CPSIA Children’s Product Certificate (CPC): A Practical Guide

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Issuing a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) is mandatory when importing or manufacturing toys and other children’s products in the United States. Doing so requires that you know how to correctly input information about the product, your company, and the CPSC accepted lab testing company that has tested your products.

In this guide, you will learn what to include in your CPC, while avoiding some of the more common mistakes we’ve encountered.

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RoHS Requirements in the United States: An Overview

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Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) sets restrictions on certain heavy metals and chemicals in electronic components. While the RoHS Directive is originally an EU Directive, many US states have implemented similar RoHS restrictions.

In this guide, we cover RoHS requirements in California, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, and other states.

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Plastic Product Regulations and Safety Standards in the United States

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Plastic Product Regulations United States

Plastic products and materials are subject to substance restrictions, labeling, certification, and lab testing requirements in the United States. That said, the specific requirements depend on factors such as product type, age group, and usage. Many US states also have their own regulations that apply to plastic products.

In this guide, we take a look at product compliance requirements applicable to plastic toys, kitchen appliances, packaging materials, electronic components, and more.

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List of Products Covered by the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA)

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Baby clothing

The Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA) sets flammability standards for certain textile products such as clothing, children’s sleepwear, and carpets. In this guide, we list several product types and categories covered by the FFA – and examples of related flammability standards. Continue reading List of Products Covered by the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA)

List of Products Covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act

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Safety helmet and goggles

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) sets safety standards and other compliance requirements for protective equipment. In this guide, we list several product categories covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) – including gloves, helmets, safety goggles, and much more. Continue reading List of Products Covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act

United States Product Recall Guide For Importers and Manufacturers

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defective wall plug

Unsafe and non-compliant products can be recalled as a result of consumer complaints, reported injury, or an investigation by certain government agencies. Sometimes, manufacturers and importers act on self-identified defects, quality issues, and hazards.

Product recalls can be extremely costly for importers or manufacturers – as the process may involve tracing and refunding consumers.

In this guide, we explain some of the more common causes of product recalls, and how the process works. We also include examples of recalls for children’s products, medical devices, and other product categories. Continue reading United States Product Recall Guide For Importers and Manufacturers

Product Safety Standards and Regulations in California: An Overview

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Product Safety Standards Regulations California

Selling products in California often requires compliance with additional safety standards, chemical restrictions, labeling, and testing requirements – in addition to those applicable in the United States as a whole.

In this guide, we introduce importers, manufacturers, and distributors to California product compliance requirements applicable to apparel, children’s products, electronics, furniture, packaging, and many other product categories.

Important: This article only serves as an introduction to safety requirements, substance restrictions, labeling, certification, and other compliance requirements in California. It is not a complete guide and is not kept up to date. Further, keep in mind that national product regulations (e.g. CPSIA) apply in all states. Continue reading Product Safety Standards and Regulations in California: An Overview

List of CPSIA Consulting Companies: Our Top 8 Picks

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CPSIA consultant companies

Ensuring The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliance requires a thorough understanding of safety standards, certification, lab testing, labeling, and small parts requirements. Rather than managing the CPSIA compliance on their own, many importers and manufacturers opt to work with professional consultants.

In this guide, we list consulting companies offering CPSIA compliance services in the United States.

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List of FCC Consulting Companies: Our 9 Top Pick

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FCC consultant

Ensuring compliance with FCC-related standards, labeling, testing, and certification requirements requires expertise that many importers and manufacturers don’t have in-house. As such, many businesses seek outside help – namely from consulting companies and other service providers specialized in the FCC compliance process.

In this guide, we list some of the leading firms offering such services – everything from SDoC and technical file creation to ‘design for compliance’ engineering and debugging services. Continue reading List of FCC Consulting Companies: Our 9 Top Pick

California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013): An Overview

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California Technical Bulletin 117-2013

California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 covers flammability requirements for upholstered furniture – such as couches, recliners, and cushions. In this guide, we explain the basics of lab testing, and labeling requirements.

Further, we also cover 16 CFR Part 1640 – Standard for the Flammability of Upholstered Furniture, which is based on TB 117-2013 and applicable to furniture importers and manufacturers in all US states. Continue reading California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013): An Overview