The Day Handmade Died

Graphic courtesy of Joey and Aleethea

That just might be what we end up calling February 10th when the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) goes into effect. By now, if you are involved in any way with handmade – buying or selling – you will probably have heard of this act. If not, here’s a quick overview.

What’s the problem?

After imported children’s products were found to contain lead, our congress quickly came up with a law banning lead and phtalates (aka carcinogenic plastics) in children’s products. In addition, it requires that all manufacturers of goods for children under age of 12 to test each and every component of their final product. They are also to provide certification of testing upon request.

Good idea, but poorly thought out. It seems that the congressmen were not thinking of small business when they put out this law. Testing and certification has already proved to be a very expensive process. On top of that, if you’re in the business of making one-of-a-kind products for children, hundreds or thousands of dollars in testing fees for a $25 product will put you out of business.

How does it affect you?

Don’t think that only applies to “legitimate” sellers. Plan on selling last year’s children’s clothing on eBay? Donating children’s items to Goodwill? Making a blanket for a friend’s baby? Think again…this applies to you, too.

You’re probably saying “Yazmin, but you don’t sell jewelry for children. You don’t even have children! Why do you even care?” The fact is that what affects one of us, affects all of us:

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

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.” Wall Street Journal Article

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.

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.

(Courtesy of Winklepots and Chichiboulie.)

It’s a nightmare in the making.

What can you do to help?

1. BLOG ABOUT THIS!
The more people that know, the more can get involved.

2. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Talk it up! Around your friends, your circle of moms at school. The more the merrier.

3. CONTACT THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
The Committee On Energy and Commerce is the congressional committee that
sponsored the CPSIA, and they are the ones who can call a hearing to delay,
amend, or repeal the CPSIA.

Please urge them to hold a hearing on the CPSIA before February 10th. This is
the first step to getting the legislation delayed, amended, or repealed. (See Etsy’s CPSIA Resource PDF for contact information and a great sample letter.)

4. CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
They need to hear from you! It’s your voting power…use it wisely and let them know what matters to you. (See Etsy’s CPSIA Resource PDF for contact information and a great sample letter.)

5. CONTACT THE CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is in charge of implementation and
enforcement of the CPSIA. They are taking public comments on the CPSIA law until January 30th. Make sure you are heard! (See Etsy’s CPSIA Resource PDF for contact information and a great sample letter.)

6. SIGN THESE PETITIONS
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/reform-cpsia-hr4040.html

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RepealCPSIA/

Make your voice be heard!