Major Toy Manufacturer Exempted from CPSIA Rules

National toy safety recalls in 2007 helped create new lead safety laws, but recently the CPSC gave an exemption to the toy manufacturer actually involved in the 2007 recalls.

Los Alamitos, CA

Last year one of the nation’s largest toy manufacturers agreed to pay a $2.3 million dollar civil penalty for importing and selling toys with high lead levels. The settlement came as part of an agreement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

In early 2009 the CPSC had announced that “starting February 10, 2009, consumer products intended for children 12 and under cannot have more than 600 parts per million of lead in any accessible part. This new safety requirement is a key component of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) aimed at further reducing children’s exposure to lead.”

Recently that same toy manufacturer was given an exemption from the CPSC on the federal toy safety rules their company may have helped create in the first place. The law requires toy manufacturers to utilize independent third party testing to test for lead, lead paint, and other potential dangers. The toy manufacturer’s 2007 recall reportedly involved over two million toys.

According to the CPSC ruling the manufacturer has been given permission to use two of its own testing facilities to conduct what for other manufacturers requires them to utilize independent third party laboratories. Many consumer advocates are up in arms over the ruling and other toy manufacturers are still required to follow the law and use third party testers.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical, is a leading provider of lead testing in consumer products. “Last year the CPSC announced that EMSL Analytical had been recognized as an accredited laboratory to perform analyses for Lead Paint regulation at 16 CFR Part 1303, Lead Content in Children’s Metal Jewelry per test method CPSC-CH-E1001-08 and Phthalate Content per Test Method CPSC-CH-C1001,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical.

To learn more about lead testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail