China signed an agreement Tuesday to prohibit the use of lead paint on toys exported to the United States, the Associated Press reports.
The signed agreement – which was unveiled during the second joint U.S-China summit on consumer product safety – came in the wake of the recalls of millions of playthings decorated with paint containing the toxic metal.
China has faced stiff pressure this year after an array of its exports, including toys, pet food ingredients, fish and jewelry, have been recalled over health and safety concerns.
In the pact, Beijing also pledged to step up inspections of its exports and take other steps to ensure that those products meet U.S. standards, said Nancy Nord, acting head of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. That will include joint efforts by the two countries to increase understanding of those standards among manufacturers and exporters.
