New Walmart Inventory Untested

[#1]

I went into Walmart yesterday and saw new toys being put onto the shelves. These were all Spring and summer toys like things for the beach, water guns, sand toys. All were labeled Made in China and none had any indication of any testing or certificates. The same was true in the children's clothing department where new Spring clothes were being put out - no testing. Nothing was marked down so this was not a clearance. All of the shelves were being re-arranged for new inventory.

So - I will draw no conclusions but there does not seem to be any concern for CSPIA at this particular store.

This is not to say that we should not still be concerned, but I have a feeling this is going to be ignored at all levels.

[Former_Member]

Course, they could just be trying to sell all that they can beforehand to get it out of the warehouse. I put nothing past Walmart.

[Former_Member]

Sorry--guess I was reading about the phthalates: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/108faq.html#108q18

If you have a “children’s toy” or ‘child care article” with possible banned phthalates, do you have to issue a general conformity certificate on November 12, 2008, even though the phthalate ban is not effective?
No. The phthalates ban for children’s toys and child care articles does not go into effect until February 10, 2009. As stated above, children’s toys and child care articles manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 will require a general conformity certification based on a “test of each product or a reasonable testing program.” Starting in September 2009, children’s toys and child care articles will have to be certified based on third-party testing of the product by accredited third-party laboratories.

Posted 12/04/2008.

[Former_Member]

there's a timetable for some things here: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/101faq.html#section101timetable

600 ppm – children’s products may not contain more than 600 ppm of lead February 10, 2009 (general conformity certification required for products manufactured after that date )

Sorry, I'm still reading that things made on 10 feb or after have to conform. Is there a link for things being retroactive?

[Former_Member]

Yes items may not be manufactured, however the law states that they can also not be sold, traded, handed down, donated or given away. Leaving all current inventory requiring that it be tested to prove it conforms or that it needs to be disposed of.

There is a section in the actual law that states this. If it were not retroactive then there would not be a HUGE uproar by libraries, and thrift and second hand stores having to incinerate or otherwise dispose of all childrens inventory.

Search the CPSIA section of these forums, they are chalked FULL of the ins and outs of this law.

Regardless of how the law was "intended" it was written differently. the law was not "intended" to affect the cottage industry, libraries, thrift, goodwill and second hand stores the way it has, but because it was poorly written it could have a devastating effect on all of us.

[studiostebbylee]

Am I crazy... but aren't phylates in the plastic for drinking water bottles?
that's the plastic taste sometimes you can taste....

[Former_Member]

Only certain numbers have phthalates, and most childrens products are not made with phthalate plastic. Most have big printing on the packages labelling them phthalate free. At least in Canada anyway.

Plastics numbered 2, 4 and 5 are safe for children's drinkware. anything else could have BPA or phthalates in it.

Again, I know that most childrens item manufacters have removed both BPA and Phthalates from their items in recent years.

[Former_Member]

You are right studio:)

phthalates make the plastic pliable..it has been found in baby bottles and sippy cups too:(

Now how in the heck would that be in my wool..hmmmmmmmmmmmm????