Some thoughts On Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

[#1]

This Act, which will go into effect on February 10th, 2009, puts forth much more stringent safety measures for products intended for children under the age of 12.

Under the very important auspices of child safety, the Act may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted alternatives. Many Etsy artists and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won't be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation. Understandably, this is am issue of great community concern:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5949146
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5948588
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5950128
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5935591
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5939104

We have drafted a letter that we will be disseminating, and urge you to use any or all of it to contact your local representatives, and let them know how you feel. No matter what, let's get the word out!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/article/3056/

Thanks, Matt

[Former_Member]

Check out if your local rep voted the bill, or even help write this:
http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=21427

[Former_Member]

poppypatch,

that is a very good point about the class action suit. I'd be interested in pursuing that if the law doesn't get amended.

*keeping my ears open!*

[Former_Member]

Not sure you can bring a class action suit against your government...

[Former_Member]

Actually, if the law in question falls under state or federal jurisdiction, you most certainly can file in state/federal court.

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

sorry, meant to say

"if the CLAIM falls.."

[THEMONKEYSHOP]

This is the saddest thing ever.

[Former_Member]

just sharing some research I did regarding apparel and footwear....
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5959680

[KGarnerDesigns]

marking

[Former_Member]

marking for later

[Former_Member]

Don't forget to cast your vote to save the handmade toys and handmade industry. Currently it's first in the business category for change.

http://tinyurl.com/6cj92v

Thank you. ;)

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Sorry if this has already been answered but we only just joined etsy and so this is the first time we've heard of this law. Does it apply to sellers outside the US because this is a US run site? Or are we just required to comply with our own country's laws?

[peachypendants]

fanta - it would be against this law to sell untested items intended for children under 12 to anywhere in the US. (from what I gather)

[krtwood]

knitsnmore said:
I don't know if I voiced this additional concern in this thread or one of the many others that are cropping up regarding this new 'law'. Heck, I'll repeat it and give this a bump up.

Others that could be affected:

Fundraisers - school craft fairs, booster clubs, non-profit 'silent auctions' & many more
________________________

If it doesn't cross state lines then it's not a Federal matter, so it's okay to do local sales.

[Former_Member]

Thought I was following this this thread, but it isn't on my list.

So in other words:

Marking.

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Posting on this thread too since it's the comment thread for the Storque article...

All of us who make children's products (toys, quilts, clothing, hair clips, whatever) are considered to be manufacturers and are subject to the lead testing requirements as outlined by the CPSIA.

However... Fashion Incubator reported this Monday afternoon:
"If you are on the CPSC listserve, you likely already know this too. If not, it would appear all of your emails have had an effect. I’d been waiting for this rumor to bear fruition since last week. Apparently the the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s web page on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 has been updated with a request for comments (pdf). Please contribute your information in an attempt to modify the regulations as they exist for mandatory third-party testing. The deadline to contribute is January 30, 2009."

I don't think the link comes through when I cut and paste, so here it is directly:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/ComponentPartsComments.pdf

Basically, the CPSC is willing to look at (or at least hear opinions about) whether having our suppliers test their paint, fabric, snaps, clips, etc. would be sufficient. This would take the burden off of us Etsy crafters and leave it with the manufacturer where it belongs IMHO.

Please e-mail your comments!

[happywhosits]

LadyBug, technically CPSA is looking for comments on component testing. They haven't specificed by whom (you or your supplier), but that is an easy next step if component testing is allowed.

Eileen...

[Former_Member]

Thank you Matt,
I have already contacted my senator, congressman, CPSC, and local news regarding this issue. I wanted to redo my shop to gear more towards children, but this might change that idea. I hope that we can make a difference.

[Former_Member]

Denise of dmollison thank you for permission to post your video about this issue on my blog. You and your husband did a great job putting this together!

here is the link to Denise's blog
http://denisestestingground.blogspot.com/2008/12/cpsc-video.html

[Former_Member]

Thanks Becky.

[Former_Member]

dmollison and singingbird: I just checked out the video on your blog -- well done and good job!

[Former_Member]

Parent's Magazine's Goody blog picked up the story from us!
http://www.goodyblog.com/playing_house/2008/12/the-handmade-toy-question-safe-or-not.html

Three cheers for Amanda!

[Former_Member]

wow and more wow.