Compliance with the tracking label requirement will help improve the effectiveness and response rates for future recalls. Where a component has been identified as the source of the hazard or violation, compliance with the requirement also will help the CPSC staff and companies in the chain of commerce to identify other products that may contain the same component.
What is the tracking label requirement for children's products?
Children's products that are designed or intended primarily for use by children 12 years of age or younger must have distinguishing permanent marks (generally referred to as “tracking labels”) that are affixed to the product and its packaging and that provide certain identifying information.
A tracking label must contain certain basic information, including:
- the name of the manufacturer or private labeler;
- the location and date of production of the product; and
- detailed information on the manufacturing process, such as a batch or run number, or other identifying characteristics.
All such information should be visible and legible.
Who is responsible for compliance with the tracking label requirement?
The U.S. manufacturer for products manufactured domestically and the importer for products manufactured overseas.
Where can I find the law?
You can find the law in section 14(a)(5) of the Consumer Product Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. §2063(a)(5) (CPSA). (The requirement was originally part of section 103 of Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) (Public Law 110-314).)
The Commission has also published a statement of policy on this requirement.
Where do I learn more?
This page serves as the primary resource for all information related to the tracking label requirement for children's products.
Resources
- Tracking Label FAQs
- Statement of Policy: Interpretation and Enforcement Of Section 103(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, July 20, 2009 [pdf]