Mexico Finalizes New Heavy Metals Requirements for Children’s Items

In 2010 the Mexican government proposed more stringent heavy metals requirements for toys for children under 12 years old and preschool materials for children 6 years of age and younger. These requirements have been finalized and are scheduled to become effective as of August 13, 2012.

Definitions

Preschool materials - Materials used as an aid in teaching with the aim of developing certain skills and abilities specific to preschool age children (no older than six years of age), which have a colored component or material, such as graphite and color pencils, erasers, crayons, glue, blunt scissors, clay, watercolors, markers, chalk, abacus, pencil sharpeners, etc.

Toy - A product or material designed, intended and manufactured for use in a game or for entertainment, which may be used or enjoyed actively or passively.

Lead Requirement

Scope - Toys for children under 12 years old and preschool materials that pose a risk of being sucked, licked or swallowed.

Limit - 90 mg/kg soluble lead.

Other Heavy Metals Requirements

Scope - Toys for children under 3 years old and preschool materials that pose a risk of being sucked, licked, or swallowed.

Limits:

60 mg/kg soluble antimony

25 mg/kg soluble arsenic

1000 mg/kg soluble barium (250 mg/kg for modeling clay and finger paints)

75 mg/kg soluble cadmium (50 mg/kg for modeling clay and finger paints)

60 mg/kg soluble chromium (25 mg/kg modeling clay and finger paints)

60 mg/kg soluble mercury (25 mg/kg modeling clay and finger paints)

500 mg/kg soluble selenium

Exemptions

Products for export

Pigmented mass toys (toys whose materials were pigmented during the manufacturing process)

Packaging, packaging instructions, brochures, and product information that is not part of the item

Globe microfoil over 10.16 cm in diameter inflated with helium (e.g. foil balloons)

Purely ornamental holiday ornaments.

Games and toys intended for use in public spaces (e.g. parks, playgrounds, carousels, etc.)

Ride on toys, trikes, and large toys that a baby will not suck or lick.

Important Point: Test method is equivalent to the European Toy Standard, EN71-3.

Full text (in Spanish): http://www.cofepris.gob.mx/MJ/Documents/Normas/nom-252ssa1.pdf

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