CPSC Sets Third-Party Testing Exemption for Engineered Wood Products in Children's Toys
The Consumer Product Safety Commission will 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 final rule. The agency determined 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.
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“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 final rule 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).
The determination only applies to engineered wood products specified in the final rule, and children's products, toys and child care articles made with other engineered wood products or that contain post-consumer wood must still be tested, CPSC said. To qualify for the testing exemption, the manufacturer or importer "must have a high degree of assurance that the product has not been adulterated or contaminated to an extent that would render it noncompliant," it said. The exemption is from testing only, and covered products must still meet standards for lead, ASTM F963 elements and specific phthalates content, CPSC said. The final rule takes effect July 23.
(Federal Register 06/22/18)