CPSIA votes to exempt certain materials...

[#1]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a0Xr2Iw1Vi_8&refer=us

It looks like they've exempted wool, cotton, pearls, silk and gemstones...I'm off to find the CPSC memo

[RuthiesGirlDesigns]

Judy, thanks.

The thing is, who's next? Paper crafters? Metal smiths? (which this partly probably affects them because they may make childrens jewelry), clay thowers (making childrens bowls, etc)? The brush they use is VERY broad. I mean, so if I make something out of paper for a childs room (say, a framed dimensional thing) I would fall into this category too. So, in all essence--we are ALL affected.

Those who have tried to implement this thing REALLY have not thought this thing out.

[Former_Member]

OK, so I just read it. Am I missing in that article the part about dyed vs. undyed? It just says cotton and wool, doesn't it? Maybe I missed it in my reading.

They should clarify that those electronic toys are still subject to testing in the areas that kids are exposed to.

I cannot believe they did not exclude wood. Errrr.

[Former_Member]

So I could make albino bunnies now?

[Former_Member]

I was told they did exclude wood, if undyed/unpainted.

[TheFairiesNest]

If only we could get an official report!!

[Former_Member]

Oh, wait, I could accidently spill my coffee on some unbleached thread and use that to sew eyes! It wouldn't really be died....it would just be dirty!

[Former_Member]

Marking! My poor giraffes will be so plain if they're all unbleached cotton! Please! Let a giraffe have some style!

;D

[Former_Member]

StarbrightBaby, you can market them as "color your own" giraffes (like those teddy bears back in the day) and include a set of markers. haha.

[Former_Member]

LittleDickensDesigns says:
OK, so I just read it. Am I missing in that article the part about dyed vs. undyed? It just says cotton and wool, doesn't it? Maybe I missed it in my reading.

The original proposal in the CPSC memo had a pretty specific paragraph that in order to be excluded, the natural fibers could not be altered in any way with dyes or any pigmentation. I'd be really surprised if they retracted that (I guess anything is possible, but I'd be pretty shocked). I think the article was just paraphrasing and we'll see any specifics in any final report issued by the CPSC.

[Former_Member]

littledickens, i think the article is missing wording from the original exceptions. Until I see a final text, I am going to assume it was voted on as the original proposal, which was only all natural fibers, cotton with print would be tested, colored yarns tested, etc.

I would be amazing if it was passed with the wording of the article, but I am waiting to see...

[Former_Member]

Well until the CPSC releases there memo i am still worried. My baby bloomers are cotton but what about my polyester embroidery thread i use to stitch out designs or names on the bloomers will it still need to be tested? the cotton thread does not look good with embroidery.

[ChopShopBitch]

i was reading some articles about book shop owners having to get rid of their entire childrens sections.

since its ANY product intended for children under 12

....toothbruses, toothpaste containers, outlet guards, all baby proofing things, if you let your mind truely grasp the extent - WOW

[Former_Member]

"The CPSC exempted wool, cotton, silk, gemstones and pearls in its proposal today."

I'm confused. Doesn't this just mean it's being "proposed"? i didn't see where it was actually approved.

And even if it is approved. Not many of my products contain JUST cotton. I use a polyester thread, and a lot of the unfinished items are a cotton/polyester blend.
I could switch to a cotton thread instead o polyester...but the cotton thread fades with washing and also will fade completely with bleach. The polyester doesn't. I like for my designs to stay bright!

[Former_Member]

I think they would be better off saying what items will be to be tested then what items would be excluded at this point. there is to many items that are intended for children under the age of 12. what about bath products our linens? my baby loves to chew on wash rags when he is in the tub. Next thing you know you will have to be lead tested to take your new baby home from the hospital. geeez this is so aggravating.

[ChopShopBitch]

sheesh, juice boxes, sippie cups, plates, utencils - happy meal boxes and toys...

[Former_Member]

What about Felt? Does anyone know if that will be exempt or not.All this stuff is so confusing.I use mostly acrylic felt but if wool is exempt I will switch to totally wool felt.

[Former_Member]

It would have to be undyed felt, this exemption doesn't really help many people......especially if it doesn't include wood. :/

Plus I can't find the actual exemption on the CPSC site. An article stating that it passed isn't enough given all the misinformation I've seen quoted in articles.

[ChopShopBitch]

...elementary school lunch trays, pencil papaer, milk cartons, desk?

[Former_Member]

Seeing as everything is going to be an organic off-white color, perhaps we'll be sending out a lot of dye packs as "free gifts with purchase". =)

[Former_Member]

Thanks littlepink and downstairsdesigns for the clarification.

[Former_Member]

all your kids school supply's. there is so much that would need tested it will be so crazy.

[RuthiesGirlDesigns]

Really, they were not thinking of the ramifications.

[Former_Member]

Just think of all the stuff that will be expected to be disposed of. All the things that these thrift stores have in stock. All to be considered tainted or damaged goods on the 10th.
I have a lot of stock on hand. Even if it comes out that I can use new product that has the proper labeling from the manufacturer. What on earth will I do with the HUGE stock of onesies/t-shirts/bloomers/bibs/burp cloths, etc. that I have? There's no way I can sell it all before Feb 10.

I guess I could bag it up and add up everything and deduct it from my taxes!! That would be a big write off this year for goods that are damaged. would that work I wonder?

[Former_Member]

CPSIA = China Proceeds to Stick It to Americans

I just saw this on a Google search. Thought I would share.

[worksofwhimsy]

Quoting from an aritcle in today's local paper:
"The rules are subject to a 30-day comment period, which would mean the Feb. 10 deadline would still be in effect before the exemptions could be finalized."