Playing By the Rules

There are also some rules that apply to all children's items, such as inclusion of a tracking label that must include the manufacturer's name, location and date of production, and other identifying information, such as the lot, purchase order, and item numbers. "Tracking label's functions really are to give you the ability to track back the place where it was made and the time it was made," Josh Kasteler, compliance manager for Gemline, Lawrence, Mass., said. "Some companies approach this differently, but it's important that the consumer has some ability to find a way to contact the manufacturer [or] the importer on record."

Additionally, children's products not only need a General Conformity Certificate (GCC), but also a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) from the manufacturer or importer. These documents show it is compliant to all applicable laws for that product. The actual certificate is viewed at customs when entering the U.S. and by any customer who wants to ensure a product's compliancy. "You want to work with a supplier that really has these documents available—not only knows what they are, but can easily give them [to you]," he said. "You can go on Gemline's website, put in your lot number on the tag and get the GCC automatically or have it sent to you. So you want to make sure your suppliers can do that."