The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has posted on its website a sample certificate for the new General Certification of Conformity (GCC) requirement under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). The CPSC has also provided instructions for completion of the certificate as well as answers to frequently asked questions in reference to this requirement.

Under the CPSIA, the GCC is required for all consumer products – not only toys and children’s products -- manufactured on or after November 12, 2008, which are subject to an existing consumer product safety rule, standard or ban, including the following:

• The Federal Hazardous Substances Act;
  
• The Flammable Fabrics Act;
  
• The Consumer Product Safety Act;
  
• The Poison Prevention Packaging Act; and
  
• The Refrigerator Safety Act.
  

Some future rules, standards or bans which will require consumer products manufactured on or after their effective dates to comply with the GCC requirement include the following:

• New lead content limits, when phased in;
  
• New standards for durable infant and toddler products when adopted or upgraded by the CPSC;
  
• Portions of the ASTM Toy Standard when made mandatory or strengthened by the CPSC;
  
• Phthalates bans, both permanent and temporary (effective February 10, 2009);
  
• ATV standards when effective;
  
• Drain covers when required by the Pool and Spa Safety Act (effective December 19, 2008; and
  
• Requirements for portable gasoline containers under the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act (effective January 17, 2009).

Link to: CPSC sample GCC certificate, instructions and FAQ.

Link to: CPSC web page with latest information regarding CPSIA.

As a CPSC accredited lab, STR is poised to assist our clients in complying with the new requirements and standards under the CPSIA. Our hazard prevention program for toys includes comprehensive design evaluation, safety testing, audit, inspection as well as responsible sourcing services. For more information, contact us at info@STRQuality.com.

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