Leveraging Your NSF Certification: Now that you've received NSF Certification ... why not leverage the Mark to your advantage.
What is the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)?
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is a public law signed by President Bush on August 14th, 2008. The legislation places regulations on children's toys and child care articles sold in the U.S.
What toy testing is required by the CPSIA?
The CPSIA references ASTM F963-08 as the safety standard for toys. Currently, the act also contains requirements for the levels of lead in paint and other surface coatings, standards for cribs and pacifiers, a ban on small parts, and regulated limits of lead contents in metal components of children's jewelry. For more information on how this affects your products, please contact NSF.
If my toys are approved to sell in the U.S., can I sell them in other countries as well?
In most cases, each country has its own regulations. For companies distributing toys to multiple markets, this can present a challenge. By working with your NSF project manager, we can identify which international regulations your products must comply with based on where your products will be distributed. Your NSF project manager will work closely with you to ensure compliance.
What happens if my toys fail testing?
Your NSF project manager will work with you to arrange for re-testing of your product. Depending on the failure, some design changes may be necessary to meet the requirements.
How frequently do my toys need to be tested?
The CPSC recommends conducting third-party testing at least on an annual basis. If a material change is made (any change to the materials in the product, the design, the manufacturing methods used, the component sourcing or the production location) re-testing some or all aspects of the product may be necessary. Your NSF project manager will work with you to ensure compliance while keeping costs to a minimum.
Is testing mandatory to sell my toys in the U.S.?
The CPSIA contains third-party testing requirements for any children's product that is subject to a children's product safety rule. The dates for products to comply with this requirement are outlined in the legislation. Please contact your NSF project manager to discuss what testing is necessary for your products.
What label warnings are appropriate for my toys?
Each standard has its own labeling requirements, which vary by toy type and age grade. Discuss with your project manager what requirements apply to your toys.
How much does NSF charge for these services?
Pricing is dependent on the type of toys or products submitted, as well as the number of samples and the standards to which testing is requested. Your project manager will be happy to provide you with a detailed quote prior to submitting samples to NSF.
How long does testing take?
NSF International offers a 5-7 business day turn around time from the date samples and a signed quote for testing arrive. NSF offers rush services as well. Your project manager will gladly work with you to understand your product and your project priority level.
Will a testing report count as my General Conformity Certificate?
No, the General Conformity Certificate (GCC) is a self certification by the manufacturer or domestic importer that the product complies with all applicable CPSC enforced standards, laws, rules, and regulations. A laboratory report is the basis of the GCC. As such, the testing report provided by NSF can not serve as a GCC. To assist our clients, NSF will provide a GCC template which indicates all necessary information to be included on the GCC when the manufacturer is ready to self certify.
I make children's products. Do I need to have a reasonable testing program?
No, the Reasonable Testing Program (RTP) is a specification for non-children's consumer products. Though a RTP is not necessary, the GCC issued by the manufacturer must be based on submission of a sufficient number of samples to a third-party conformity assessment body for testing to support the certification. The testing for certification demonstrates the ability of the final product to meet all applicable children's product safety rules. NSF is an accredited, CPSC approved third-party conformity assessment body which can guide you through your testing needs and provide testing services, as needed.
How do I contact NSF with toy safety questions?
We would love to hear from you! Please use the contact information below:
Toy Testing Program
Attn: Steve Gianaris
NSF International
789 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140
Email: playsafer@nsf.org
Toll Free (USA) 800-NSF-MARK (800-673-6275), or (847) 623-3072 direct