Toys for Tots.

[dusty]

Has anyone been able to ascertain with a great deal of certainty that the rules set forth by CPSIA do in fact apply to grandpa and grandma who make toys that they give to the kids as gifts.

I have attempted to do research on this subject (and there are many links to chase) but I cannot find any indication that does not seem to apply only to manufacturers and retailers.

I guess the question is: If I make a wooden pull toy for Junior, have I just become a toy manufacturer?

[charlese]

Has anyone been able to ascertain with a great deal of certainty that the rules set forth by CPSIA do in fact apply to grandpa and grandma who make toys that they give to the kids as gifts....

Yes, I have ascertained with certainty - and Yes, CPSIA does apply to grandpa, grandma, and any others that make a toy (or other item) that will be used for children. The law and rules apply NOW!

A reference many of us can refer to, can be found on Page 84 of the September 2010 issue of WOOD Mag. (Issue 199)

The rules have been changed somewhat by the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission). So far they have found that all wood is non-toxic and therefore needs no testing. (funny finding, but I'll take it!) They have also ruled that all finishes are covered by the law, and will require third party testing.

However the CPSC has made an interim policy of "component testing". This means that if woodworkers can provide documentation from the suppliers of hardware, glue, finish, etc. their product has been tested and certified by third party labs to meed lead and phthalate (plastic softeners) then the toy/product is in compliance.

Documentation of finishes is needed today!!!! Glue will need to shown to be in compliance by Feb. 10, 2011.

The cars I'm now making are free of finish, and proof of lead free and phthalate glue is not needed until February. I still have faith that pressures from industries will convince CPSC to further hold off on their rules, of back off on the enforcement dates.

I have contacted Titebond and found, to my satiafaction, their glues to be in compliance with
CPSIA. Since my cars only contain solid wood and glue, I feel confident I will have no problems with the feds.

[dlbristol]

Thanks for a good info. I feel a bit better about things.

[swampgator]

All I have to check now is my paint. Thanks for all the updates. I always use clean wood to make toys. I would rather comply with this safety requirement than support them all their life because they became brain damaged as a result of some toxicity. Just mho! :cool:

[dlbristol]

I think you are right. How do you get the certification? Do you just contact the Mfg?

[charlese]

I think you are right. How do you get the certification? Do you just contact the Mfg?

That's what I figured is the only way to find out if they have done any testing and are lead and phthalate free.

Fortunately Titebond (Franklin International) is an easy phone call away, and they have always answered my questions about glue in a very friendly and quickly responsive manner. Unfortunately, I would have shared the letter re: Titebond glues, but the transmittal letter said not to share it's contents. One of those letters that say it is intended only for the specific named recipient. Anyway glue info is not needed until February and the CPSIA specs are still changing..

IMO, companies are not going to go to the expense of having their products tested unless there is a foreseen demand for their product in manufacture of items used by children. Paint companies may have a harder time getting around to this testing.