The Education Business Blog
The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is punishing the children’s publishing industry. Go over to Publishers Weekly to read their summary of the disruption caused by the mandate that all products targeted at children under 12 be tested for lead and phthalates.
The law was passed in response to issues with Chinese toys – but it was written in such a broad fashion that it is sweeping into its net products that have never included lead or plastics (like paper and cardboard).
The problem is that the industry just found out in November that it applies to books and they have to be in compliance by February. Violations carry stiff fines which could bury small publishers.