New law re toys affects woodworkers

[Alex Franke]

FYI, just read about the CPSIA Act of 2008 on another forum. Apparently anyone making items intended for kids under 12 years old will have to supply 3rd party lead tests and labeling -- even if it's a natural wood toy.

I haven't gone through it all yet, but here's the link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf

I'm told it takes affect on Feb 10, and that "Etsy.com and others are working to mobilize craft folks to contact Congress and get try to get changes made." Applies to products manufactured on or after August 14, 2009.

Thanks to Makinsawdust on NC Woodworkers for the tip... More details here in his thread.

Please, let's stick to facts here and keep politics out of this conversation

[ejs1097]

According to section 102, the way I read this is that it only effects products that have been imported. I'm not a lawyer but to me it sounds like craft people, etc making items in the U.S. do not have to have their products tested.

‘‘(1) GENERAL CONFORMITY CERTIFICATION.—Except as provided
in paragraphs (2) and (3), every manufacturer of a product
which is subject to a consumer product safety rule under this
Act or similar rule, ban, standard, or regulation under any
other Act enforced by the Commission and which is imported
for consumption or warehousing or distributed in commerce
(and the private labeler of such product if such product bears
a private label) shall issue a certificate which—"

[radhak]

so when are you surrendering (recalling) the sword/shield you made for your son?

[Alex Franke]

Hmm... Legalese annoys me -- I read it like this:

...every manufacturer of a product. . . .which is
(1) imported for consumption or warehousing
(2) or distributed in commerce. . . .
shall issue a certificate which...

so when are you surrendering (recalling) the sword/shield you made for your son?

I know -- I'm doomed! I knew I should not have used so much lead in that thing!

[jackellis]

I didn't read the law in detail but it clearly applies to manufacturers and absent a narrow definition of manufacturer, that means hobbyists and professional woodworkers as well as firms that make stuff.

On the one hand, I think they've gone too far. On the other, loopholes tend to be exploited. I think, though, that reason will prevail and the law will be amended before it is passed. Also, most regulatory agencies have a lot of discretion in how the write the detailed rules. So long as you don't use finishes with lead in them or lead foil, I think you'll be OK.

Sludge from coal plants is a bigger health risk