Etsy's Handmade Blog
CPSIA: Updates and Calls to Action
Story by Vanessa
Published on January 5, 2009 in Craftivism 		Photo by

madhelmeteer

UPDATE: This morning we spoke with the Deputy Director at the CPSC and he expressed the CPSC's desire to communicate with the crafter community, whether in a Virtual Lab, podcast, or blog post.  However, there's work that needs to be done before that can happen. He will be keeping us in the loop, specifically regarding an open call for comments coming soon. In the meantime, if you have questions, send them to newleg@cpsc.gov.  Please stay tuned — we will share any info as it comes in.

[the following was originally posted December 31, 2008]

Many members of the Etsy community have been involved in spreading the word about the impact the CPSIA might have on handmade and vintage toy and children's apparel businesses. Here at Etsy, we wrote an Open Letter about the CPSIA and invited Patricia Bittner, the Small Business Ombudsman at the Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, to talk with our community in the Virtual Labs. Patricia passed on our requests to the proper people, but as of yet, not one has accepted our offer of a webchat. However, Patricia noted that the office has been getting many, many communications from small businesspeople on the topic.

The Washington Post reported  on the issue in Lyndsey Layton and Annys Shin's article, Toymakers Assail Costs of New Law: How Consumer Protections Will Be Implemented Is Onerous, Manufacturers Say. "While toy giants such as Hasbro and Mattel began changing their materials even before the law was passed, some owners of medium and small businesses say they do not have the time -- or the money -- to comply with the tough new provisions."

 The Richmond Times reported small businesses' concerns about a lack of clarity regarding the enforcement of the law. The article, New Law May Hurt Crafters At Home, conveyed the crafting community's desire for exemptions. The newspaper noted that, according to Julie Vallese, spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "There are exceptions to the testing rule for crafters making only one unique copy of each item."  Vallese also told reporter Sean Mussenden that "Small toymakers have inundated the commission with questions and complaints about the new standards."

Cecilia, of the handmadetoyalliance.org and craftsburykids.com, is helping crafters and artisans get their voices heard. She is very active on the Alliance's Facebook Group (join the group here). We wanted to share some updates and deadlines via Cecilia:

Midnight, this Wednesday, December 31, 2008 is the deadline for the first round of voting on the Change.org site. If you haven't voted, please do, and pass the word on. Let's remain in the number one spot! Here's the link.

This coming Monday, January 5, is the deadline for comments to the CPSC. The CPSC has asked for comments regarding natural materials exemptions! This is our chance to speak directly to the CPSC and push them to include these important additions in the CPSIA/provide your personal feedback on anything that hasn't been touched on. The CPSC statement lists the component testing deadline as January 30th: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/ComponentPartsComments.pdf
The natural materials exemptions feedback/vote was due on the 5th.

The blogosphere has been spreading calls for amending the CPSIA. Here are just a few posts:

BlogHer - The CPSIA puts handmade toys and kids clothes in danger of extinction. Like, soon.

Crafting in a Green World - Geppetto in Peril

The Twitter feed of Kathleen Fasanella at Fashion Incubator has all the latest news - http://twitter.com/kfasanella

BuyHandmade.org and the Handmade Consortium will be updating a new blog section on the CPSIA topic. Click here for a whole lot more links.

Many Etsians have been sharing information via this thread in the forums.

Read our Open Letter about the CPSIA.

We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and productive New Year. Keep up the momentum!

Tags babies, certification, children, Consumer Protection, consumption, CPSIA, Craftivism, CRAFTIVISM, handmade, kids, laws, lead testing, legislation, natural, parenting, parents, politics, safety, toys
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142 comments     Login to add your own!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. humblebea

Thank you for keeping us updated!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. bubbletime

Thank you so much for following this and helping- it is much appreciated :)

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. allthenumbers

Thank you for posting this update!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. anda

Here's one of the best places to find out the latest on CPSIA developments: http://fashion-incubator.com/phpbb/vi...
The Fashion Incubator discussion forums. And if you follow http://twitter.com/kfasanella on twitter, she tweets new stuff as she hears it.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. anda

Oops, looks like someone added the twitter link just as I was posting that! :D

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. craftychris

Thank you for keeping us updated!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. ChelseaVanTol

great article

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. MyDarlingBaby

Good to know! Thx :)

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. SnuggleHerd

Thanks to all for spreading the word!!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. SugarAndSpice

