Important Information Concerning the
CONSUMER PRODUCTS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT of 2008 (CPSIA)
Particularly as it Relates to Tapes Used on Hoops
In August of 2008, Congress passed this Act as a result of the large numbers of lead-contaminated toys that were imported into the USA in 2007.  The lead present in these toys was primarily in the form of lead-containing paint (as pigments).  Now, CPSIA places strict limits on the concentrations of lead that can be present in ALL materials used to produce children's toys (toys for children age 12 years and younger).  These new restrictions become effective February 10, 2009.  For more detailed information regarding the requirements of this act, please view the following links:

In summary, effective February 10, 2009, the maximum allowable concentration of lead in children's toys is 600 ppm.  On August 10 of 2009, the limit will decrease to 300 ppm, and on August 10, 2011, it will reduce further to 100 ppm (unless changed by the Commission).  Restrictions on six phthalate compounds (the plasticizers DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DnOP) are also enacted, limiting their presence in toys to concentrations no higher than 1000 ppm each.

**RoHS Compliance: For some time, Identi-Tape has carried a number of tape lines that are "RoHS Compliant", that is, they meet requirements promulgated by the European Union (EU) that restrict the concentrations of lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium to 1000 ppm each, and cadmium to 100 ppm.  The new CPSIA standard is more stringent than RoHS standards.  It places an initial limit on lead concentration in children's toys at 600 ppm, which lowers to 300 ppm in August 2009, and 100 ppm in August 2010.

At this time, Identi-Tape has evidence of compliance from manufacturers whose lines of tape (shown above) are RoHS Compliant.  Presently, the chemical analysis data available to us are limited and we cannot determine in all cases whether these tapes also meet the new lead and phthalate standards of CPSIA.  We will continue to acquire additional information and will post it as it becomes available.