Title 15 › CHAPTER 30 — HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES › § 1277
Makes the labeling rules in the ASTM D-4236 standard become official Commission rules starting on the last day of the two-year period that began on November 18, 1988, with some changes. An "art material" means anything sold for making visual or graphic art, but not pesticides or products covered by drug/cosmetic laws. The rules apply to users of any age. Makers and repackagers must write down how they decide if a product can cause long-term health problems, send those criteria and a list of items needing hazard labels to the Commission, and give product formulas if the Commission asks. Labels for products that can cause chronic harm must show the maker’s name, address, and a phone number, and say the product is not suitable for children. New safety information must be added to labels for items made more than 12 months after the information is discovered, and reformulated products must be rechecked and relabeled. The Commission can require full labels or a package insert for very small containers (one fluid ounce (30 ml) or less by volume, or one ounce net weight (28 g) or less by weight); if an insert is used, the product label must include a signal word, a list of harmful ingredients, and the phrase “see package insert before use.” Toxicologists must consider the views of other agencies and scientific groups when judging long-term hazards, including cancer risks. The Commission may adopt ASTM changes after notice, comment, and a hearing that allows oral presentations with a transcript. Within 1 year of November 18, 1988, the Commission must issue public-guideline criteria (covering effects on children and adults, which substances cause harm, bioavailability, and acceptable daily intakes) and must review and update those guidelines over time. The Commission will also make and share educational materials, and it may go to court to stop the purchase of labeled art materials intended for children in pre-kindergarten through grade 6.
Full Legal Text
Commerce and Trade, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
15 U.S.C. § 1277
Title 15, Commerce and Trade
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110