If You Use Any Paint on Children's Product You Must Test Your Handmade Products!
If your products are made for children 12 and under, they will need to be third-party tested if you use paint or a similar surface coating.
Can I Use a Home-Based or Commercial Lead Testing Kit to Test my Products?
No. "CPSC staff have determined that the kits are prone to give “false positive” or “false negative” results." You must use an approved third-party lab. (This could cost small business owners tends of thousands of dollars.)Small Parts Safety Issues
Products for children under 3 will need to be tested to the small parts standard if you create a product (such as a toy, puzzle or doll) that could break into small pieces when used, dropped or otherwise handled by a child.The CSPC advises, "Avoid making and donating children’s products with soft vinyl or plastic, buttons or zipper pulls, or metal jewelry or embellishment or other pieces that may exceed the lead or phthalates limits."
So if you make a purse with a zipper pull, or hat and embellish it with fabric paint, beads, or even ribbons, your product may need to be tested for small parts and for chemical safety standards.
Resellers and Thrift Stores Are Exempt
If you resell children's products on eBay or through a thrift store you may be exempt if you do not "knowingly" sell a contaminated item. The Act attempts to control manufacturers (those who make or import products) not those who resell them. Yeah, this makes little sense to me, too. It is not okay to sell certain items, but it may be okay to resell them!Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act Guidelines for Resellers of Children’s Products
Sources:
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumer Product Safety Act. February 10, 2009.
- Guide to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)for Small Businesses, Resellers, Crafters and Charities. February 10, 2009. (.pdf)
