CPSC Updates Lead Exemptions, Adjusts Phthalate Policy

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has expanded its list of exempted materials under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), including textiles. These products are excluded from the CPSIA’s testing and certification requirements. The exemptions only apply if the product has not been altered or the process has not been changed in a way that would introduce lead into the material or product. It is up to manufacturers and importers to test product that may have been altered or undergone process that would introduce lead.

In addressing the exemptions, the ruling states: “In general, textile materials and products do not contain lead and have not undergone any processing or treatment that imparts lead resulting in a total lead content that exceeds the CPSIA total lead limits.” Natural fibers, including plant based and animal, do not contain lead whether dyed or undyed. This includes but is not limited to cotton, linen, bamboo and hemp as well as silk, wool, alpaca and cashmere. Manufactured fibers are also exempt because they “are produced in controlled environments by process that do not use lead or incorporate lead at any time during their production, whether they are dyed or undyed.” These fibers include rayon, acetate, rubber, polyester and nylon. Dyes and pigments are also exempt if used on textiles. Pigments used in non-textile applications like decals, transfers and screenprinting are not excluded. Read the full ruling here.

The CPSC has also issued a statement of policy regarding phthalates, explaining it’s new position on component testing of plasticized parts. The document reads: “Testing component parts to the phthalates limits established in section 108 is more protective of human health and effectuates the intent of Congress to limit children’s exposure to phthalates.” The CPSC notes the benefits of the component testing would be better protection and lower testing costs for manufacturers. Read the testing method here.

In other CPSC news, the Senate has confirmed Anne Northup, a former Republican representative from Kentucky, and Robert Adler, former member of the Consumers Union board of directors and business and law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as CPSC commissioners last week. This rounds out the five commissioners the CPSC must have according to the CPSIA.

Read the August issue and learn more about: Behind the scenes of the upcoming spring season Recession-busting tips from veteran retailers A statistical analysis of the Canadian market Swim fashion Plus: The Little Steps Spring ’10 shoe supplement Coming In September: A Spring ’10 trend report A spotlight on new products bowing at ABC Kids Expo The top launches from the New York shows Catching up with the Kids In Distressed Situations charity Plus: Infant and toddler fashion