CPSIA Periodic Testing:
On February 8, 2013, periodic testing will be required for all the children’s required safety regulations, even if there is no material change to the product. Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the three types of third party testing that are required include: 1. Initial third party testing, 2. Material change testing, 3. Periodic Testing. Most manufacturers are aware of the first two items and have implemented testing plans under these two conditions. However, the third item is one which most are still in the process of determining how to achieve periodic testing. The testing must be conducted routinely to ensure products remain in compliance with applicable safety rules. Depending upon the product, manufacturers/importers may implement a 1-, 2-, or 3-year plan. To review the final rule, 16 CFR Part 1107, please visit the following CPSC website:http://www.cpsc.gov/en/business–manufacturing/testing-certification/third-party-testing/faqs-certification-and-third-party-testing/
Bisphenol-S:
Recent studies indicate some plastic manufacturers are substituting Bisphenol-S (BPS) for Bisphenol-A (BPA). This is potentially a case of switching one bad chemical for another. More research is needed on BPS; however, initial findings reveal that BPS could possibly be more dangerous than BPA. BPS appears to be more resistant to change when subjected to heat and less biodegradable. Although labels may state a plastic product is “BPA Free”, there may in fact be other forms of Bisphenol, such as the BPS in products. Currently, a number of states regulate BPA in items such as baby bottles and sippy cups. As for BPS, some retailers are just beginning to place testing requirements on their vendors manufacturing plastic products, but at this time there is no federal/state regulation regarding the use of BPS.
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH):
On December 19, 2012 the European Chemical Agency added 54 chemicals to the “Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern for Authorization”; the list now includes a total of 138 chemicals. To review the entire list of chemicals, click on the following link: http://echa.europa.eu/
WA State Children's Safe Product Act:
Under the Children’s Safe Product Act for Washington State, the 2nd reporting cycle ends February 28, 2013. This is applicable to “largest manufacturers” for “tier two” products and also “larger manufacturers” for “tier one” products. For more information, please click on the following link: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=173-334-110. Additionally, the Department of Ecology is looking to evaluate the addition of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) (CAS # 13674-87-8) to the list of reporting chemicals.
Applied Technical Services (ATS) is a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) accredited lab testing consumer products, which includes toys, childcare articles, children’s products, and non-children’s products for compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Since 1967 we have partnered with our customers to help meet consumer expectations, as well as all safety, regulatory, quality, and performance standards. As a compliance testing partner, we support our customers in establishing a reasonable testing and certification program. Our staff is highly knowledgeable with current compliance regulations, and can provide you with rapid response and quick testing turnaround times. Our ISO 9001 certification and ISO 17025 (A2LA) accredited quality assurance programs meets the most stringent industry requirements.