Toy Safety Plan Delayed Until 2008

December 2007

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Toy Industry Association have delayed the release of their highly anticipated toy safety guidelines from December 31, 2007 until February 1, 2008. The new rules are expected to toughen the current regulation standards and testing procedures for toys.

Currently, the CPSC lacks any ability to test toys before they go on sale to the public. They are restricted by federal laws that require toy manufacturers to test their own products for dangers such as poor design and hazardous chemicals. The new toy safety plan will set guidelines for testing toys during every stage of design and production, as well as during importation and distribution.

Earlier this year, over 25 million toys were recalled worldwide due to dangerous magnetic pieces and toxic lead ingredients. Mattel and Fisher-Price brand products were painted with lead paint at Chinese factories that disregarded the current safety guidelines provided by toy companies. Of all toys sold across the world, 85 percent are manufactured in China.