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| • Guide to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act |
Revised: Mar. 3, 2009
This information was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and many not necessarily reflect the
views of, the Commission. It may be subject to change based on Commission action.
Guide to the Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act
(CPSIA)
for
Small Businesses, Resellers,
Crafters and Charities
Page 1
Introduction
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is a sweeping new law that
impacts a broad spectrum of our economy. From manufacturers of toys to the kids
that play with them, everyone is affected in some way #amp;#8208;#amp;#8208; even those who make and
donate products to hospitals and charities.
There are new rules to be understood and adopted for everyone from the largest
global manufacturer to the crafter working in the family workshop to the mom#amp;#8208;andpop
shop on the corner. Indeed, all children’s products including toys, books, child
care articles and clothing are covered in different ways by this law, and there are
different rules for different products.
Although the information here does not speak to every aspect of the law, it does
address some of the more frequently asked questions that many small manufacturers,
shop owners and consignment/thrift store owners have asked about the CPSIA. New
information is coming out frequently, so sign up today to receive e#amp;#8208;mail updates.
Page 2
Contents
Guidance for Retailers and Resellers of Children’s Products, including Thrift
Stores, Consignment Shops and Charities
Question 14: Do I need to test the products I sell? 10
Question 15: How can I determine if something has lead in it before I sell it? 10
Table C: Commonly Resold Children’s Products and Materials 11
Question 16: How can I tell if a product contains a prohibited phthalate before I sell it? 12
Question 17: Can I sell vintage children’s books or other children’s products that are
collectibles?
12
Question 18: Do bikes need to comply with the lead limits? 12
Question 19: What happens if I sell a product in violation of the CPSIA or other applicable laws? 12
More Information
13
Page
Guidance for Small Manufacturers, Importers, and Crafters of Children’s Products
Question 1: Who is considered a manufacturer? 3
Question 2: Am I affected? 3
Question 3: What is a children#39;s product? 3
Question 4: Do all children#39;s products require testing? What requirements do I need to meet? 4
Table A: Compliance and Testing Timetable 4
Question 5: For testing and certification that is now required, what do I need to do? 5
Question 6: Do I have to test every single product? 5
Question 7: When testing and certification is not yet required, what do I need to do? 6
Question 8: Are there exemptions/exclusions to meeting the lead content limits? 6
Question 9: What should I do if I learn that my product does not comply? 6
Table B: List of materials and components 7
Question 10: What are phthalates? 8
Question 11: What products are covered by the prohibition on the use of phthalates? 8
Question 12: Does the packaging of a product have to comply with the phthalates ban? 8
Question 13: Can I donate the children’s products that I make to local charities and hospitals? 9
Page 3
Guidance for Small Manufacturers, Importers
and Crafters of Children’s Products
Question 1: Who is considered to be a manufacturer?
Anyone who makes, produces or assembles a product is
considered to be a manufacturer. If what you make is sold or
donated, something as simple as adding ribbons to hair clips,
knitting hats, or stringing beads into necklaces makes you a
manufacturer. Under the law, importers are also considered to
be manufacturers and must meet the same requirements.
Question 2: I work part#amp;#8208;time in my home making clothes and toys for kids. Am I
affected by this law?
Yes, the law covers all manufacturers and importers #amp;#8208;#amp;#8208; large and small, domestic and
foreign. All businesses, includi |
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