Shops could feel sting of new toy safety law
Some vendors worry about the expense of testing for lead

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BY JENNIFER PALMER

Published: January 8, 2009

Wooden toys like these could be removed from store shelves under new toy safety regulations. Photo By Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

Parents wanting safe toys for their little ones shop at stores such as Lundeby’s Eco Baby in Tulsa, where the shelves are stocked with nontoxic and wooden toys.

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Those shelves may go bare if a new toy safety law doesn’t change.

Co-owner Tiffany Bjorlie said some of her vendors plan to reduce their product line or pull out of the U.S. market because of the expensive testing the law requires.

"Without the toys, we wouldn’t be able to stick around,” she said.

When the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act goes into effect, it could have unintended consequences for small shops and toymakers who can’t afford the testing.

Requiring lead tests

As the law currently is written, all children’s toys manufactured after Feb. 10 would need to be tested for lead. This would include toys made entirely of cotton or wood — materials that don’t contain lead.

But the Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering several exceptions to the law, one of which would waive testing on materials known to be inherently free of lead, said Scott Wolfson, a spokesman for the commission.

"We’ve been aware all along how this law could impact the sale of children’s products in this country,” Wolfson said. But the law "must be written to ensure the safety of children.”

If exemptions are made, they may not be finalized by Feb. 10, he said. The commission is taking public comment on the issue.

Small operations hurt

The law would have little effect on large toy companies but could kill small American operations like Sullivan Toy Co. in Jenks.

Paul Sullivan, who creates wooden toys in a shop in his back yard, has asked his congressmen to reconsider the law. Sullivan said he wants his products to be safe but having "to test a wooden car for lead is ridiculous.”

He’s been making toys for 10 years, and planned to continue through retirement.

"Several times, I’ve said, ‘forget it. I’m just going to close my doors,’” he said. "I hope it (the law) will be modified so small companies can stay in business.”

Related Topics: Culture and Lifestyle, Business, Consumer Protection, Toys