Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Association Briefs CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum on New International Children's Jewelry Safety Standard

WICKFORD, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Association (FJATA) Executive Director Brent Cleaveland, who also chairs the ASTM F 15.24 Subcommittee on Children's Jewelry, issued the following statement on today's meeting between FJATA representatives and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum:

“FJATA representatives today briefed Chairman Tenenbaum on FJATA's successful effort to adopt the first national Children's Jewelry Safety Standard through ASTM International (ASTM F2923-11). During the meeting, Chairman Tenenbaum congratulated FJATA representatives for a “strong voluntary standard” and expressed support for the industry's efforts. The Chairman stated that she plans to raise awareness about the standard throughout the United States and around the world, including promoting the new standard in speeches, Congressional testimony and via social media.

In developing the international children's jewelry safety standard, FJATA accepted CPSC's charge that we consider the agency's scientific findings in developing a national standard. The final Children's Jewelry Safety Standard addresses cadmium, lead, surface coatings, nickel migration, magnets, batteries and strangulation, and incorporates technical research from CPSC concerning the migration of cadmium from plastic and metal components of jewelry. The standard is science-based and designed to be health-protective based on exposure limits recommended by CPSC staff.

Because even minor differences in regulations, standards or test methodologies can have a major negative impact on the market, reducing choice and leading to consumer confusion, FJATA is reaching out to CPSC, Health Canada, China's AQSIQ and other partners to promote global compliance throughout the supply chain to enhance consumer safety. Health Canada, in a recent meeting with us, expressed their appreciation for the strong technical work supporting the ASTM F2923-11 cadmium requirements, and agreed that harmonization of the North American marketplace to effective standards is a key goal.

In response to an invitation extended by FJATA, Chairman Tenenbaum expressed interest in CPSC's participation in a meeting this spring in China to educate Chinese suppliers on the new standard, emphasizing the close cooperation CPSC enjoys with international safety regulators like China's AQSIQ. In the U.S., FJATA will seek to educate state legislatures regarding this national standard and on CPSC's support, and urge elected officials to avoid a patchwork of state regulations that will confuse consumers and increase costs for small businesses.

Industry participants in today's meeting with Chairman Tenenbaum included Jim Heagney, FJATA President and Director of Operations at K&M Associates; Brent Cleaveland, FJATA Executive Director; Anthony DeGeorge, Director of Quality & Assurance, FAF Inc.; Roger Ducharme, Quality Control Manager, Tanya Creations Inc.; and, Robert Headley, COO of the Jewelers of America. FJATA, its members, and the entire jewelry industry looks forward to continuing and expanding our cooperative efforts with CPSC to promote children's safety.”

The Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association (FJATA) is based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The Association represents producers, suppliers and retailers of fashion jewelry. Its 200+ members strongly support safe jewelry for all consumers and advocate the adoption of risk-based standards that assure safety and maintain business competitiveness.