My favorite re-sale shop sent out their newsletter today, I was shocked and sad to read that it was calling for support in a an attempt to stay open. Not because the business is slow or the economy is bad, but because of a law that Congress passed recently.
This piece of legislation had good intentions but has been warped and twisted so that it will effectively put small businesses who create and sell handmade toys - out of business.
I am still reading and researching but this is my understnading thus far...
The bottom line is this: In an effort to protect children from lead poisoning and unsafe toys the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)was passed in August, 2008. Among other things, the CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in toys, mandates third-party testing and certification for all toys and requires toy makers to permanently label each toy with a date and batch number.
While this may sound like good legislation on behalf of childeren it's requirements will cause small buisness owners to find expensive third partys to test each toys and then pay for/ create batch numbering system. This is out of budget for most independant toy makers and in many cases toys these handmade toys are not a threat.
Please read more information here:
Cool Mom Picks: Save Handmade Toys
Then take action.
You can vote at change.org this site is a site geared at voicing desired change to the new administration.
*This is a very left orientated website which requires registration to place vote. After reading through the content I am definitely adverse to a majority of the political view points. I did vote via this website but I do not support many of the other "causes". I do not endorse this website beyond this issue.
I also do not think that this what I want my president elect focusing on... there are many issues that are his responsibly and should be his focus. With that said, I think this Act is another instance where "government" has over stepped it's boundaries. I see this as a fear response to issues with large toy manufacturers and products that have caused devastating effects. As an individual who is learning her craft and implementing plans to sell, barter, and share her craft with her community - not to mention a mom who has experienced the joy handmade toys have brought to her own child... I am angry and frustrated by the problems this act will cause small business ventures.
Oryou can mail or email a letter to your Senator/House Representative.
Here is a link to one sample letter and below is another sample letter.
Find your Senator here and Congress Person here
Sample Letter: [copy and paste into a word document]
1) Fill in the Senator or House Member's Name (male or female);
2) Sign the letter;
3) Fill in their contact information
4) Email or print/mail the letter to the appropriate address
Dear Honorable (Member Name):
I urge you to ask the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to delay the implementation of the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This bill passed without sufficient input from me and many of your other constituents on how it would impact everyday Americans. Most retailers, manufacturers and private individuals had no idea Congress passed this bill, and we are just now discovering how this could hurt the entire American economy by devastating tens of thousands of small businesses in this country. If the law is not changed, they might be forced out of business.
Small business owners and parents who own and shop at children's resale stores rely on the safe and affordable products that these stores provide. The unreasonable standards in this bill include requirements to re-certify compliance of ALL children's products with new lead standards, and criminalize the sale of ANY recalled item (over 1700 items).
I suggest the following changes to the legislation could remedy some of the major problems.
1. Structure the lead content regulations under the Consumer Products Safety Act rather than the Federal Hazardous Substance Act so that it is not retroactive.
2. Limit the law to manufacturers who have the most control over their products safety.
3. Limit the scope of the "Prohibited Acts" section, and exempt textiles and electronics from the legislation. The CPSC maintains a list of about 10 "most wanted" recall items.
4. Impose standards based on the potential danger posed by the recalled item.
5. Lower the age of child being protected by lead based standards from 12 to 3.
It extends to all people who sell used children's products – including Goodwill, Salvation Army, churches who organize rummage sales, and eBay vendors, who do their very best to keep recalled products off the market. This law punishes these people with punitive damages and even prison terms if they sell uncertified or recalled products of any kind.
This poorly crafted legislation needs revision immediately before it goes into effect! Please delay implementation of this law until Congress has time to fully study the issues surrounding it.
Sincerely,
Your Name: __________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________________________
Your Address__________________________________________________________
Your email ____________________________________________________________
