Matheson Supports One-Year Stay of New Testing Rules for Some Children's Products
Press Release
Matheson Supports One-Year Stay of New Testing Rules for Some Children's Products
Congressman Jim Matheson said today he supports a decision by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to delay enforcement for certain testing requirements of products intended for children 12 years old and younger.
The requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) which added certification and testing requirements to avoid dangers posed by exposure to lead and other hazards by children.
"I support this decision. The lack of clear guidelines from CPSC for re-sellers of children's products caused confusion and concern for many small business owners. This delay should give everyone time to understand how the rules apply to them," said Matheson.
The 2-0 vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which take effect on Feb. 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importerslarge and smallof children's products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010 at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. They products they sell, including those in inventory on Feb. 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part.
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