CPSC Begins Educating Toy Makers and Crafters Ahead of Testing Enforcement

To publicize a new rule beginning next year that manufacturers of children’s toys will have to certify that their products have been tested by an authorized third-party laboratory, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is launching a three-step education campaign.

Aiming to educate toy makers, and small businesses and individual craftspeople in particular, the CPSC first plans to launch an advertising campaign in general interest and trade publications that will be accompanied by a social media campaign. The second phase of the CPSC’s efforts includes publishing a detailed list of FAQs to help stakeholders ensure they are in compliance with the new rules, and the third stage includes placing CPSC staff at trade shows and industry events to deliver presentations about the new rules.

After a unanimous vote in July, the CPSC will require the certification of third-party testing agents to evaluate children’s toys for harmful materials or potential dangerous features, such as small parts that can become detached from the toy and injure a child. The agency is set to begin enforcing the new rules for toys manufactured after Dec. 31, 2011.