Regulatory Initiative: Amendments to the Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations (Contact With Mouth) - Forward Regulatory Plan 2012-2014

Title or working title of the regulatory initiative: Amendments to the Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations (Contact With Mouth)

Description of the objective:
Lead is an inexpensive heavy metal which has many potential uses in children's products, but the substance is very toxic, especially to children, even at low doses.  The purpose of this regulatory amendment is to develop regulations limiting the lead content in consumer products intended for use by a child or an adult in caring for a child (e.g., children's clothing, accessories, play equipment) to a limit of 90 mg/kg total lead for accessible components of:

• products intended for play and learning for children aged 3-13;
• child care articles; and
• clothing and accessories for children under the age of 14 years.

Enabling Act:
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act

Indication of business impacts:
There may be business impacts.  The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Public consultation opportunities:
Canadians have already participated in consultations that occurred between November 24, 2011 and February 17, 2012. 

It is anticipated that Canadians will have the opportunity to provide input during the Canada Gazette, Part I public comment period.

Departmental contact:

Sarah Sheffield
Project Officer
Risk Management Bureau
Consumer Product Safety Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada

Telephone number: 613-952-5347

Email address: Sarah.Sheffield@hc-sc.gc.ca

For More Information

•  Government-Wide Forward Regulatory Plans
• The  Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management
• The  Red Tape Reduction Action Plan
• The  Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the  Canada Gazette and  Consulting with Canadians websites.