TÜV SÜD addresses CPSIA impact on textile, clothing and footwear industry

TÜV SÜD addresses CPSIA impact on textile, clothing and footwear industry

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), enacted by U.S. Congress in August 2008, sets out new compliance, testing and certification requirements for children’s products that presents a range of new challenges for the Softlines (textile, clothing and footwear) industry.

In line with the Act, TÜV SÜD laboratories in Bangalore, Hong Kong, Singapore and Munich have received accreditation by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to carry out lead paint testing on children’s products under 16 C.F.R. Part 1303 of the CPSIA. TÜV SÜD currently conducts seminars and trainings in various Asia Pacific locations to help manufacturers, importers and retailers cope with and understand the implications on their operations.

CPSIA includes limits on lead and phthalates in children’s products, certification requirements and mandatory toy standards and third-party testing. Currently, affected companies will benefit from a one year stay of enforcement, till 10 February 2010, for certain testing and certification requirements.

A regular technical e-update, Softlines E-ssentials, has been launched to deliver concise information on relevant regulations and standards. It includes practical advice to ensure that the operation is in compliance with current and future safety, quality and environmental requirements and legislation.

For further information about CPSIA and other regulations and standards affecting the Softlines industry, contact our Softlines expert at softlines@tuev-sued.com. To subscribe to and download the latest issue of Softlines E-ssentials, click here .

Contact: Liz Fendt