TAGS: PVC, Plasticizers and Sustainability
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a final rule determining that certain unfinished manufactured fibers do not contain the ASTM F963 elements or specified phthalates that exceed the limits set forth under the CPSC's statutes and regulations for children's toys and child care articles.
Based on these determinations, the specified unfinished manufactured fibers would not be required to have third party testing for compliance with the requirements of the ASTM F963 elements or phthalates for children's toys and child care articles.
The Six Types of Fibers
The types of fibers exempted from phthalate testing requirements are:
- Nylon
- Polyurethane (spandex)
- Viscose rayon
- Acrylic
- Modacrylic
- Natural rubber latex
- Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET)
Under the final rule, unfinished manufactured polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) must still be tested for heavy metals.
"Unfinished manufactured fibers" are defined as those that have no chemical additives beyond what is required to make them. They must also be free of any color additives or other substances that may enhance performance, such as flame retardants. The final rule takes effect from 1 July 2020.
Reducing Testing Burdens
Tests for phthalate concentration are among the most expensive certification tests to conduct on a product.
Toy safety standards under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) incorporate ASTM F963 international safety provisions.
Manufacturers generally must complete third-party testing to certify their products are in compliance with toy safety standards before they can enter into commerce.
However, in 2011 Congress had passed a law directing the commission to reduce third-party testing burdens where possible if there is sufficient evidence to conclude that a material meets CPSC standards and that further testing is not necessary.
Source: CPSC