Toy Makers Fight Lead Safety Rule

online.wsj.com — Manufacturers and retailers of children's products are asking the government to relax a requirement that they stop selling any inventory that doesn't meet tough new lead standards, beginning Feb. 10. Congress enacted the standards as part of a sweeping overhaul of U.S. product-safety rules in August 2008 after a spate of high-profile recalls of toys and other children's products, many because of high lead levels. U.S. manufacturers, distributors and retailers face penalties of up to $100,000 for each violation. Small and mid-size retailers and manufacturers, whose sales are already in the doldrums, say they could be especially hard hit. They have fewer resources to pay for testing and other costs. Many big companies have also already put tougher standards in place in anticipation of the new rules.

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