buttons, I use small buttons and not the fabric covered for that purpose, so those I shouldn't have to worry about. Also those are located only on the back so I think it would be hard for a little one to access anyhow.
As for 4T to 12 yr age children....the fabric buttons would be okay?

I read through the small parts info several times over the past week, but it sadly leaves a lot to be desired information wise. I'll look in to possibly getting a tube myself so I can check stuff out. =)

I haven't had any issue with fabric covered buttons myself, perhaps they are different. I don;t know! My daughter wears them on the stuff I make her all the time and I haven't had any issues.

does anyone know how the hearing went today? any good news for us?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Haven't heard anything yet.