What is CPSIA?

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is a law that regulates the safety of consumer products in the United States. It sets safety requirements for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, importers, and private labelers.

How Does the CPSIA Apply to Children’s Products?

The CPSIA includes specific requirements for children’s apparel subject to 16 C.F.R. part 1610 as well as requirements for products intended for children 12 years of age or younger:

• Lead in paint and similar surface coatings: Children’s products must not include more than .01% of total lead content in painted component parts such as zippers, snaps, buttons, or screen printed coatings.
• Total lead content: Children’s products must not include more than .01% of total lead content in accessible component parts, such as zippers, snaps, or buttons.
• Phthalates: The CPSIA restricts the use of toxic chemicals called phthalates to no more than .1% in any accessible component part.
• Third-party testing: The CPSIA requires testing for compliance to applicable safety rules by third-party CPSC-accredited laboratories.
• Certification: Manufacturers and importers of children’s products must include a Children’s Product Certificate that certifies compliance with safety standards when distributing products.
• Tracking labels: Children’s products must include distinguishing, permanent marks on products and packaging that give consumers information about the manufacturer and manufacture date, process, and location. For more information on CPSIA requirements for children’s products, visit cpsc.gov

Why Are Heavy Metals and Phthalates Bad?

Lead and phthalates are harmful to children because they can disrupt normal development by interfering with hormone systems, damaging nervous systems, impacting brain function, causing learning disabilities, and negatively affecting cognitive abilities, learning, and behavior.

Exposure to these toxins from things like graduation gown zipper pulls and grad cap tassel crowns make children particularly susceptible to negative effects because of their smaller body sizes, rapid growth rate, and tendency to put things in their mouths.

What Does This Mean For You?

It means you can shop for graduation products from our approved retailers with confidence and peace of mind.
Tip: If you are currently reusing your graduation apparel and accessories, check the label and consider switching to Happy Graduates to ensure that you’re purchasing products that are safe for your little grads.