Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act - National Bankruptcy Day?

[Maureen]

Hi, saw this on the yahoo heatpress group concerning any items produced for children under 12, effective Feb. 10, 2009:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html

I am not sure of all the details, but evidently it is really impacting small businesses that create almost anything for children under 12, including clothing. I'm guessing it also applies to embroidery of bibs, baby blankets, stuffed animals, towels, kids' clothes, even the drawstring bags used by kids in school?

[levelbest]

Which item specifically relates to whatever the concen is on that page and what effects it?

[Judy]

It's the CPSIA -- first one. I did a quick skim, and found where it was talking about hard goods, such as cribs, toys...I didn't see a mention of clothing. BUT, I only skimmed.

[Judy]

OOPS -- they talked a lot about lead content in paint. Could that be the heatpress part?

[levelbest]

I cant imagine any ink used in heat presses has lead at this point. I am wondering if this is embellishing fire retardant things or something to that effect.

[Maureen]

I believe that everything has to be proven to be lab tested for lead and phthalates. What about vinyl? This also applies to people who sew their own things for sale like baby bibs or make children's toys. Even if they use cotton or wood, they are supposed to get lab testing done.

[Judy]

I'll check with my local small business development center. I found this on the web:
http://www.wileyrein.com/docs/publications/13763.pdf page 3 says consumer products for children under the age of 12, BUT I am not certain if clothing is a separate category or is included in consumer products. It really comes down to definitions and I don't know what they are!

[TinaK]

I got this link today as well which says it will effect anyone including clothing for children...

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/sav...from_the_cpsia

[Genie Zenowich]

I'm wondering if the solution is to get certifications from our vendors. The embroidery end of the business is just adding thread to the garment, so I would think that the importers would need certifications on the products they sell to us. Has anyone checked with their vendors, yet?

Genie Zenowich
Columbus Ohio

[signman]

Local news website just posted info about 'second hand stores' complaining about the new 'lead laws' in clothing-it is $360 or more PER ITEM that must be tested. Gov't had to clarify the law...it is directed (mainly at CHINA) at the MANUFACTURER, not end users or 'embellisher's like us. WE do not have to do the testing or anything-it is the clothing mill, the thread maker, the ink maker...THEY are responsible. This applies to all NEW items (I didn't catch the effective date) that are coming into the country, NOT anything already in the pipeline (on the shelves at Sanmar, for example.) Unless a test shows Kiddy Kat clothing (just an example) already has 'lead paint designs'-those can be banned, like kids toys last year...nothing already here would be affected.
So don't run around and panic...be assured any thread, ink, sequins, etc. will have to be tested BEFORE it is sold to us.
But you can tell your hubby to stop chewing on his fishline sinkers...LOL....

[Genie Zenowich]

SanMar has posted on their site that they will be posting certificates. I've emailed Melco Mart to see where they will be standing on this. The question isn't really if clothing is included. I believe it is for children under 12, the question is are we manufacturers when we embellish a product and does that mean we will need to issue certificates? Still looking for that one. It does clearly state that domestic manufacturers must issue certificates. Anyone

[signman]

It's for MANUFACTURERS...not us. YOU are not manufacturing anything-you are EMBELLISHING it.
As long as your THREAD (or ink if screening) has the certificate, you have nothing to worry about.
If YOU start sewing custom baby clothes, or ANY clothes-the law is for EVERYTHING but there are specific clauses about children's stuff...then you would have to get EVERY piece certified for $360 or something. But just because you 'embroider' on it does not make you a manufacturer.