Gov`t urges exporters to follow new U.S. children`s product safety rules

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- The government on Sunday urged local exporters to
strictly follow revised safety rules for children's products bound for the United
States.
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) said enforcement of the
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act as of Tuesday will require special
attention by all companies.
"Failure to meet requirements could result in a ban on trade, and lead to civil
and criminal suits being taken against violators," said a KATS official.
In 2008, South Korean exports of toys, ornaments, stationary, clothes, shoes and
other goods to the United States totaled US$2.4 billion.
The official said all children's products made after Tuesday must have less than
1,000 parts per million (ppm) of phthalate, an industrial chemical widely used in
plastic products.
The toxic substance, which acts as a "softener" for plastics used in manufactured
goods, has been classified as an environmental hormone which can cause internal
secretion disorders in infants and small children.
The maximum allowable limit for lead, meanwhile, has been set at 600 ppm, with
all products falling under the guideline regardless of the date of manufacture.
KATS, under the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, said manufacturers should try to
get certificates of adherence for products headed for the U.S. market from
accredited agencies, such as the Korea Environment and Merchandise Testing
Institute, the Korea Textile Inspection and Testing Institution and the Korea
Testing and Research Institute.
Obtaining such certification can take up to 10 days, but could prevent
complications down the road, especially since the standards are to be gradually
heightened in the coming months.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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