Amendment of Stuffed Toy Law in Pennsylvania

Vol, 1417 | 06 Aug 2024

On August 27, 2024, House Bill 1333 will come into effect, allowing the use of recycled materials in all stuffed toys produced and sold in the state. This amendment to the 1961 ‘Stuffed Toy Manufacturing Act’ acknowledges the evolution of manufacturing processes and shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable products.

The original legislation, enacted in 1961, did not account for recycled materials. However, in today's context, sustainability has become a paramount concern for both manufacturers and retailers. Consumers, too, are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly products to minimize their ecological footprint. Thankfully, recycled materials are subject to stringent testing protocols, ensuring they meet or exceed established safety standards, thereby alleviating concerns regarding their use.

The updated Act will harmonize Pennsylvania's regulations with global norms, enabling the state's manufacturers and retailers to adopt sustainable practices and create stuffed toys from recycled materials, mirroring industry standards nationwide. This change fosters a more eco-friendly and responsible future for the industry, aligning with growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious products.

Two new definitions have been added to the PA HB 1333:

• "Reclaimed material" shall mean any material that would have otherwise been disposed of as waste and has been collected and reclaimed as material input, in lieu of new primary material, for recycling purposes.
• "Recycled material" shall mean any material that has been reprocessed from reclaimed material by means of a manufacturing process and made into a final product or into a component for incorporation into a final product.

The label of each stuffed toy shall prominently display the following information:

Material Disclosure: A clear statement indicating the origin of the materials used in the manufacture of the stuffed toy, specifying whether they are:

• New materials
• Recycled materials
• A combination of both new and recycled materials

Manufacturer/Importer Registration: The registration number assigned by the Commonwealth, preceded by the abbreviation "REG. NO. PA.", identifying the manufacturer or importer of the stuffed toy.

Detailed information can be found in the following link: PA HB 1333 [legiscan.com].

For questions, please contact Harini Ramaswamy (harini.ramaswamy@intertek.com) and Andrew Loveland (andrew.loveland@intertek.com).