Just plain silly

I would like to do my part today to spread the word about the CPSIA. I am concerned about this new law for so many reasons, least of all my expected loss of business from US buyers. So I am joining in the countless other Etsians to try to inform my readers about this law and encourage you to act.

The text below was written by Gretchen and with her permission I am sharing it with you.

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Comments

[Michele C]

Hey: I just sent you a link by e-mail of an article that appeared in the SC papers last week. I also just called my congressman's office and was talking to someone there about all this. He said, based on the wording, it IS already a law to be inforced, and it looks like the way to change anything will be for it to go through the court system or have ammendments made previous to the date. He said we have a person on The Hill that helps write legislation for our Congressman on Labor Department and Safety issues. He is going to call/e-mail that person and find out what "the word" is about this situation and what is actually going on in the Senate at the moment. He said he would call me back, so, I'll let you know what is happening from the South Carolina end if I do here.

-- Michele

[annie]

together we can make an impact - thanks for blogging this!!!

[joanna]

I have read a little about this but must read up more on it. Thanks

[jacquie]

i've written both my senators and congressmen about this. we need to make it so small handmade businesses are protected. thanks for keeping up the fight!

[Theresa]

I know... It breaks my heart.
T

[Di]

I've been following these issues for a while - it seems downright daft - bureaucracy (and suing) gone mad! I am sure that I read somewhere that they have relented somewhat and people will still be able to make things made of 100% natural materials i.e. cotton, wool, wood! I'll have to try to remember where I read it.

[Winklepots]

Thank you so much for helping to spread the word about this poorly written law. It affects us all. Here's hoping it's amended soon to minimize the damage being done.

[Yvette]

Maybe a change or an amendment will be initiated by the very lofty (they think) and dumb Senate and House of Representatives once they start trying to buy for their children and grandchildren. If they have to pay exorbitant prices for childrens stuff, then they may make some changes. In the mean time, we can only hope and keep up the barrage of letters, phone calls, and e-mails and pray for a change.

[Anja]

Just pop in to tell you that i gave you an award on my blog today. visit me and see how lovely i think you are.

[Melissa]

Yes the new law is really, truly so unthoughtful and damaging to so many small companies. Another proof of the inefficiencies of big government!