iComply....could this answer all my questions?

[Former_Member]

After a few years of occasionally "checking in" for CPSIA updates information. I have been unable to clearly determine which testing is required for my products. For a while, I have thought that the CPSC should develop software that allows manufacturers to answer specific questions about their products to determine EXACTLY which CPSIA apply to their products.

During my most recent research, I have found information on iComply. http://www.intertek.com/cpsia/icomply/
This is a program available through Intertek (one of the CPSIA certified labs). If I understand correctly, this program will help me determine which federal regulations (even those beyond CPSIA) apply to my products and the testing programs required for my products. It is also my understanding that this program will help me create certificates of conformity for my items once required testing is complete. There is a fee for the program...$99 per year, but after being completely confused for a few years, I would gladly pay for this service if it answers my questions.

I have contacted the company with a few questions and will post again on their response. I hope that this will clear things up for me once and for all. Once I determine the exact testing needed, I can determine which facility can perform all the testing required for my products, contact those facilities for quotes. Once I receive quotes, I can decide if I can afford to remain in business or if I will have to close shop. If I cannot afford the required testing, I have only lost $99, but will finally have peace of mind knowing that I did not close shop unnecessarily.

Has anyone out there heard of iComply? If so, are you using it and are my assumptions about the program correct?

[NanaBugz]

This sounds very interesting! I have never heard of them, but, please keep us posted!

[Former_Member]

I have received this response (only 1 hour after my email was sent...I'm impressed!):

"Thank you for you interest in iComply! iComply will generate regulations that are applicable at both the federal and state level. It does not have details about small batch, however it does extensively cover the testing and certification rule, which small batch manufactures must comply with starting in Jan 2013."

I was asked to send a photo of one of my products. I sent a photo with a description of my item. Most of my items are the same, with color changes that the customers can request. I am awaiting response.

[Former_Member]

Interesting! I also wonder what them mean by the testing and ceritfication rule - I thought that is what we are already doing. Hmmm....

[Former_Member]

I was confused by the "Jan 2013" date also. Does this mean the "rules" are changing for 2013? I'll post any relevant information that I receive.

[Former_Member]

So? What happened? Were you happy with IComply?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

She has a notice up in her shop that she is closing her business. She was selling home made sidewalk paint, so her product was much different as for as testing regs than most children's sellers.

[ShopIdeable]

I have heard of iComply. I don't know anything other than what is on the info page at Intertek.

I am currently having my products tested at Intertek as we speak...just waiting for the results.

Here is what I did:
Contacted Intertek with my questions- they emailed me back with information - I sent them my samples for testing to comply with the CPSIA. I didn't know the exact test that needed to be run, but they let me know based on my product. - They got back to me with a price...I paid...my products are currently being tested to comply.

I wanted my products tested for US, Canada & Australia as that is where I sell. They told me no testing needed for Australia due to the nature of my product. Getting tested for US only as Canada views my products as a toy and not a childrens product...the US views my products as childrens products. Toys are more expensive to test...so, am waiting to get the testing done for Canada, which is OK since I have only had a few orders from there.

Total cost to test 3 products: My regular sized Idea Box, my mini sized Idea Box, and my Toddler Box.....$840.00

Tests needed:
Sharp points/sharp edges, flammability of solids, small parts, tracking label review.

I am more nervous about the tracking label review than I am about the other tests, as I feel that I have researched my product and supplies enough to know that it complies with the requirements.

Due to the nature of my product, I will only have to test for lead if the glue dots I use to attach my front oval "label" to the belly bands are assessable after they take the "label" off the belly band.

Money well spent and I did not have to pay $99 for iComply. I would rather spend the money getting tested, than have to worry if my product complies now or in the future. Especially since one of my goals is to start getting these in local stores...so, they need to be tested. I had to wait 2 years to afford the testing...it was only because I got a large wholesale order through a regular stockist in Australia that I was able to have the testing done.

Hope this info helps a little. Good luck to everyone currently filtering through all of the info. It's enough to make you question your sanity :)

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Did you research the exemptions as a Small Batch Manufacturer?

[ShopIdeable]

Hi Beverly-

I went over the exemptions, thought about them for a while and I came to the conclusion that I didn't want to have any road blocks preventing me from selling to stores.

If a store has a specific policy about the children's products they sell in regards to testing, I can say that my products have been tested.

My SCORE mentor said that if I sell a children's product, somewhere down the line, someone will sue you...so, protect yourself as much as possible. Not what I wanted to hear...but, I thought that I better do whatever I needed to do just in case that ever happened...a little extra precaution. Not going to keep me from getting sued, but just something I can say that I have done. Testing was a logical step in that direction. It all sounds rather dramatic...but, I have to protect myself, my family, and my business.

For me, it does not matter if I sell 100 of or 10,000 of them...I wanted them tested. If I sell 100+ boxes to a stockist, it is in my best interest and theirs (and, ultimately the children), that my product has been tested. I do not want to have to rely on the manufacturer's of the materials I use. Although the cost to test is not small...it's worth it to me.

That is completely my opinion on getting products tested. I give credit to anyone that goes through this process and decides to register as a small batch manufacturer...as, they have no doubt done more research about the complete process than I have.