Wall Street Journal Looks at Our Toys

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal featured Washington's toy safety legislation, which sets the toughest standards in the nation. The bill sailed through the Legislature, with overwhelming majorities in both chambers. But on closer inspection, flaws in the bill have emerged that justify a gubernatorial veto.

From the WSJ:

Some small toy makers say they are planning to stop selling in the state if, as they expect, Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire signs the bill in coming days. The cost of certifying their products as safe under the law, they say, would be prohibitive. The state accounts for about 2% of total U.S. toy sales, which last year equaled $23.5 billion in annual revenues.

Obviously, no one wants unsafe toys in the hands of children. The legitimate questions have to do with the standards imposed. Following the recall of dangerous toys imported from China last year, toy safety has captured the attention of lawmakers responding to public concern. A common national standard makes sense. Lacking that, manufacturers face a plethora of competing, inconsistent regulations.

As the WSJ reports,

Of the laws under consideration at the state level, 24 regulate lead, 18 cover phthalates, 10 set limits on mercury, and 17 address a variety of other potential toxins. With more state laws possible, makers of toys and other children's products are afraid that regulatory compliance will turn into a manufacturing nightmare.

"Having different standards for different states is just going to create complete chaos," says Carter Keithley, the TIA's president.

For Seattle residents, an iconic retailer is at risk.