On 12 August 2011 the US President signed H.R.2715, the CPSIA Reform Bill, which becomes effective immediately.
The bill has significant implications for manufacturers and retailers in a number of areas including: lead limits, phthalates limits and third party testing.
Lead limits
- The 100ppm limit would only apply to children’s products manufactured on or after 14 August 2011. This means that products currently on the market may still be sold after 14 August 2011 even where the lead content is higher than 100pm, ie products that complied with the previous 300ppm limit. This will be welcome news for retailers who will no longer be required to remove products which complied to the 300ppm limit from sale.
- The lead limits for used children’s products are removed.
Phthalates Limit
- Phthalates limits would not apply to inaccessible component parts in children’s products, similar to the situation with lead.
Third party testing
- CPSC will be required to seek public comment on ways to try and reduce the burden and cost of third party testing. In addition, some exemptions will also apply for small batch producers.
BLC is a CPSC accredited laboratory (CPSC149) for lead testing and phthalates testing. For support on lead, phthalates and chemical testing please contact info@blcleathertech.com or call +44 (0) 1604 679999.
BLC members receive a 30% discount on testing.
Source: Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA).
