It sounds like resellers can only sell toys they are certain do not contain lead amounts in violation of the act, but they’re not required to certify toys. All resellers should check the CPSC website before selling a toy to make sure it has not been recalled.

The report also says toy resellers should avoid toys that may contain high levels of lead, and offers these tips-

From the CPSC Website:

WHILE CPSC EXPECTS EVERY COMPANY TO COMPLY FULLY WITH THE NEW LAWS RESELLERS SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CERTAIN PRODUCT CATEGORIES. AMONG THESE ARE RECALLED CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY CRIBS AND PLAY YARDS; CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN LEAD, SUCH AS CHILDREN’S JEWELRY AND PAINTED WOODEN OR METAL TOYS; FLIMSILY MADE TOYS THAT ARE EASILY BREAKABLE INTO SMALL PARTS; TOYS THAT LACK THE REQUIRED AGE WARNINGS; AND DOLLS AND STUFFED TOYS THAT HAVE BUTTONS, EYES, NOSES OR OTHER SMALL PARTS THAT ARE NOT SECURELY FASTENED AND COULD PRESENT A CHOKING HAZARD FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.

Even though they’re not required to certify toys, thrift stores and toy resellers can still be held accountable for selling toys that contain too much lead, so it’s still going to be a tricky situation for them to determine which toys to sell.

Check out this link for more information or clarification: CPSC Clarifies Requirements

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The problem is that these new laws will put a severe cost strain on all toy makers, even small American, Canadian, and European toy makers, who already have great self regulation in place. Jennifer at Tree Hugging Family has the whole scoop on what this legislation is doing to small toy makers, and how you can help save handmade toys.

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First, the Four-Wheeled Razor Dirt Quad Electric Powered Ride-on Vehicles were recalled due to a faulty control module for the throttle that can unexpectedly fail and cause the vehicle to surge forward causing harm to the rider and bystanders.  Abut 30,000 units are affected by the recall.  You can follow the link to get full details and determine if you own a recalled Razor Ride-on.

Next, the Razor PowerWing Three-Wheeled Scooters were recalled because the undersides of the foot platforms could have dangerously sharp edges that could cause lacerations, which have been documented to require tendon surgery and stitches.  This recall affects about 103,000 units.  You can follow the link to get full details and determine if you own a recalled Razor Scooter.

Images: CSPC.gov

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Black Cat Fireworks (pictured below) have been recalled because unexpected debris can scatter that can hurt the user or bystanders.

Fireworks Over America fireworks (pictured below) have been recalled because the parachute connected to each unit can become entangled in power lines causing the potential for electrical shocks to the user and bystanders.

Follow the links above for more information about each recall.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Images: CPSC.gov

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As a result of the numerous recalls, handheld XRF analyzers are all the rage.  What’s a handheld XRF analyzer?  Simply put, it tells the amount of lead in any consumer product – including toys.

While handheld XRF analyzers are primarily marketed to supply chain distributors and manufacturers, some parents are buying them to test the lead paint levels in their kids toys.

What do you think?  Would you ever buy a gadget to test the lead paint in your kids’ toys?  How much would you be willing to pay for a gadget like this? 

Image source: niton.com

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1. Notification to manufacturers of increased quality assurance standards and oversight. They will let all of them know that any products shipped after March 1st must comply with these strict new standards.

2. Reduction of PVC use. By the end of 2008 all products must be produced without the addition of phthalates which have raised concerns about infant safety.

3. Elimination of nickel-cadmium batteries from all products.

Toys R Us wants to do everything they can to make their toys safe for our children:

“We love kids and babies, and our commitment to their safety is non-negotiable. We continue to look for ways to raise the bar on product safety and reinforce our leadership position in this regard. We sell toys and baby products every day of the year. As such, we have made it very clear to manufacturers that we need not wait for the finalization of the much-needed tighter federal standards that are currently pending in welcome legislation before the U.S. Congress. Our customers trust and expect that we will always do the right thing when it comes to the safety of children, and we take this responsibility very seriously.”

That is very good to hear.

[Source]

Technorati Tags: toys r us safety precautions,toy safety from toys r us,toys r us changes in safety

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Spiderman Water Bottle from about 7,000 are being recalled from Sears stores around the country. Click here to see a picture of the water bottle.

What’s the hazard?

The screws under the bottle’s lid can come loose and fall into the cup, creating a choking hazard for the child.

Technorati Tags: toy recalls,toy safety,spiderman water bottle recall,sears spiderman water bottle recall

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There have been no reported injuries, but hopefully the recall will prevent any from having to be reported.

What’s the hazard of the toy?

“Small magnets at the ends of the darts can detach. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.”

Here’s a description:

“The magnetic dart board is about 15 inches wide with a black, white, green, and red bulls eye checkered design and was sold with six 4-inch long magnetic darts. The darts magnetically adhere to the dart board when thrown. “Made in China” is embossed on the back of the board.”

The dart board was sold Nationwide at Family Dollar stores from January 2001 to January 2008 and sold for about $5. All consumers should take this toy away from your children immediately and return the board to a Family Dollar Store for a refund.

[Source]

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What will be a big part of the fair? Most likely toy safety. It’s estimated that 15,000 buyers from 7,000 retailers will be coming to the fair. Many of the manufactures will be spending a big chunk of their time on toy safety, as well as showing off their latest toys.

Check back here, at Play Library, for all the latest updates and happenings from the Toy Fair.

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Click on each link for a description of the recall.

• "BabyTown" pacifiers
• Kash N’ Gold Tinker Bell Lamps
• Toy Wrestler Figures
• InStep “Pathfinder,” Schwinn “Run About,” and Mongoose “Alley Cat” Trailer Bicycles
• Metal Toy Wagons

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