Quality Requirements

For consumers, The Exchange defines quality in terms of fitness for use. If an item is not fit for use (that is, has an adverse impact on appearance, serviceability or sale ability), then it is not of acceptable quality. Fitness for use is determined by those features of the product which the user can recognize as beneficial, e.g., fit and appearance of a clothing item, clear reception of a station on a radio and TV, no missing parts in an item requiring an assembly, etc. This concept also relates well to ANSI / ASQ definition of quality, i.e. the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. For an organization which neither manufactures nor buys using its own specifications and from the consumers’ point of view, it makes sense to define quality in terms of fitness for use. Needless to say, safety is an integral aspect of fitness for use. If an item is not safe, it is not fit for use, therefore, it is not acceptable.

In addition to being "fit for use", products purchased by The Exchange must meet requirements of applicable standards and state and / or federal regulations. All electrical and gas fired items must carry a third party safety certification. Here is the listing of products and requirements they must meet to be considered for procurement by The Exchange.

Product Agency* Requirement
Cigarette Lighters ASTM F400
Cigarette Lighters ASTM F400
CPSC Title 16, CFR, Part 1210
Clothing
Care Labeling FTC Title 16, CFR, Part 423
Fiber Content Labeling FTC 15 USC 70, 15 USC 68, As Amended in 1984
Flammability General
Apparel
CPSC Title 16, CFR, Part 1610
Flammability Children
Sleepwear
CPSC Title 16, CFR, Parts 1615-1616
Electrical Products UL or its Equivalent Safety Certification
Health / Beauty Care FDA Applicable Requirements
Infant / Juvenile
Carriages & Strollers ASTM F833
Child Restraint Systems NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213
Cribs ASTM F966 and F1169
CPSC Title 16 CFR 1508/1509
High Chairs ASTM F404
Portable Hook-on Chairs ASTM F1235
Play Yards ASTM F406
Safety Gates ASTM F1004
Toy Chest ASTM F834
Walkers ASTM F977
Toys CPSC Title 16, CFR, Part 1500
ASTM F963
FCC 47 CFR part 15
Bicycles CPSC Title 16, CFR, part 1512
Bicycle Helmets ASTM F1447
Bunk Beds ASTM F1427
Home Playground Equipment ASTM F1148
Ladders UL or Equivalent Applicable Standards
Lawn Mowers CPSC Title 16, CFR, Part 1205
Motorcycle Helmets NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218
Precious Jewelry FTC Content & Labeling Requirements 16 CFR, Part 23
Subsistence Carrying Vessels FDA Heavy Metal Leaching Requirements (i.e. Lead & Cadmium) Compliance Policy Guidance 7117.05-.06 and .07
TV Receivers FDA Title 21, CFR, part 1010
Title 21, CFR, part 1020.10
Microwave Ovens FDA Title 21, CFR, part 1010
Title 21, CFR, part 1030.10

* Agencies

  • American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM)
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or its Equivalent
  • Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

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