EPA Further Delays Ban on Flame-Retardant Plasticizer

October 22, 2021 | The Toy Association is informing members that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a significant delay to the impending ban on the processing, importation, and distribution of products containing the flame-retardant plasticizer phenol, isopropylated phosphate (PIP (3:1)). The Toy Association will submit comments to the agency in support of the proposed extension.

The announcement to delay the compliance date until October 31, 2024, follows a short-term extension of certain compliance dates for the plasticizer that The Toy Association, in coordination with the National Association of Manufacturers and others, helped to secure in March and comes as a direct result of these ongoing advocacy efforts.

In addition to further extending the compliance date applicable to the processing and distribution of certain PIP (3:1) containing articles and the PIP (3:1) used to make those articles, the new proposal also includes details on the specific kinds of information the EPA will require to support any additional extensions to the compliance dates.

“While a previously conducted survey of Toy Association members did not disclose any known uses of the flame-retardant plasticizer in toys, the extension will give manufacturers the additional time needed to identify any potential presence of PIP (3:1) in their supply chains,” noted Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association.

The ban of the flame-retardant plasticizer was originally scheduled to take effect on March 8, 2021.

Questions on this topic may be directed to The Toy Association’s Alan Kaufman.