Thank you for the article!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. riskybeads

thank you!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. BabbidgePatch

Thank you for creating a forum and open exchange regarding the new regulations. If folks haven't already contacted your State's representatives- please take a few minutes to do so while there is still time. Also, Karen Mills, from the State of Maine, has been named as the new Small Business Administration's Administrator by President-Elect Obama - another advocate to contact.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. Dannielle

Thanks for the update!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. happywhosits

Thanks for the updates Etsy! We must stay on them. Exemptions for natural fibers and wood help out some, but not all of us! There is another deadline, 1/30/2008 for comments on component testing. We need to get our voices heard on this one too!

Eileen

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. KathleenF

Hey all, thanks for the shout out. Doing my best to put out good solid information. WTH, here's a list of FACTUAL articles for more information:

CPSIA, Denial and Retailer’s Liability http://bit.ly/488s

How to move up to another level http://bit.ly/VXkx

CPSIA: I endorse the NAM plan http://bit.ly/NEek

CPSIA and tracking label requirements http://bit.ly/12gSz

CPSIA: How to move forward, coping with crisis http://bit.ly/5RiT

Good News! CPSIA request for comments http://bit.ly/160Zm

CPSIA & CPSC: Activism and what you can do other than gnashing your teeth and beating your chest http://bit.ly/AJHA

CPSIA and Small Manufacturers http://bit.ly/jUDi

Forum is open to all! http://bit.ly/EJoY

CPSIA: Splintering the cause serves no one http://bit.ly/UkJS

CPSIA: Losing credibility http://bit.ly/oB7m

CPSIA: Confusion run amok http://bit.ly/CLx

Up, up and away (my trip to DC CPSC mtg)http://bit.ly/qfzk

CPSIA: What must be tested http://bit.ly/N8yd

CPSIA: Unit vs Component Testing http://bit.ly/VrCG

National Bankruptcy Day http://bit.ly/FayC

Overwhelmed? What to do when you don’t know what to do http://bit.ly/3lyXk2

CPSIA Requirements http://bit.ly/H39u

New Product Safety Regulations That Affect ALL Manufacturers http://bit.ly/3jSY

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. meandmygirls

Thanks for the update!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. MisfitsNoMorebyMD

Thanks so much for a very informative article and keeping us abreast of what is going on.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. pukashell

Thank you so much for the update and for including my sugar cookie playset in your blog!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. BluCille

Cool cookies and rolling pin! My kids would love those to go with their new kitchen.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. CountingBunnies

Thank you for keeping up with this.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. cmu55

Helpful and hopeful information. Thank you.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. kingofmythrone

Very needed info! Please vote at Change.org . You have to sign up first. Then look up under economy CSPIA and VOTE!!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. kingofmythrone

TONIGHT is the last chance to vote! Go to change.org
This law is such a bunch of crap! LOL, that is what my soon to be illegal potty book is about.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. kingofmythrone

Opps, that is supposed to be CPSIA. Vote at Change.org
Sign up, look up economy, then scroll to CPSIA and VOTE!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. JustFeltHungry

Thanks Vanessa!

And don't forget, the Change.org CPSIA idea will go on to a second round in a few days! We'll need your vote!

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save...

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. Valleycreations

Great information, thanks for keeping us updated!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. LazyTcrochet

Thanks for the update.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. SEOWebDesign

I have mixed feelings about this whole situation. There must be a way to ensure that all toys for small children are safe in every way without creating such a hardship for the small business owner and hand-crafter. I would vote to ensure safe products but find another way to get this done.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. ArtfulBeginnings

thanks for the update, good to see awareness about this spreading.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. oldworldprimitives

Thank you for this update!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. alwaysadorable

These links are very helpful! Thanks for the update!!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. StudioYTE

Thank you!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4 p.m. oliveandollie

Thank you very much for the update!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. art2theextreme

Thanks for all the links and for the updates! Myself along with many others have been blogging as well about this!

http://art2theextreme.blogspot.com/20...

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. hasenpfeffer

wow! thanks for the story! keep on spreading the word, peeps!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. GemmaBeads

Get's me so upset! I love handmade, for children especially!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. GenerationsTieDye

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Oh, and Happy New Year!!!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7 p.m. handmade

great info!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. dreamitloveit

It saddens me that it has come down to this. Please go vote today so they will hear our voices. This is our way of life, this provides for my children as a Single Mom and I don't know where I will be financially if I can't continue crafting and selling.

