CPSIA Blog Day

oh, the cpsia.  have you heard about this new law that will take effect on february 10?  well, this law will definitely put producers of handmade children's items out of business, and many small firms that make toys and children's products.  this act will have far reaching ramifications beyond my little one person business.  think about a small business that produces children's clothing, or toys, or cloth diapers, or baby slings, baby quilts, etc., etc.  this small business can have anywhere from 1 to 50 employees.  for example a locally owned children's clothing business probably employs a pattern maker, more than one seamstress, a graphic designer, not to mention the owner/visionary of the business....all jobless on February 10, because they can't afford the lead/phthalate testing and certification.  not to mention the price you will be paying as a result of the testing costs.  it is too much to detail what is required of the testing, but let's just say that for most of us it is redundant testing.  most crafters and handmade artisans can buy components that have already been tested and certified from large companies (i.e.  i can purchase lead/phthalate free shirts & ink, but i would still need to test these components again).  

as a fellow "handmade artisan", i am joining the many bloggers today who are voicing their concerns over the cpsia's new set of laws. please read this statement at www.boulieblog.com

i also think that it is worth it to read this article by Paul H. Rubin.  

and last but not least, i just want to say that i am not entirely opposed to this act.  i completely believe that lead/phthalate levels need to be regulated in children's products.  i just think that the cpsia needs some revisions.  i mean what's next, is grandma going to be jailed for making her grandchild a quilt?......you know what i mean:)