Why does CPSIA affect more than just toys?
CPSIA requirements apply to all “children’s products” that are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “Children’s products” according to the CPSIA law means anything that is marketed to or for children under 12 that isn’t already covered by another agency.
“Anything” includes more than just toys. It means books, clothes, bicycles, pens, school supplies, science kits, exercise equipment, off-road vehicles, shoes, socks, maps, bath toys, and musical instruments. Anything that you buy for a child, that is given to a child, or that a child uses in school is subject to CPSIA.
Items like car safety seats, foods, cosmetics, and some soaps are not covered under CPSIA because they are regulated by another government agency.
CPSIA also applies to goods that are “distributed in commerce.” Commerce doesn’t mean only buying and selling. Under the law, “commerce” also includes things that are given away and even includes lending libraries.
Of course, another version of the original question here, Why does CPSIA apply to more than just toys — would best be asked of those that wrote the law! We ask the same question regularly, since it was only toys and cheap jewelry that caused the initial lead scare/problems!