Now it's time to Email the link to everyone I know. Help out by emailing your family & friends, placing on your Facebook and MySpace pages. We need to spread the word and quickly.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. vivikas

Thanks for the update in such a important issue!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. MommysMonkey

Thank you Etsy for keeping us informed!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. bittersweetdesign

This is so important for so many of us.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. mylittlejo

Thank you for this update!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. parttimelover82

Crossing my fingers!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. piccoladonna2006

thanks for the updates, off doing some reading....

Dec. 31, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. LittleMamasDesigns

Thank you for helping us stay informed.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. kunklebaby

Thank you for the updates.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Thank you for the information!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. beadbaby

I guess I am still confused...I understand putting the disclaimer in my product descriptions as most of my items are intended for 12 and up anyway..However, what about hand crocheted items like hats...I read the article on fashion incubator but it stated sewn items...my items in my crochet shop are not sewn...Do the expect for me to have my yarn tested? If so I guess I will stop making childrens items all together and that will make me sad. Anybody know?

Jan. 1, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. jodieflowers

handmake rules! I will always buy handmade!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. danitashop

Thanks for keeping us updated!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. BundleBaby

I had no idea there was going to be a webchat...glad I know now. I want to be involved in that. Thank you Etsy for continuing to spread awareness about this crucial issue.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. worksofwhimsy

Thanks for the update--I hope you'll continue the updates until the deadline arrives.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. GoldtoneDesigns

Thanks for keeping us updated!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. KreatedbyKelly

Thanks for the update! I appreciate it!!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 2:11 a.m. thebitsybean

Thanks so much for keeping us informed!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 12:06 p.m. handcraftivist

I started a YouTube channel to increase awareness of unintended consequences of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

The idea is to present news videos and personal stories of handcrafters who will be affected by the law as it is now written. Many use YouTube as their FIRST news source.

http://www.handcraftivist.com (redirects to http://www.youtube.com/handcraftivist )

You may have seen the videos before, but the more hits the ones on YouTube receive, the more others will be inclined to view the videos and become knowledgeable about the far-reaching impact the testing laws will have come February 10.

Also, the videos on YouTube can be embedded on other sites and used as a reference when contacting media outlets to encourage them to cover this story too.

If you know of any videos that could be included on the handcraftivist channel, please contact me at the following email address, which I check regularly-

handcraftivist@yahoo.com

Thanks so much.

Karen

Jan. 2, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. strawberryluna

Katheleen, that list is AMAZING and so helpful! Thanks for posting all of those links.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. haileymann

Hi everyone...I am a quality manager for a family owned US toy manufacturer. It is amazing the issues this is bringing up for businesses of all sizes. The Toy Industry Association has very good information too...

http://www.toyassociation.org

Jan. 2, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. SquidInkKollective

Thank goodness the change.org proposal made it to the final round. Voting is again between January 5th-15th. I'll be getting all my friends in to vote!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. timesandchimes

I bought that Treasure Hunt Box from cookiedough for my boys for Christmas. So cute, well made, and safe!

I hope this works out for everyone. I know so many are so invested and so worried. Best wishes to all involved.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. LadybugLimited

Thanks for keeping this issue in the spotlight!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. moonstr

thank YOU!
VIVA LA HANDMADE!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. HazelnutDesigns

Thanks for keeping this issue in the forefront! Its important to so many Etsy shops!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. bugbitesplayfood

Thanks for the post! Good to know there are lots of people involved in helping amend this law.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. LilPeasandCarrots

I sure hope this law gets amended. I LOVE what I do!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. babydragone

IF this law goes into enforcement Feb 12 2009,(its already a law) we are out of business as we can neither afford the fines or testing required. While not all the products we make are for children (in fact most of them aren't) the wording of the law say ANYTHING a child 12 and under can come in contact with must be test. What happens to our products after they leave us is not know and so we can't test everything we make.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. rolandandbean

Thanks for keeping us updated!
Handmade toys rock!!!!!!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. BranchandBirdie

Thank you for keeping us informed! What a shame that our children can purchase a lead filled toy from Toys R Us, but not a natural handmade plaything! What is this world coming to?

