January 31, 2013
Details
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published revised test methods for lead in substrates which further expand the options for the use of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The new methods are:
CPSC-CH-E1001-08.3 - Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Total Lead (Pb) in Children's Metal Products (Including Children's Metal Jewelry)
CPSC-CH-E1002-08.3 - Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Total Lead (Pb) in Nonmetal Children's Products
There has been no revision to the existing CPSC method for surface coatings.
Why It Matters
The CPSC staff believes these latest revisions, which further expand the options for the use of XRF, represent reasonable test methods to be employed immediately as part of a reasonable testing program in support of General Certificates of Conformity (GCC). Firms may choose to have these methods added to their scope of accreditation in anticipation of possible issuance of a final rule relating to the use of these methods for the purposes of supporting the certification of a children's product. The CPSC also continues to recognize third party laboratories that are approved to use the prior versions of these test methods, and accreditation to any of the previous versions of these test methods will remain acceptable unless the Commission issues a notice that they are to be phased out.
How UL Can Help
UL's consumer products group is registered with the CPSC as an accredited laboratory for CPSIA third-party testing and can assist you with the testing and certification requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Our state-of-the-art facilities have the ability to customize testing programs to meet your specific performance criteria. UL's Chemical and Analytical services include testing for heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, as well as phthalates and other toxins.
To learn more about how UL can help you achieve the highest standards of toy and children's product safety and quality, click Contact UL at the top of the screen and a UL representative will follow up with you soon.