CPSC Decision on Phthalates in Children’s Products

phthalates in children's products
Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a final ruling on the use of phthalates in children’s products, toys and articles, ruling that children’s products may not contain more than 0.1 percent of certain phthalate chemicals.

Last month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued its final ruling on the use of phthalates in children’s products, toys and articles. In a 3 to 2 vote, the commission ruled that children’s products may not contain more than 0.1 percent of certain phthalate chemicals including; diisononyl phthalate, di-n-pentyl phthalate, di-n-hexyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, and diisobutyl phthalate.

This ruling comes after the health effects of phthalates in children’s products were studied by a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP), who recommended the ban. Based on the report, the five phthalate chemicals, used to make soft and pliable plastics, were found to have negative health effects when ingested and more specifically, found to cause issues with male reproductive development.

This is not the first ban on phthalates in children’s products. In the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), congress banned children’s toys and child care articles from containing more than 0.1 percent of the phthalates; di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, and benzyl butyl phthalate.

The October 2017 ruling means there are now eight phthalates banned from being used to make children’s toys, clothing, or other child care articles in concentrations larger than 0.1 percent. Additionally, CPSC issued a NOR (notice of requirements) for accreditation of laboratories to test hildren’s products for the now prohibited phthalates.

CPSIA defines children’s toys as “products designed or intended by the manufacturer for play by a child 12 years of age or younger” and child care articles as “consumer products designed or intended by the manufacturer to facilitate sleep or the feeding of children age three and younger, or to help children with sucking or teething.” To learn more about the CPSC ruling, click here.

If you are a manufacturer or producer of children’s toys, articles, or other children’s products, and you need a laboratory to test your product for compliance with this new ruling, or for any other testing call us at 1-855-377-6821 or submit a test request on our website!

The following are test requests received by Contract Laboratory from companies needing children’s product testing:

  • Consumer Products Laboratory needed for wooden toy testing for issuance of a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), so products can be sold on Amazon.
  • Consumer products laboratory needed children’s product / toy testing for three different products: 1. fabric crinkle toy, 2. fabric blanket 3. 3-dimensional stuffed-toy cube made out of fabric and stuffed with poly-fill and bells
  • URGENT TESTING Consumer product safety laboratory needed for CPSIA toxicology and product safety testing of kids’ makeup.
  • CPSC Consumer Safety Laboratory needed for CPSC certification testing of children’s play mats to obtain a Children’s Product Certificate.
  • Consumer Products Safety Laboratory needed for safety certification testing on a new baby product apparatus to support a baby swing.
  • USA Consumer Product Safety Laboratory needed for BabyBed Safety Testing.
  • Consumer Laboratory needed to Test dummy chains to current European Standard DIN 12586, Artikel für Säuglinge und Kleinkinder – Schnullerhalter – Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren; Deutsche Fassung or (english) Child use and care articles – Soother holder – Safety requirements and test methods; German version EN 12586:2007
  • Company selecting textile products ( toy like) that require testing for the Canadian market There are 2 textile products that appeal to be used by children under 3 years old Also an infant textile bib with velcro. Testing includes Textile Flammability Regulations (SOR/2011-22) No flame retardant PBB Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 (SOR/2012-285) Toys Regulations (SOR/2011-17)
  • Consumer Products Laboratory needed for quality control testing of 5 natural organic baby products to ensure they are safe and effective. BabySoap, Bath & Massage Oil, Bug Spray, Bottom Mist, and Lotion Bar.
  • Canada laboratory needed for compliance safety testing of Baby Wooden Teether to comply with Canadian regulations
  • Children’s consumer product safety laboratory needed for testing pacifier clip to be tested for use and abuse test. It has silicone beads and want to ensure that it passes and know that the beads will not come off.
  • and many more!