Intertek

Intertek Offers Solution to Reduce CPSIA-Mandated Lead Testing Costs Up to 66%

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, offers a practical solution to reduce CPSIA-mandated lead paint testing costs by as much as 66% without jeopardizing safety. To view both the cover letter and proposal in its entirety online, please go to: www.intertek.com/consumergoods/resources/CPSIAInfo.

The landmark consumer product safety legislation signed into law last summer, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), mandates lead paint (surface coating) testing by accredited third party laboratories. The procedure that the CPSC requires for that testing increases the regulatory burden on manufacturers significantly. This impact is particularly onerous for small and medium-sized entities struggling in a challenging economic climate.

Reduced Testing Costs

On February 13, 2009, Intertek, the largest testing laboratory for consumer products sold in the United States, developed and proposed for official adoption by the CPSC, a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the testing of paint on children’s products to lead limitations found in 16 CFR 1303. This multiple-color testing procedure for lead in paint is based on the existing CPSC Standard Operating Procedure. The Intertek SOP does not compromise accuracy or detection limits, and is mathematically based to ensure compliance accuracy. Current CPSC guidance requires each individual paint color be tested individually and separately for compliance to limits established by regulation. In short, the Intertek procedure allows for the testing of three paint samples at once – reducing the testing costs from three tests to only one. Intertek chose not to copyright or patent-protect their procedure. If formally adopted by the CPSC, the proposed Intertek SOP would be available for any approved laboratory to use.

Small Business Friendly

Lead testing is “destructive testing” whereby samples submitted for testing are destroyed in the testing process. Small and medium-sized businesses who manufacture smaller quantities for distribution consider the cost of submitted samples for testing a significant expense. The Intertek SOP for Multiple-Color Testing will dramatically reduce the amount of samples required to determine compliance to lead paint standards.

A “Green” Testing Solution

This proposed method not only reduces testing costs by as much as 66% by reducing the number of tests required, but it is also environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of waste generated by excessive samples tested. The less samples required for testing, the less waste produced.

Encourages Compliance

If the new testing procedure proposed by Intertek for CPSIA compliance of lead in paint is approved by the CPSC, the economical practicality of the testing method could very well encourage and increase the number of firms engaging in testing. The more companies testing, the greater likelihood products will comply, and, inevitably, the less chance of products in the marketplace with excessive lead levels.

Gene Rider, President of Intertek Consumer Goods North America, explains, “Intertek supports global public policy efforts to implement sound, science-based regulations by offering our expertise in the areas of testing, inspection, certification[1] and quality assurance. Intertek operations internationally are eye-witnesses to some of the difficulties our customers face with regard to complying with elements of the CPSIA. We’re offering this SOP as a solution to reduce the regulatory burden without jeopardizing the level of safety provided to the American consumer through the new legislation. Intertek has decades of research experience with the medical and academic community to share with regards to consumer product safety. We hope that policymakers consider this process change to the current implementation of CPSIA.”

Contacts

For further information, please contact
Julie Naujokas, Marketing & Communications Director
Telephone: +1 708 955 5010
Julie.naujokas@intertek.com

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in 110 countries around the world.
For more information, visit http://www.intertek.com/

[1] For certification programs available through Intertek, please see http://www.intertek-labtest.com/services/certification/?lang=en.