JA Offers Guidance on Lead Law

Jewelers of America said it has prepared a new guidance document to help members understand the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a law that regulates the amount of lead content allowed in children’s products, including jewelry and other related items.

CPSIA became effective Feb. 10 and impacts products that are designed or intended primarily for children 12 or younger. Under the new law, the legal limit for lead content in metal components of children’s jewelry and other products (such as baby rattles) is 600 parts per million. That number will drop to 300 ppm on Aug. 14.

While precious metals and alloys used in children’s precious metal jewelry are lead-free, the new law could impact plated children’s jewelry made with base metals including lead, since paint coatings or electroplating are not considered an effective lead barrier under the new law, JA said. Retailers could be liable for selling children’s jewelry or other products over the required lead limit, even if they obtained them before the new law went into effect.

JA is advising members to consult with suppliers to make sure their current inventory of children’s jewelry and other items marketed toward children are within the new legal lead content limits. If they are unable to obtain assurance, jewelers are advised to consult with their own attorneys on whether or not to remove items from their shelves, based on the new regulations.

Where to Go For Guidance
Manufacturers and direct importers of children’s jewelry must provide proof of lead content testing and certification (from an accredited third-party laboratory) after March 20. A current list of accredited laboratories can be found at: www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/labapplist.aspx.

Jewelers of America members can view the association’s guidance on the new lead in children’s jewelry regulations, by logging into the “Members Only” area of the JA Web site

For more information, see the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Guidance on the CPSIA for Small Businesses, Resellers, Crafters and Charities: www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.html.

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