As the federal government shutdown continues, The Toy Association is monitoring how the disruption may impact functions related to consumer products — particularly in areas related to product safety, import oversight, and regulatory activity.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has implemented its contingency plan, keeping approximately 45% of staff on duty to continue “essential functions” that “protect life and property.” These retained employees are focused on critical safety operations such as import surveillance and identifying hazardous or noncompliant consumer products. This marks a significant shift from past shutdowns, when less than 10% of staff typically remained on the job.

Despite this expanded essential workforce, many CPSC activities have paused. Routine compliance reviews, rulemaking, administrative functions, and responses to non-urgent inquiries are currently on hold until federal funding is restored. Companies may experience delays in regulatory communications, enforcement updates, or processing of documentation. The agency entered the fiscal year operating about 18% below its authorized capacity, creating additional strain on its ability to maintain normal operations during the shutdown.

The Toy Association will continue to monitor developments and communicate updates to members. Reach out to Joan Lawrence, senior vice president of standards & regulatory affairs at The Toy Association, for more information or with any questions.