Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Over the next year, AHFA members will be working to satisfy the requirements of the recently passed Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), and AHFA will serve as a resource to assist you in complying. The first important deadline is November 12. Products manufactured after then must be accompanied by a General Conformity Assessment Certificate indicating that they comply with any applicable CPSC standards.

In addition, products must be third-party tested for compliance if they are intended or marketed for use by children 12 and under. The third-party testing requirement becomes effective December 22 for lead in paints and coatings used in children’s products. Third-party testing will be required after January 21, 2009 for the crib safety standards. After February 10, 2009, testing is required for lead contained in youth products, and for phthalates in items used by children 3 and under for use in sleeping. Third-party testing must take place beginning September 2009 for compliance with the bunk bed regulations.

There has been some confusion among manufacturers and importers about the difference between these two types of certification and about what products they apply to. These presentations will clarify these differences and relate the requirements to important categories of furnishings products.

Topics:
Product Safety Law and Furniture
VIEW WEBINAR / Download Podcast
Russ Batson, AHFA - (336) 884-5000 ext. 103

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act & Customs and Border Protection
VIEW WEBINAR / Download Podcast / Download Handout
Steve Bowie, Port Director
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security

CPSIA Overview Focusing on Section 102 - General Conformity Certificates / Mandatory Third Party Testing
VIEW WEBINAR / Download Podcast
Lauralee Soli, Business Development Executive
Specialized Technology Resources, Inc.

A Safety Dialogue
VIEW WEBINAR / Download Podcast
Mary Martha McNamara, Attorney
McNamara & L'Heureux, P.C.

Testing for Lead and Other Metals in Children's Products
VIEW WEBINAR / Download Podcast
VIEW DEMOS AND Q&A / Download Podcast
John Nikitas, Innov-X Systems