The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved new third-party testing rules for domestic manufacturers and importers of all children’s products, including children’s jewelry. Overseas jewelry buyers supplying rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets for children under 12 should prepare for mandatory testing and certification by January 2013, ensuring compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
New Testing Requirements
Domestic manufacturers and importers of all children’s products must now test and certify that their products meet applicable safety standards. This includes initial testing already required for items like children’s metal jewelry, cribs, pacifiers, and products with small parts or paint. The new rules extend beyond initial testing, requiring periodic retesting to maintain compliance.
Compliance Timeline
The testing and certification requirements will take effect 15 months after publication in the Federal Register, expected around January 2013. Firms must also maintain records of testing and certification. This timeline gives importers and distributors a window to adjust sourcing and quality control processes for children’s jewelry lines.
What Buyers Should Watch
Jewelry buyers importing children’s products—such as sterling silver, stainless steel, or gold-plated brass rings, earrings, and necklaces—should ensure their suppliers have third-party testing protocols in place. The CPSC also seeks public comment on reducing testing costs, which could affect pricing and compliance strategies for private-label brands and trading companies.
Regulatory Context
In a related action, the Commission voted 5-0 to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on selecting representative samples for testing. CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum and Commissioners noted over 10,000 consumer letters supporting the rules. This signals strong enforcement focus, making compliance critical for jewelry supply-chain participants.
Source: Read the original report | Published: November 09, 2011