CPSIA Information - Tracking Labels
Tracking labels are permanent markings on children's products and their packaging used to provide information such as manufacturer name, manufacture date, production location, and lot number. The CPSIA requires all children's products manufactured on or after August 14, 2009 to bear a tracking label.
The CPSIA requires the following information to be included:
- Manufacturer or Private Labeler Name
- Production Location
- Production Date
- Cohort Information
- Batch Number
- Run Number
- Other Identifying Characteristics
Production Location
- Specific production location
- Country of origin is not sufficient
- This can be included in a code that would allow the manufacturer to distinguish where the product was manufactured without revealing the source to competitors
Production Date
- Date product was manufactured
- Can be coded
- Example yyyymmdd
- Questions about products containing multiple parts that were produced at different times
- NSF recommends using date product was packaged as the final production date
Cohort Information
- Should include batch or run number or other identifying characteristics
- Model number or item number, if applicable
- Many companies utilize lot numbers - these should be included
- Can be coded in the label as long as the manufacturer can use the information to track back to the factory and materials used for manufacture
Label Placement
- Label must be permanent
- Must be present on the product and packaging to the extent practicable
- "Permanent" meaning it cannot be removed through use and abuse tests when conducted in accordance with ASTM F963
ASTM Label Requirements
- ASTM F963 has additional labeling requirements for products which fall under the scope of the standard
- Age grading
- Safety labeling
- Instructional literature requirements
- Producer's markings
- Toy or package must be marked with the name and address of the producer or distributer
- Tracking labels can be
- Added to product molds
- Permanent decals
- Ink stamps
- Sewn-in tags
- Etched into product
- Painted on
- Permanent labels could be
- Branded onto product
- Sewn onto socks
- Added as a metal plate
- Written on with permanent marker
Example:
![[Sample Label]](/media/images/toy_label_example.gif)
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