Product Safety Requirements Applicable to Art Materials (US)

Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA)

Art materials for consumers of all ages as well as materials intended for children 12 years of age or younger, must comply with a number of requirements under federal law.   All formulations must be evaluated by a toxicologist via third party testing for their potential to cause adverse chronic health effects. For more detailed information and requirements please visit:   http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Art-Materials/

The CPSC has a detailed arts & craft’s safety guide for this product category, please see here:  http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/112284/5015.pdf

Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials: ASTM D-4236

A chronic hazard review must be done by a certified toxicologist and reviewed against safety standard, ASTM D-4236. Product labeling must be consistent with the results of the review according to the FHSA. There are certain exemptions described in the CPSC’s Art and Craft Safety Guide. More information can be found here: http://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/FHSA-Requirements/

For information on the ASTM standard, please visit here: http://www.astm.org/Standards/D4236.htm

In addition to the above LHAMA requirements, these products also must pass the same limit on lead in paint, as per children’s product requirements under CPSIA, CPSA, and Cal Prop 65. This product category must also comply with CPSIA third party testing and certification under a Reasonable Testing Program as mentioned in the general testing requirements section.