Children’s Books Requirements – Quality Control Regulations
Regulations and Requirements for Publishing Children's Books
When if comes to children's products and quality control, the category children’s books are defined ordinary books printed on cardboard or paper, with toners or inks, and bounded/finished using a conventional method that is intended to be read or has educational value. The definition of Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) children books would not include the following types of books In general, all accessible components of children's products must be tested to demonstrate compliance with the lead content limit of 100 parts per million (ppm). However, there is an exemption from total lead content testing requirements for “ordinary books” and “ordinary paper-based printed materials,” as defined in Pub. Law No. 112-28. As opposed to the definition of "children's books" we've already shared, ordinary paper-based printed materials are also printed on paper or cardboard, but aren't necessarily books. Examples include: This lead testing exemption for ordinary paper-based materials does not apply if the item: The Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) requires a list of applicable citations for the product being certified. The citation for total lead content in substrate materials is: 15 USC § 1278a. If you need this testing exemption, you will need to reference PL 112-28 and specify that if your product meets the definition of an ordinary book or ordinary paper-based printed material. Juvenile Product Manufacturers and importers of children’s products must certify compliance with applicable federal safety requirements in a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC). In most instances, testing by a third party CPSC-Approved Laboratory must serve as the basis for the production of your CPC. Here is a video series that may help you understand the CPC requirements Once you have created a CPC, it is not necessary to submit it or get it approved by the CPSC. If all of these conditions are satisfied, either send us an actual hard copy of the CPC or send us the CPC electronically, e.g., through the dedicated website URL specified on your invoice. (See these frequently asked questions (FAQs) for more information.) If you aren't manufacturing a large quantity, you may be except from certain requirements. The CPSC determines this on a case-by-case basis. To determine eligibility, check to see which group you fall under. “Group A” category requires testing at a CPSC-accepted test laboratory. In other words, registered small batch manufacturers must test their products for compliance with all “Group A” requirements, much like any other company. “Group B” category does not require testing at a CPSC-accepted test laboratory though you would still need to comply with any “Group B” requirement. If you have the tools and expertise to conduct “Group B” tests yourself, this is permitted. Small batch manufacturers may also rely on timely testing by their supplier or any laboratory (not necessarily a CPSC-accepted laboratory). Find a manufacturer who maintains updated written records that their product complies with general product safety requirements. More information about small batch manufacturing is available here or here. If you need a quality control services from third-party children's products testing, look for a CPSC-accepted laboratory. Juvenile Products Lab Testing is available worldwide. Get estimates from a few laboratories to compare recommendations. Manufacturers and importers must also ensure that their products are periodically tested in accordance with 16 CFR § 1107.21. The majority of children’s products will require annual testing. All children’s products must include permanent tracking info on the product and its packaging, to the extent practicable. Additional information is available here: business guidance page and by watching this short CPSC YouTube Video. (For additional guidance on what is considered a "children's product," please review CPSC staff's frequently asked questions.) Please Note: The CPSC does not require you to have your tracking label certified by a CPSC-accepted third party testing laboratory. It also does not require you to certify compliance with the tracking label requirement in your Children’s Product Certificate (CPC). In general, small parts are banned in toys and children's products under 3 years old. However, some articles are specifically exempt from CPSC mandatory requirements for small parts under 16 CFR § 1501.3 including, but not limited to, the following:Definition of Children's Books
CPSC Regulations and Requirements for Children's Books
Children's Product Certificate (CPC) for Books
CPC requirements for children's books
Small Batch Manufacturer Qualification for Children's Books Sellers
Group A Requirements
Group B Requirements
CPSC-Accepted Labs for Juvenile Products
Regulations for selling children's products for children 12 years and younger.
Small parts for children's products