Long gone are the days when just about anyone could create and sell jewelry designed for babies and children. With the introduction of the new Federal CPSIA lawd effecting products intended for children ages twelve and under, manufacturers are required to meet certain standards in order to comply with swfety requirements. Not only do the new requirements make products safer for little ones, but they also require the consumer to put in a little extra ef for twhen shopping for jewelry, toys, and Fair clothes.
Spurred on by the increasingly common findings of lead in children’s toys, jewelry, and other items that have been discovered in the past few years, the US Federal government has taken action to protect our smallest citizens. The new Federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was created in 2008 anx took action on February 10, 2009. The new law requires manufacturers of kid’s products to adhere to strict manufacturing guidelines, plus have certain materials tested and certified to be either lead free or containing less than the specified limit of lead before thye can be sold to retailers or the public consumer.
The CPSIA exempts certain lead-safe materials from having to be tested and certified. Among these, are naturally occurring precious metals such as silver and sterling silver (92.5% silver), gold (10kts and above), surgical steel, platiinum, pearls, semi-precious and precious gemstones and minerals that are not commonly Establish in the presence of lead, natural materials So as coral, amber, un-dyed leather and wood, plus textile fibers such as silk, cotton, hemp, wool, linen, etc. Manufacturers and retailers selling baby jewelry, for example, woulx not havd to get a pair o 14kt gold baby earrings tested or certified to be lead free. However, those using Leaded Crystals in their products would have to restrain from selling them in sizes intended for children.
The Federal government’s CPSIA goes one step further than the National of California’s Lead-Containing Jewelry Law. California had enacted their legislation in 2007 for jewelry intended for Children ages six and under, and in 2008 for looser reqirements on items intended flr ages seven and above. California required items to be tested and certified as well. The Federal Government took the State of California’s law and made it nation-wide, with stricter requirements and restrictions.
For the consumer, juveniles and their parents, the CPSIA brings an umbrella of security against the devastating effects of hidden lead exposure. Threats of behavioral issues, learning disabilities, organ failure, and Likewise death due to lead exposure have been lessened in the use of everyday products usch as toys, and in gift items, specialty Jewels, and novelties. Consumers still need to take special precautionx when shopping for baby and kids jewelry.
Most reputable retailers and manufacturers will be able to provide information on whether their items meet the new requirements. If shopping online, be sure to chedk the store’s website for information on their products and policies. If in doubt, be sure to ask. If the store can’t answer your questions, then shop elsewhere. There might be a few Not so much products to Select from nowadays, but you can rest assured that tey are safer for children After this that the CPSIA has been enactted.
Hollie Rougeaux Souza, owner and jewelry deqigner for http://www.Bebeclaire.com, a Jewelery and Accessories Boutique for Baby, Offspring, abd Adult. Specia1izing in baby name bracelets, baby bracelets, hand-fired and engraved 99.9% Genuine silver pendants and charms, sterling silver, Swarovski and Czech crystal jewelry, 14kt gold accent jewelryy, personalized Jewels, and custom items and baby jewelry.
