Are you closing shop due to the CPSIA?

[JenTheTracy]

I'm sad to say I am less versed in the new law than most of you. I do not sell children's items and I do not have children. But I do want children one day, and I want them to own wonderful handmade goods. I also am proud to buy my many nieces and nephews handmade products whenever I can.

How many of you are going to do everything you can to comply with the laws and stay open? How many of you are giving up and closing up? And how many of you are going to keep going as you are now, prepared to live with the unfair consequences?

[Former_Member]

I have no idea what the CPSIA is. I knit children and adult clothes so does this law affect me and when does it come into operation. Does it apply to me I am Scottish...help!

[Former_Member]

Jashme,
Why would you close up shop? Just make something that is not for kids 12 yrs. or under!
gotitfrommymama,
Plug your question into the Forums & TONS of info will come up & answer your question.
Good luck guys,
Helene

[Former_Member]

My shop is all about things for babies, but at this point I am holding out hope that the lawmakers will come to their common senses. We will see what other decisions have to be made after the February deadline.

[SewFunDollClothes]

I'm not closing shop, I sew doll clothes, and fabric has been exempted from testing. I just won't be able to use any more cute little buttons or decorative snaps unless the CPSC ok's component testing ...

And yes, I will comply with the law because the fines for not doing so are too steep to flirt with.

[fairiewings]

I sew for children and will not be closing my shop. I am finding alternative products to replace buttons and snaps. Hopefully we will see a change in the law!!!

[Former_Member]

For me it's wait and see what happens in february.
If things get too complicated,I will be prepared to simply offer items strictly for adults,including art dolls.I will most definately not be closing my shop!

[Former_Member]

I will never, ever close shop because of the CPSIA. I have to think outside of the box when it comes to designing, but Lillipops is here to stay.

[Former_Member]

lillipopsdesigns, Thank God you did not close down. Your shop is too cute!!!!

[Former_Member]

I have just started in the last six months, and I plan on continuing. Like Lillipops said, we just have to think outside the box a little. I am finding ways to use exempt materials to replace things that will require testing. I am too in love with creating for children to not work with/around this crazy law!

[Former_Member]

I am not closing. I don't use buttons, zippers or snaps, and I have the proper labels.

[maddiebee123]

I had to think hard about closing shop or continuing. I already have a good business doing home interior sewing but started this as a way out and to do something more fun for me. As of now I am staying open and trying to think outside of the box with my designs and I think the new regulations are actually making some people come up with cuter and safer designs.
I just hate that in Feb I will have to pull my bodysuits because of testing on the snaps unless the laws change that we can still use them since they have already been tested my manufacturers.

[handmadesbymata]

I know this is a stupid question...but if tha law is aplicable to THE USA...can't you be selling to europe and the rest of the world the products you have already handmade? There are people from all over the world on etsy..and the internet has no boundries....so how can it affect you? is it an etsy obligation to follow the rule?

[Former_Member]

AWITCH says:
I know this is a stupid question...but if tha law is aplicable to THE USA...can't you be selling to europe and the rest of the world the products you have already handmade? There are people from all over the world on etsy..and the internet has no boundries....so how can it affect you?
_________________________________________________________
Unforturnately no. The way the US government has stated that any untest child's item shall be deemed a "hazardous sustance". The US Postal system has been required not ship any items the CPSC or other government agencies deem to be a "hazardous sustance". Thus law makes it illegal for that untested item to cross state borders through US mail and possible other private carriers, except when it's being sent to a lab for testing. With no way to legally ship an item how could a USA seller send the item out of the country?

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AWITCH says:
is it an etsy obligation to follow the rule?
_________________________________________________________
I'm not sure if the TOU is different for each county that ETSY services but it does say this in the TOU I have access to.
"Restricted Activities: Your Content and your use of Etsy shall not: ...
4. Violate this Agreement, The DOs & DON'Ts of Etsy, any site policy or community guidelines, or any applicable law, statute, ordinance or regulation (including, but not limited to, those governing export control, consumer protection, unfair competition, anti-discrimination or false advertising)
5. Contain items that have been identified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) as hazardous to consumers and therefore subject to a recall"

Since the CPSC has more or less said no testing = hazardous, even without the recall notice it still fullfills most of the the TOU's criteria of what not to sell.
Does that mean an international seller can not sell items within their own country or region that don't meet the CPSC laws, but does meet their own country's or regional laws? Probable yes, but it's best to check with ETSY admin after checking the TOU.

[ByNanasHands]

Staying put here too. I'm labeled, keep a spreadsheet with all info regarding materials used (all exempt), where and when I purchased them, what materials used went into which toy and a picture of the item that was sold...etc...I don't use anything in my toys that is not exempt. That was the easy part...

I'm finding the "paperwork" involved just makes me crazy some days, I spend more time on it than creating toys!

[knitmosphere]

I make children's gloves so can you tell me what law you are referring to. Thanks!
Persistence and patience..........

[knitmosphere]

You can all go here
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html

to find info on children's items if you do not already know.

[Former_Member]

We won't be closing because we just started our etsy shop!
I'm frustrated by the laws and angered that the government feels the need to regulate everything when it comes to our children. I mean, seriously, don't they realize that the merchants and makers who are involved in the DIY movement are people who care about the environment and what's best for their children? Of course we don't want our kids playing with products that contain lead! Don't they realize that today's consumer is intelligent and conscientious of what is best for his or her own child?

Sorry to ramble, but it's just really frustrating when we're all just trying to make a living here.

[Former_Member]

I don't market to kiddos, so it's not really going to affect me, but I can see where it could frighten some away, which is very sad indeed.

[Former_Member]

I have stopped making my paint pot pals, whilst I have never recommended them for children due to their size, I no longer list new Paintpots on Etsy.
I have no idea where I can get items tested in Australia so from now on any item using plastic eyes etc will not be listed on Etsy. I have one hair clip left to expire and then no hair clips.
I still sell my items in Australia but not on Etsy, cant justify the cost of listing when most buyers are from usa.
Will I close my shop? not sure but maybe its easier to just focus on my own country.

[kaikaku]

I am worried--my stuff technically isn't for children, but it is colorful and I can see it being the sort of thing that someone might decide is a toy rather than an ornament/display item. >_<

[Former_Member]

Please read this new doc from the CPSIA:

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia10/brief/102testing.pdf

It gives more clarity to the testing requirements and provides examples for small crafters. GOOD NEWS - component testing WILL be acceptable in certain situations (which will probably apply to small manufacturers like ourselves).

[BarkAveBoutique]

I have been making custom applique bibs and aprons for a couple of years, both here and on ebay and sadly will stop selling childrens items after the holidays.

[SewFunDollClothes]

ourkidsboutique, your bibs are so adorable, I hope you don't stop selling them! It looks like everything you use is on the 'exempt from testing' list. And since the CPSC is considering component testing for crafters who don't make things in bulk (like mass merchandisers), so it might work out for you?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Our kids, I agree with SewFun. It looks like all your appliques are just thread and fabric and hook and loop tape is also exempt, you don't have anything that needs testing, so why stop selling?