So I'm in Canada... what am I to do ?

[Former_Member]

Until now I had decided to stay open after February 10 and keep selling to Canadian buyers and other countries (since I'm in Canada) except the US. But considering all of my sales (but one) until now were to US buyers, I was wondering: what are my options? According to what have been said and written here until now, testing wouldn't be an option for me cause all of my items are OOAK (made with a completly different batch of yarn, and with continiously changing patterns) so I would have to test every single one of them ($$$). Is there hope for me (considering the new exemptions) if they're all made from wool and natural fibers ? Should I sell them as artist bears which, according to the defition, are not intended for children ? ...Any advice is welcome, otherwise it seems I'll stick to the Canadian market and rest of the world!!

[Former_Member]

...Seems like I'll pick the last option, then ;)

[KIMONOCARDS]

I am sorry to hear about these new rules. It would be a pity if you could not sell to the US anymore. Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Stay open and stick with the Canadian and other non-US countries.

Most of my sweater vest sales have been to Canadians so I know they are active on etsy and are buying.

[Former_Member]

Guess that's what I'll have to do... and keep my fingers crossed :(

[Former_Member]

petite, *i am canadian as well*

Remember that until August all that needs to be done is that we need to imply *reasonable testing* measures. All we need to do is act with due diligance. If you can get a statement from the companies that make your yarn that they are lead free (which we all know they will be) that is all that you need to issue your GCC for your items. The real big part of the problem doesn't take effect until August when the 3rd party wet testing becomes manditory. Until then we do have a bit of a cushion.

Another option is to take a cross section of your items...a couple from each brand you use and send them to thesmartmama.com and have her XRF test them just the one time. Even if you aren't having everything tested, you are taking good measure to prove that the materials you use are lead free. All the CPSC has stated for the period between Feb 10 and Aug 16 is that we employ *reasonable testing* measures, yet they have not defined what reasonable testing is. If you show a good faith measure that would be sufficient. If you stick with the same brands of yarn and you have it tested in the beginning, that shows *reasonable testing* measures.

[Former_Member]

You just made things a lot clearer Hipmelon, thanks :)