What about that new lead law?
Remember the lead-paint scare back in 2007 about toys made in China? Well, Congress' response was to pass very strict and sweeping legislature regarding the safety of children's toys. The bill, called the Consumer Product Safety Information Act or CPSIA, went into effect February 10th of this year.
The standards of this legislature are the highest in the world. While there has been much discussion about implementation and enforcement, we are pleased that our government has taken the lead to ensure that the materials used in products for children are carefully considered and tested. In the long term, this is a very positive step.
At The Red Hen we are fully complying with the recommendations for resellers issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding CPSIA. Among other things, this means we will not accept painted wooden or metal toys unless it is clear that the products have been tested and are safe. Checking for recalls has always been our practice and we receive email notification of all recalled children's products.
Here is the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website.
And here is their information page about CPSIA.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
This legislation has good intentions, but given that it is so sweeping has had some unintended consequences. I am glad to hear that you are still taking donations! I went to PTA to donate toys (Fisher Price, plastic stuff), and they have stopped taking ALL childrens and baby toys! They also warned against clothing with sequins (among other things) as being at potential higher risk of containing lead. It has definitely increased my awareness of this issue!
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