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USA: CPSC publishes direct final rule for revision of safety standard for infant bath tub

october 2018- Relevant for: toys and children's products

On 30 Mar 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved 16 CFR 1234, Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs in the Federal Register and it became effective 2 Oct 2017.

On Tuesday, 23 October 2018, CPSC published a Direct Final Rule regarding the revision of 16 CFR 1234¹, Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs in the Federal Register. The rule will become effective on 15 January 2019, if no significant adverse comment by November 23.

The direct final rule incorporates by reference the most recent voluntary standard, developed by ASTM International, ASTM F2670–18² , without modification and which covers the performance requirements, test methods, and labeling requirements to promote the safe use of infant bath tubs.

An infant bath tub is defined as a tub, enclosure, or other similar product intended to hold water and be placed into an adult bath tub, sink, or on top of other surfaces to provide support or containment, or both, for an infant in a reclining, sitting, or standing position during bathing by a caregiver.

[1] Direct Final Rule regarding 16 CFR 1234

[2] ASTM F2670-18