CPSC Proposes Exemption of Unfinished Wood Toys for Lead Testing

CPSC Staff recently proposed a common-sense solution to the burden placed on small toy makers and retailers by the CPSIA lead ban.  They suggested exempting toys made from materials that inherently do not exceed the applicable lead limit.  This would include products made with natural materials such as unfinished wood toys.

The memo released by the CPSC Staff offers two exemption possibilities:

The Commission is considering a notice of proposed procedures and requirements that would allow manufacturers to request a formal determination by the CPSC Commission that a specific material or product does not and would not contain lead or exceed the lead content limits established by the CPSIA.

Additionally the procedures and requirements establish means for manufacturers to request that the Commission consider a regulation that would  exclude a specific product or material that exceeds the lead limits established by the CPSIA, but which would not result in the absorption of any lead in the human body, or result in any other adverse health impacts.

Now that solution is certainly headed in the right direction.  It’ll help lighten the burden on toy makers, as well as retailers of natural toys.