Get Your Products Tested

For any questions regarding safety and testing for small parts, CTS recommends working with Misty Henry. She runs the makers resource shop. She is the best to go to for questions regarding compliance and to get your items tested.

There is a monthly fee to join the makers community.

What is the process for product safety compliance?

In short:

1. Register with the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov so that you can ask your suppliers if they've already had testing.

2. Buy from suppliers that can offer testing information/statements for Total Lead Content (metal, plastic, silicone), Lead in Paints/Surface Coatings (anything with a layer that can be scratched off), Phthalates (plastic, silicone), & Heavy Elements (metal, plastic, silicone).

3. Keep your receipts of everything you buy and have a way to track it all (what you bought, how much of it you bough, how much you spent, when you bought, where you bought - this all doubles for taxes too). I'm a personal fan of Paper + Spark (this is an affiliate link):

4. Design your products so they'll pass lab testing. Using a wood bead at the loop end of a pacifier leash means the bead can't go over the knot. Using a looped knot means the last bead can't slip off. Pulling on the clip end and the last bead to see if anything pulls off is good to do. Dropping wooden things to see if they break is good to do (like the teethers with wood rings on them)

5. Have your designs tested at a lab. Small Parts (toys and childcare items for children under 3y) and ASTM F963-17 (toys for children 0-12). (Fashion/Nursing necklaces do not need testing unless it is for children under 3y. Teething necklaces will fail the ASTM F963-17 requirement- don't call them "teething" necklaces)

6. Create your packaging with your name, website, made in City, ST USA of imported materials, date of making, unique batch code and proper use recommendations.

7. Create your Children's Product Certificate document which you'll do after you get your test results. This document tells us that your product complies with the regulations it has to follow and how it is complying with them through supplier statements, lab testing, personal testing, and exemptions from testing.

The nice thing is that you don't have to do this alone. I offer testing& children's product certificate write ups in my shop and the bundles for pacifier leashes and teethers comes with my digital book that walks you through the whole process.

I also have a private membership where I can work with you more personally through each step on your time. So instead of trying to rush through it all at once, you have the time and space to ask questions as they pop up and get a full response tailored to your needs.

Questions? You can message me at m.me/TheMakersResourceShop to see what offer would be best for you.

*If you are currently or ever have been a member, feel free to leave your thoughts on The Makers' Community!