SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 161.24, reporting on the US Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) final rule 16 CRF 1243. This consumer product safety standard aims to mitigate the risk of death and injury linked to infant support cushions, particularly where these are caused by suffocation, entrapment and fall hazards.
The new rule, which will become effective on May 5, 2025, includes the following definition of infant support cushions: ‘an infant product that is filled with or comprised of resilient material such as foam, fibrous batting, or granular material or with a gel, liquid, or gas, and which is marketed, designed, or intended to support an infant’s weight or any portion of an infant while reclining or in a supine, prone, or recumbent position. This definition includes any removable covers, or slipcovers, sold on or together with an infant support cushion.”
Included in 16 CFR 1243 are general and performance requirements, as well as marking, labeling and instructional literature requirements. It does not change the existing ban on infant cushions, 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(16), which is limited to products with loosely granular material such as polystyrene beads or pellets. The use of these products in infant cushions will remain illegal under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 161.24 includes a helpful list of 16 CFR 1243’s general requirements and a link to it on the Federal Register. Further information is also available on an update to 16 CFR 1130 and 16 CFR 1112, which contain related provisions.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 161.24 for more details.
SGS toys and juvenile product services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s toy and juvenile product services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US CPSC Issues Final Rule for Infant Support Cushions SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Piyush Shah
Technical Director (Hardlines)
Tel: +1 (973) 461-7953
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
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