CPSIA Update

Thank you to Sandie from Crafty Corral for posting updated information about the CPSIA. With an August deadline for testing approaching, charitable crafters can breath a sigh of relief. The updated guidelines allow for untreated fiber crafts for children to be donated to charitable groups with no testing required.

(updated 7-17-09) As Rita points out in the comments below - these guidelines are not law and have not been finalized - "This information was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and many not necessarily reflect the views of, the Commission. It may be subject to change based on Commission action."

I donate the children’s products that I make to local charities and hospitals. Can I continue to send them my handmade donations?

Yes, you can make and donate children’s products to local charities and hospitals, if they are made of exempted materials or materials that you feel confident do not contain lead (see Table B). Children’s products made of yarn, dyed or undyed fabrics and natural materials such as untreated wood or cotton do not contain lead at levels sufficient to exceed the new lead limits.

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. 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.

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.

The complete guidelines can be found here.

To ensure that Marine Corps Kids is compliant with the proposed CPSIA requirements, please refrain from including any metal or plastic embellishments or beads, metallic threads or yarns, and/or painted surfaces when making items for donation. In lieu of buttons, thread or ribbon closures or knotted "yarn buttons" may be used.

My continued thanks go out to all of our MCK donors who continue to support our military families through their generous contributions!