Useful Info. From the CPSIA website

[Former_Member]

I was doing my own research after chatting with a few people here on etsy as well as reading through the forums here. After hours of confusion and talking to tons of people in a panic , I decided to get some answers. Below I am listing the links for the web site for the CPSIA and a link to write directly to them.
This is the first link I recommend you click and scroll down to the last page. There you will find their concept on How this will affect Small Businesses

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/brief/leadlimits.pdf

This is the link to their website which you may want to do some of your own research before contacting them.

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html#whatsnew

If you would simply like to contact them this is the link for you. Here you will find a form to fill out and ask them as well as tell them what is on your mind.

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

I hope this helps all those out there looking for answers. I did find it some what useful but I did write them myself and explained that we need straight answers.

Best of Luck to you All :)

[Former_Member]

I forgot to mention it is useful to check out the first briefing package under Whats New on their website. Their idea on how it will not impact small business had me laughing , but not in a good way.

[Former_Member]

I forgot to mention it is useful to check out the first briefing package under Whats New on their website. Their idea on how it will not impact small business had me laughing , but not in a good way.

[Former_Member]

Just to clarify something about that first link for you...that is the proposed exemptions for natural materials (unfinished wood, natural cotton, wool, etc.). So when you're looking at the "Impact on Small Business" section, that would be the impact the proposed exemptions would have on small business, not the impact the CPSIA itself will have on small business.

It's all very confusing, and I agree wholeheartedly that we need straight answers. :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks for that, I just thought it might help if people could go to the site themselves to get a few answers. But you are right it is very confusing and maybe if we all write to them it would help. IDK for sure but it was a thought.

[Former_Member]

Actually, this just proves that the CPSA has no idea what the impact will be on small business. They say:

"The number of small business that will be directly affected by the rule is unknown but could be considerable. However, because the effect of the purposed rule is to relieve the manufactures and importers of the specified materials from the testing and certification requirements the CPSIA, it will not result in any increase in the costs of production for any firm. Its only effect on businesses, including small businesses, will be to reduce costs that would have been associated with testing the specified materials. Subsequently, the Commission could certify that this action will not have significant economica impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexability Act."

Ok, so basically CPSA's opinion is that this new law will actually DECREASE our costs not increase our costs. They really are full of it....

[Former_Member]

You're absolutely right...I think it's very important to go directly to the CPSC site for info, and not just rely on "I talked to so-and-so, and they told me such-and-such".

[Former_Member]

The CPSA basically comes right out and says that they are more concerned about inpact of testing on Importers (ie China) then its own citizens trying to make a living.

[Former_Member]

4mybaby, that's referring to the proposed exemptions for natural materials, which could cut costs for a very small amount of small businesses, like those who use unfinished wood, or untreated & undyed cotton or wool.

[Former_Member]

This is why I thought it might be a good idea to provide the info. I hope it helps in some way. And 4mybaby I agree they are full of it and that was my first response to how it will affect small business. They have no idea what they are talking about.

[Former_Member]

Cleverkitty ti seems to me by reading through all the briefs they are only concerned with Big Business and have totally forgotten those of us here on Etsy or Other Crafting sites where we try to sell our items. Just a thought.

[2kute]

The more I read the more confused I get.

[Former_Member]

This is true but it is a way to get to write them directly. I hope you will. Thanks 2kute

[Former_Member]

In my opinion, they are more concerned about other countries that import more then our own. Unfortunately for the Chinese, they are only paid 50 cents an hour to manufacture components and yet they are not the ones having to do the testing. We wouldn't be in this situation if they were not sending us products that do not meet lead standards. I don't think it should be allowed to enter our country for us to use if it doesn't meet lead standards.

[Former_Member]

I agree 4mybaby. You said a mouth full hon :)

[2kute]

I agree 4mybaby

[Former_Member]

I'm not disagreeing with you in regards to the CPSC's lack of concern about how the CPSIA will affect small businesses...just stating that the particular paragraph quoted was referring to the proposed exemptions, not to the CPSIA as a whole.

We're all in this unfortunate mess together.

[Former_Member]

Too True Cleverkitty. Thanks for all the input it helps alot.

[Former_Member]

I have kind of reviewed some what everyone has been saying.. I of course sew and sell baby cloths.. can anyone tell me.. will i have to test my merchandise.. I would think the fabric i use is already tested!

[Former_Member]

You will have to test because you are manufacturing the END Product. Sorry

[Former_Member]

You would think so. From what I have read as long as it is cotton or all natural material and not dyed it is fine. There is a little info on their website concerning this. I hope it helps you a little hon.

[Former_Member]

Wow.. do you mind me asking how do I do this?

[Former_Member]

Thanks gunsnmedals2147. I just sent a letter to the CPSIA using the last link in your post.

[Former_Member]

Oh thanks so much Littlepeanut I know if we can get enough people to annoy them maybe they will listen. Thanks again hon :)

[Former_Member]

OBabyFashions, welcome to our world and it is a BIG, Scary one. This whole Forum subsection is on CPSIA and how it will effect you and testing that needs to be done. Anyone know off hand the great thread that detail the law?