CPSC is asking for questions on the CPSIA law

[Former_Member]

This is on their website.

"Please use the form below to ask a question regarding the new CPSC reauthorization legislation. Everyone is encouraged to submit questions. They will be very helpful to CPSC staff in developing general guidance on the new Act and Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) pages on specific issues"

http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx

[Former_Member]

handmade sellers ACTIVATE!

form of:

QUESTIONS FOR THE CPSC staff for general guidance

[happywhosits]

Reauthorization legislation?

Eileen...

[Former_Member]

Happy--
That just means that the legislation was reauthorizing legislation previously passed by the House and the Senate- basically giving the CPSC broader controls.

[toadwing]

could we request information to be written in basic english ;-)

[Former_Member]

I've used this form before and gotten ZERO response.

FWIW.

[acorngirl]

Marking! Thank you...

[Former_Member]

I just got a nice response from CPSC.

[Dannielle]

submitted a question about ooak and aug 14.

[Former_Member]

Awesome! Thanks for posting this. I have already sent my questions.

[Former_Member]

I asked why we needed to retest our finished product if we could get documentation of testing from our raw product suppliers.

[Dannielle]

we need to start a thread with the responses if/when we get them. sort of a faq straight from the horse's mouth.

[fabricfanatic007]

Maineartisen... what was the response? Don't leave us hangin! lol

[fabricfanatic007]

I asked why this law has to effect items retroactive? The creations that have been made and/or bought wholesale (in my case... as a retailer), were done so PRIOR to knowing of this law... and would basically break a LOT of banks.. it would be cost prohibitive. Our businesses would go under. We can take legislation into consideration "moving forward"... but making it retro to goods made/purchased sometime ago?!?!

[Former_Member]

I also submitted a question about OOAK, component testing and accessibility of testing facilities to small companies.

I didn't get an answer the last 2 times I asked, though, so I don't expect one now.

[hogiesgurl]

I asked. Will there be a list of specific items that need to be tested? Will there be a list of accredited labs avaliable and acceptable for the 3rd party testing? Will there be any exceptions for dyed cotton or cotton/poly fabrics or dyed fabric in general? Will there be an exception of fabrics that are purchased from a fabric store or manufacturer then used to make items? Will there be exceptions for fabrics that are made in the USA then used to make items?

[Former_Member]

Here's my question to the CPSC:

I make baby blankets, bibs, burp cloths and play food in the guest room of my home to sell to friends and on Etsy. My volume is very low - about 50 sales a year. While it's not much, it does help pay for groceries or an occasional treat for myself or my 4 year old son. What exemptions are you planning to make for people who run a cottage industry out of their home? The way this law stands now, I will be forced to stop sewing anything for any child under 12 because I can't afford to test my items at $1400+ per each item. Sometimes I only make a 2-5 of an item with the same fabrics. In the case of this blanket: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17821766, it will cost me a total of $1260 to test each componant for lead and phthalates. This is a cost I must pass on to my buyers. And while it is a very cute blanket, most of my buyers have better things they need to spend that $1200 on. I'm also confused as to how taking two pieces of 100% cotton and attaching them with cotton/polyester blend thread (none of which contain lead or phthalates in the first place) will cause the finished project to have lead in it. Wouldn't it make more sense to require suppliers of craft items to have them tested for hazardous chemicals instead of putting the burden of proof on an individual making baby blankets out of her guest room?

[Former_Member]

earth baby, my sentiments exactly! I felt so mad during the inauguration when obama was talking about american's bravely facing the future, bucking up under the recession, etc etc and thinking WE of etsy are entrepreneurs, we are making things, using our skills to supplement incomes instead of asking for govt handouts...this is how we buck up under the recession, and now it's about to be illegal??

[Former_Member]

I know.... This stupid law is going to drive so many people out of a job, that it will send the economy into a tailspin. I don't think we'll see it happen on Feb. 10, but I do think we'll see it happen.

[Former_Member]

In a situation like this one where an entire segment of industry is threatened it is apropriate IMHO to go to the local commerce and ask for help getting affordable testing on a logical scale Or join and or form a guild of craftswomen and split the tax deductable cost. Form a voting block for local issues. Is anyone willing to be trained to do testing? I'm interested,but I have no idea where to begin.