Broken Toy Story

Local manufacturers, retailers and importers of children's goods met this morning in North Portland to develop a plan of action dealing with a new law giving them the costly task of testing what they sell for lead, phthalates and choking hazards.

“We need to lobby on the federal level and we need to lobby on the local level,” Milagros owner Tony Fuentes told the crowd of about 30 people in attendance at Spielwerk Toys.

Later, Fuentes said he understands the good intent behind the federal law taking effect Feb. 10. But he thinks it was only a knee-jerk reaction to the influx of lead-laced toys found on toy shelves in 2006 and 2007.

Testing, according to Fuentes, ranges in cost from $400 to $4,000 per test, and in one case he's seen the test cost as much as $24,000. He and Spielwerk co-owner Sonja Barclay say those additional costs would have to be passed onto consumers.

The group will next meet on Jan. 21 at 9 am at Milagros (5429 NE 30th Ave, 97211).