Do ordinary reading books made of paper need to be tested under the CPSIA requirements?
A12: Ordinary books do not require CPSIA testing as they are not considered children’s products or toys, and printing ink is exempt from 16 CFR 1303 lead in paint. “Ordinary books” refers to books that are intended to be read; are without inherent play value; are published on cardboard or paper; and are printed by conventional publishing methods. Children’s books, that is, books that are intended primarily for use by children, are children’s products and need to meet CPSIA lead requirements, both surface coatings and substrates, along with other requirements for children’s products (certificate of conformity, third party testing, tracking labels, etc.). Children’s books would not be considered toys unless there is an added play feature to the book. Examples might be pop-up books, books containing paper dolls, and books for use in the bathtub. If a book is considered a toy, compliance with the ban on phthalates and with the ASTM F 963-07 standard is also required.
