In a statement, the SGMA alerted its members that November 12 is the first in a series of critical dates regarding the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The industry association  warned that non-compliance with the Act may put a company at risk for monetary and possible criminal violations. SGMA and its Legal Task Force are in communication with the CPSC and plan to attend all Commission meetings and hearings that pertain to issues affecting its members.


 


According the statement, the following are some of the most pressing deadlines and issues that you need to be aware of and address immediately.


 




  • On November 12, 2008 all products subject to the CPSIA bans and standards as well as subject to any similar rule, ban, standard or regulation under any other  Act enforced by the Commission, must be self-certified with a General Conformity Certification. 


  • The General Conformity Certificate must be based on a test of each product or upon a reasonable testing program.


  • Certificates must accompany each product or shipment of products covered by the same certificate. And, a copy of the certificate must be furnished to each and every distributor and retailer of the product.



  • If a General Conformity Certificate does not accompany each imported product or product shipment then all of your products shall be refused admission. Products refused admission can be destroyed!



  • The Commission warned that each company needs to go through a detailed analysis of its products to determine whether your products are subject to the CPSIA’s new self-certification requirements.


SGMA encouraged members to call SGMA or our Legal Task Force members for advice immediately. 


 



The group concluded, “This ALERT is merely a tip of the iceberg with respect to what SGMA members must do to comply with the CPSIA and its rolling dates over the next 2-3 years. To keep you well-informed SGMA’s Legal Task Force will have another conference call on October 27, 2008 to update you on the most pressing deadlines and issues involving the CPSIA and the up-to-date thinking of the Commission. Details regarding the call will be emailed shortly.”