Are there any new CPSIA rulings which pertain to apparel?
A24: Yes. CPSC’s August 6 draft final rule on lead content limits in certain materials or products does essentially exempt fabric from lead testing. It advises that dyed or undyed textiles are materials whose lead content is consistently below the lead limits. Note that this exemption does not include leather, vinyl or PVC and also does not exempt apparel components such as buttons, zippers, snaps and other non-fabric attachments. While apparel textile materials may not require lead testing, all wearing apparel – children’s and adults’ – would still need to comply with the Flammable Fabrics Act regulations. And by next year, 2 years after enactment of the CPSIA, the CPSC must conduct a study on the use of formaldehyde in the manufacture of textile and apparel articles, so there may be US formaldehyde restrictions in the future.
