The U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) has released guidance to help industry stakeholders understand the current regulatory requirements for products that are in high demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current health crisis means a wide range of products are not only in high demand but are also being consumed beyond their typical usage. Product types included in the guidance include:
- Face coverings
- Face shields
- Gowns
- Gloves
- Disinfectants and cleaning products
The document covers regulatory requirements relating to flammability – the CPSC classifies face coverings, gowns and gloves as “articles of wearing apparel” and so they must comply with the requirements in the ‘Flammable Fabrics Act’. SGS lists the exemptions in SafeGuard 171/20.
It also covers the requirements relating to children’s products (12 and under) – face coverings, gowns and gloves must also comply with the labeling, testing and certification requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). They must meet the following requirements:
- Bear permanent tracking information
- Total lead content limits (unless material exempted by 16 CFR 1500.91(d)(7)(i)
- Lead in paint/similar surface coating limits
For face shields:
- Non-medical use – subject to CPSC requirements
- Children’s product – CPSIA requirements
- Medical use – under the jurisdiction of the U.S. FDA
Finally, for disinfectant and cleaning products, the guidance notes that these come under a variety of agency jurisdictions, depending on the product. In addition, certain household products must have child-safe packaging, as per the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA).
For more information on the stipulations relating to the requirements regarding testing laboratories, certification, and the agency jurisdiction for certain disinfectant and cleaning products, read SGS SafeGuard 171/20.
SGS Medical PPE Services
SGS offers a full range of services to help manufacturers and suppliers of medical PPE deliver high quality, safe, and compliant products to markets around the world. Learn more about SGS Medical PPE Services.
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For further information contact:
Matthew McGarrity
Senior Technical Manager
Tel: +1 (973) 461 1505
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Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
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