CPSC Adopts Update to Toy Safety Standard, Prompting Criticism From Toy Association

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is updating its mandatory standards for toys to incorporate the latest revisions to the ASTM voluntary industry standard, it said in a final rule. CPSC adopted the new version nearly unchanged, except for a provision it did not adopt that exempts push/pull toys from certain maximum sound level requirements. The Toy Industry Association has criticized that “unprecedented” decision, which was “based on an error by staff” in their understanding of the provision, which the association said merely clarified an exemption that has existed since 2008. “The Toy Association is discussing potential next steps with members and legal counsel,” it said. CPSC’s direct final rule takes effect Feb. 28, 2018, unless comments in opposition received by Jan. 3 prompt the agency to withdraw the rule, CPSC said.

(Federal Register 12/04/17)