At the Baby Safety Alliance, we believe regulatory frameworks should ensure the safety of baby and children’s products without undermining the ability of manufacturers to deliver affordable and accessible solutions for families. We are committed to advocating for clear, science-based policies that improve safety outcomes, promote innovation, and support a thriving juvenile products industry.

The Alliance actively engages with both federal and state governments—including Congress, regulatory agencies, and executive branch departments—to influence policy, shape regulatory direction, and ensure industry voices are heard. By participating in rulemakings, submitting public comments, and collaborating with stakeholders, we help guide practical solutions that benefit children and families.

Federal Regulations

CPSIA

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), enacted in 2008, is the most significant federal law affecting children’s product safety. It expanded the regulatory authority of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and created new mandates for testing, certification, labeling, and record-keeping. Its goal is to ensure children’s products meet rigorous safety standards before reaching consumers.

Key Elements of CPSIA:

1. Compliance with all applicable children’s product safety rules,
   
   

2. Mandatory testing by a CPSC-accredited third-party lab (unless exempt),
   
   

3. Children’s Product Certificates documenting compliance,
   
   

4. Tracking information on products and packaging when practicable,
   
   

5. General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) for non-children’s products subject to rules enforced by CPSC,

6. Product Registration Cards and applicable tracking mechanisms in place.

One of CPSIA’s pivotal components, Section 104, authorizes CPSC to develop mandatory standards for specific durable infant and toddler products. These rules are designed to standardize safety across common product types. Click here to view the schedule of upcoming Notice of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRs) as well as information on those that are already complete.

H.R. 2715, passed in 2011, amended CPSIA to address concerns about third-party testing burdens, lead content exceptions, and small batch manufacturer compliance.

CPSC Resources:

• Regulated Products Handbook: Offers guidance for industry on preventing, identifying, and responding to violations.
  
  

• Recall Handbook: Explains legal responsibilities related to consumer product recalls.
  
  

• Small Business Ombudsman: Helps smaller companies navigate regulatory requirements.
  
  

These resources promote a “safety by design” approach to product development, encouraging a systems-based process that anticipates and prevents risk throughout the product lifecycle.

Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA)

The FHSA mandates that hazardous household products carry precautionary labeling to inform safe use and immediate first aid. If a hazard cannot be adequately addressed through labeling alone, CPSC has the authority to ban the product outright.

This law is especially relevant for products that may contain toxic materials or pose chemical risks to children and families.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NHTSA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, regulates Child Restraint Systems (CRS) and other vehicle-related child safety devices. It is responsible for developing and enforcing federal standards governing the performance, installation, and labeling of these products.

State and Local Regulations

While federal laws set baseline requirements, state and local governments frequently pursue legislation aimed at addressing localized concerns, emerging risks, or perceived gaps in federal oversight. These efforts may be driven by individual incidents, environmental conditions, or advocacy campaigns.

The Baby Safety Alliance actively tracks and engages with state and local legislation across the country. Each year, the Alliance monitors and responds to more than 100 bills in dozens of states, ensuring that any new laws support both child safety and regulatory clarity for industry stakeholders.

Common State-Level Regulatory Topics:

• Chemical safety and ingredient disclosures,
  
  

• Labeling requirements unique to a region,
  
  

• Mandatory reporting of potentially hazardous substances,
  
  

• State-specific testing or certification protocols,
  
  

• Adoption or expansion of CPSIA Section 104 rules.
  
  

As part of the regulatory process, stakeholders—including industry, consumer groups, and the public—are encouraged to submit comments when legislation or regulatory changes are proposed. The Alliance consistently uses this opportunity to advocate for sound policy grounded in evidence, safety science, and practicality. Records of our most recent public comments are available here.

Our Role in the Regulatory Landscape

The Baby Safety Alliance’s approach to regulation is proactive, collaborative, and transparent. We serve as a central voice for the juvenile products industry and a trusted resource for policymakers and regulators. Our goals are to:

• Ensure regulatory efforts prioritize real-world safety without creating unnecessary burdens,
  
  

• Facilitate compliance through education, guidance, and access to critical information,
  
  

• Promote consistency between federal, state, and local rules to reduce confusion for manufacturers and consumers alike,
  
  

• Keep products accessible and affordable for families without compromising safety.
  
  

If you have questions about current regulations, or wish to discuss how they may affect your business or products, please contact our Government Affairs team at info@babysafetyalliance.org.