New requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect this week. Included in the regulations are requirements for Tracking Labels on any consumer product primarily intended for children 12 and younger.

According to a release from the CPSC, Manufacturers must place permanent distinguishing marks (tracking label) on any consumer product primarily intended for children 12 and younger made on or after August 14, 2009. The permanent marks must enable consumers to ascertain basic information, including the manufacturer or private labeler, location, the date of manufacture, and more detailed information on the manufacturing process such as a batch or run number. The permanent distinguishing marks must appear on the product itself and its packaging to the extent practicable.

In addition to the tracking label requirement, the new regulations include revised limits for lead content and advertising, along with increases in fines and penalties for violations. These additional requirements also become effective on August 14, 2009.

The new regulations are said to be aimed at making children's products safer and increasing consumer confidence in the marketplace. To this end, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is educating domestic and overseas manufacturers, importers, and distributors of children's products and other consumer goods of these important new safety requirements.

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said the CPSIA's new requirements will help protect families and she urged businesses to comply. "I will ensure that these requirements are enforced vigorously and fairly," said Tenenbaum. "By ensuring that toys and other children's products meet strict lead limits and can be tracked in the event of a recall, I believe children will be better protected in their homes."

More information is available at the CPSC website  

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission