CPSC Revises Lead Limits in Children’s Products

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has unveiled changes to the rules governing lead content in children’s products. Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, consumer products designed for children ages 12 and younger with a lead content of more than 100 parts per million are considered banned hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).

If the product in question has no measurable adverse effect on public health or safety, the regulations now provide for exception from the lead content limits under certain circumstances: If it’s not practicable or technologically feasible to make the product without infringing the limits, or if the product is not likely to be ingested, taking into account normal and reasonably foreseeable use.