Washington, D.C. – The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to delay by one year new regulations on lead and chemical content of children’s toys and products. This policy could prove overly burdensome to small businesses and non-profit retail stores, such as second-hand stores and church stores, which could be required to adhere to these CPSC regulations.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins believes that American children, regardless of their family’s income level, should have access to lead-free toys and other consumer items. But the regulations in question could have had unintended consequences that threaten to be overly burdensome to businesses such as thrift shops and to those who make handmade clothing and toys. For that reason, Senator Collins recently called on the CPSC to clarify these regulations.
"It is the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers to ensure that their products do not contain lead, or other hazardous materials. But regulations recently issued by the CPSC might have had unintended consequences that would have been harmful to thrift stores, church stores, small businesses, and individuals who make homemade crafts, clothing, and toys. While it is crucial for the CPSC to implement regulations to protect children from the hazards of lead, this delay will provide time for the Commission to provide more clarity to the American people," said Senator Collins, who is the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The regulation in question was slated to take effect February 10, 2009.
Please click here for more information from the CSPC (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.html).