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Ensuring the Industry’s Voice Is Heard
When issues of importance to the jewelry manufacturing industry arise in Washington and state capitals, MJSA keeps members informed. It also develops public positions that represent the industry’s interests, and ensures that those positions are heard by legislators and government officials.
MJSA retains legislative counsel in Washington, D.C., where John Satagaj tracks federal issues. It also works closely with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) on issues affecting all U.S. manufacturers. It is a member of NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations.
CPSC, Legislators Focus on Cadmium in Children’s Jewelry
Since January 2010, when the Associated Press found several U.S. retail outlets were selling mainly Chinese-made children’s jewelry with high cadmium levels, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and state and federal legislators have targeted the toxic metal’s use in jewelry manufacturing. Both the U.S. House and Senate have proposed legislation, as have several states, and the CPSC is looking into testing standards and protocols. Click here for more information.
In April, MJSA submitted written recommendations to the CPSC advocating the European standard EN 71-3, a globally accepted testing protocol that measures the amount of cadmium or other heavy metals that leach out of a jewelry sample over a specified period. Click here to read more.
CPSIA "Lead Law" Updates
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) sets federal lead standards for children’s products, including jewelry.
• Click here to read MJSA"s guide to compliance with the CPSIA and state laws regulating lead in jewelry.
• Click here to read about the exemption of precious metals and gemstones from the CPSIA requirements, or download the CPSC ruling (PDF document).
Recent Public Affairs
Issues in the News
More Legislation Introduced on Use of Toxic Metals in Children’s Jewelry (8/31/10)
MJSA Supports Removal of Indian Chain from GSP Program (7/20/10)
Two States Adopt Laws for Cadmium in Children’s Jewelry (6/21/10)
MJSA Recommends CPSC Adopt EN 71-3 Testing Protocol for Cadmium (5/12/10)
CPSC, Legislators Vow to Regulate Cadmium Levels in Children’s Jewelry (1/18/10)
MJSA Public Affairs Guides
To help jewelry makers, designers, and suppliers comply with current regulatory mandates, MJSA has compiled several online guides:
MJSA Guide to Cadmium in Jewelry
MJSA Guide to the Kimberley Process
MJSA Legislative Alerts
Click here to sign up for e-lerts on when urgent federal or state bills are up for a vote, when trade regulations are being reviewed, or when governmental agencies are requesting comments about key decisions.
MJSA members also receive special updates that provide the status of proposed state and federal laws, recent rulings on trade issues, and guidlines issued by federal agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and others.
Contact MJSA
Please let the association know about issues of concern to you and about your experiences contacting and obtaining assistance from legislators and regulatory agencies. E-mail MJSA or call 1-800-444-6572, ext. 3025.