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If your company manufactures products beneficial to foot health, you may be interested in the CPMA Seal of Approval Program. Click here to find out more about the program and the companies and products already involved. The CPMA Seal of Approval Program recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health, and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment. The Seal is awarded to a product after the Seal of Approval Committee, a standing committee of the CPMA, scientifically evaluates and determines whether the product allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health. Program CriteriaThe following product categories may be considered for the CPMA Seal of Acceptance:
The CPMA Committee on Podiatric Materials and Equipment is comprised of a chairman and three members of the CPMA. The committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing materials and equipment that are used in the practice of podiatric medicine or that influence the foot health of the Canadian Public. The recommendations of this committee are made to the CPMA Board of Directors for final action and approval. Note: a $750.00 processing fee is required for each submission. What is the CPMA Seal of Acceptance/ApprovalThe CPMA Seal of Acceptance/Approval is a program that recognizes products deemed beneficial to foot health. The Seal of Acceptance evaluates footwear and other external products such as equipment, hosiery and materials. The Seal of Approval evaluates the use of therapeutic products. The Seal is awarded to a product after it has been recognized by the CPMA Seal of Acceptance/Approval Committee as a product that promotes quality foot health. What is the value of the Seal?The value of the Seal of Acceptance is providing information for podiatrists, their patients and the general public to help them make good decisions regarding foot health by identifying exceptional quality products that are manufactured with the consumer’s comfort and safety in mind. What process would a company go through to qualify for the Seal?.The company must submit an application for each product along with samples for the committee to evaluate. The application includes information about the original trade package items produced for market for each submission; required documentary evidence regarding composition, physical and chemical properties; evidence of safety and efficacy; quality control systems utilized by the manufacturer; all labeling, package inserts, advertising, and promotional materials; and objective data from clinical and/or laboratory studies that support any claims made about the product. How is a product evaluated?Each committee member conducts an evaluation of each product, although the evaluation process differs for each product category. For example, the overall scientific evaluation on each footwear product includes an assessment of adequate toe-box dimensions, lining material texture, seam friction, durability, flexibility, slip resistance, thickness, shock absorption of outsole, cushioning and removeability of insole materials, breathability and durability of upper, the type of shank and total ground contact, heel counter support, heel height and stability, comfort, size range and weight of shoe. Are products ever rejected? If so, why?Yes, some products are rejected. Products that lack documentation to substantiate claims, that are primarily cosmetic, that do not allow for normal foot function, or that do not promote good foot health would not qualify for the seal. How long is the Seal valid? Can it be renewed?The seal is awarded for a three-year period and can be renewed for additional three-year periods upon consideration of the CPMA and the manufacturer. |
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