CPSC Proposes Third-Party Testing Exemption for Engineered Wood Products in Children's Toys

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is proposing to exempt from third-party testing requirements certain untreated and unfinished engineered wood products (EWPs) used in children’s products, toys and child care articles, it said in a proposed rule. The agency proposes to determine that particleboard, hardwood plywood and medium-density fiberboard, made from virgin wood or pre-consumer waste wood, would not contain lead, elements identified in the industry standard ASTM F963, or specified phthalates that exceed the limits set forth under the CPSC’s children’s product safety standards. “Based on these proposed determinations, the specified EWPs would not be required to have third party testing for compliance with the requirements for lead, ASTM F963 elements, or phthalates for children’s products, children’s toys, and child care articles,” CPSC said. The proposal comes as part of the commission’s effort to reduce third-party testing costs for industry, which recently resulted in testing exemptions for certain plastics in children’s products (see 1708290014). Comments are due Dec. 27.