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There is an inseparable link between the importance of designing and manufacturing products to meet mandatory/voluntary standards and the need for conformity assessment. To verify the design and manufacturing process of a product, it is necessary to ensure that products have been evaluated and tested in accordance with the applicable voluntary (consensus) standards and/or mandatory safety regulations. CPSC staff, in cooperation with industry experts, has developed the following testing message for manufacturers, brand owners, importers, distributors and retailers. http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/intl/testmessage.pdf The conformity assessment procedures for products that must meet CPSC mandatory standards (e.g., fireworks and bicycle helmets) are included in the applicable mandatory standard. They consist predominately of the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity to the standard, which should be based on testing. For products not subject to CPSC mandatory standards, conformity assessment methods may be driven by other regulatory requirements (state and/or local), other safety standards, and certification. Many product types are not covered by mandatory standards and/or certification in the United States. For these products, CPSC is encouraging retailers and distributors to consider specifying testing to appropriate safety standards. |