toy makers fight for exemption

A new federal crack-down has some toy manufacturers up in arms. Originally, the Consumer Product Safety Act was put in place in 2008 in order to combat the influx of tainted children's toys manufactured, largely, in China. This led to the recall of some 45 million toys and other children's products. The new regulations put in place call for more safety testing and a reduction in the permitted amount of lead. So where's the problem? This Safety Act is extremely vague, making it unclear what exactly falls under the title of "children's product". For example, a pack of paperclips sold at an office supply store does not need to adhere to the guidelines, while paperclips that are packaged in a children's science kit must be tested for lead. The vagueness of the act has placed extra hardships - cost or otherwise - on smaller, independently operated toy makers. In a revised draft, released this month, the commission granted exemption to model train makers and several others.

NY Times article
handmade toy alliance