Jan. 2, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. redtaildomino

I am so glad my daughter is 21 now. She is extremely allergic to metal zippers, snaps, and very allergic to latex (genetic). I had so many things made for her when she was a baby till she was quite big. She would break out in a rash that would eventually bleed. Thank God for all the ladies who made all her diaper covers and clothing. I don't know what the little mothers are going to do now (making a little extra money and providing something so needed). They are in my prayers. You know you only hear about the manufacturers. I tell you who will loose, the buyer. Good luck to all.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. TheSilverLiningOKC

Thanks so much for the info.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 10:25 p.m. Ozarknana

Thank you for all the great information! It's great to know that Etsy is behind it's sellers....we want children's toys to be safe, that's why we make them ourselves!!

Jan. 3, 2009 at 3:14 a.m. RugBugBoutique

Thank you for the updates!

Jan. 3, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. bijougirldesigns

I have been keeping up with this and I appreciate this article. We all need to be involved even if we don't make children's items. Independent artists have stick together!

Jan. 3, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. beadholder

Thanks for the update.
This feels like an attack on small makers disguised as protection for children (who can argue against that, right).
It is very worrying.

Jan. 3, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. beadholder

I meant, who would argue against protection for children.

Jan. 3, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. happygrandma402905

Thanks for the links. While we each feel small in our own way, coming together like this gives us a strength that can move mountains! Keep up the good work, all!

Jan. 3, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. Laura4ca

Thanks for the updates.............Sticking together is what will make us strong...........

Jan. 3, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. TutuCuteandMoore

Power in numbers! Thanks for the info.

Jan. 4, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. ljoembroidery

i'll watch this closely. having worked for several large childrenswear companies the past 30 years as a technical designer, i know too well the affects the CPSC rules have on product development and production. they're intentions are to protect children, but they go a bit too far. .. thanks for the links

Jan. 4, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. detailsshop

Thanks for the links...and all the helpful info! Off to start reading!!

Jan. 4, 2009 at 4 p.m. absolutelysmall

Thank you for posting this! I'm putting a link to it up on http://theneedle.org right now.

Jan. 4, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. jbullock

I just found out about this today, and appreciate that there are more people out there who are as afraid of the law as I am. It is a very extreme response to an isolated problem.

Jan. 4, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. kidnaroundcreations

Thanks for this update!!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. kaydeesboutique

We need to figure out what all the details are. The law is so hard to figure out. I have three shops and they all contain kids stuff????????????????????????

Jan. 5, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. bubbletime

Thanks for the update!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 6:51 p.m. MomNMiaQuilts

Thank you for the update & thank you for your continued support!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. GoldtoneDesigns

THANK YOU!!

http://shopetsybaby.com/

Jan. 5, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. allisajacobs

This update is very much appreciated as well as Etsy's continued support!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. BundleBaby

The update is GREAT! I will stay tuned...I don't want to miss another chance to have a voice.

Jan. 5, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. bamdesigns

thank you so much for the updates and support that etsy has provided during all of this. I am still holding on that something will change and no one will have to close up shop- i am holding onto my Pollyanna thinking. Keep up all the hard work and maybe someone listening will change things. :o)

Jan. 5, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. moonstr

Thank you!!!!
and sending my questions now:D

Jan. 5, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. bobbinalong

Thank you, Etsy, for bringing all of this information together, and for realizing what a tight-knit, talented, worldwide community the creators of kids' items on Etsy really are. We are a strong, determined, and trustworthy group of people, and are just asking that our rights to continue to sell in a reasonable manner be preserved, and that we be allowed to continue to carry on business with all people of the world.

Jan. 5, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. isewcute

thank you for the factual links & update!
;^)

Jan. 5, 2009 at 8:26 p.m. BabesNTotsCrochet

Thank you Etsy for the update!!!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. vanillawishes

Thank you!!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 9:07 p.m. RaeGun

thanks for the update and for making our voices heard in a way we couldn't do individually!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 9:12 p.m. blueshedcrafts

Very helpful and informative. I'll 'keep watching this space' as they say.

Jan. 5, 2009 at 9:15 p.m. EarthBabyDesigns

*Doing my best to slaughter "Wild Thing"*

Etsy, you make my heart sing.
Etsy, you make everything...
groovy.
Etsy.
Etsy, I think I love you.

Jan. 5, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. MillieFern

fabulous. I love having this accurate info. I'm also excited about the one of a kind mention...I truly think this will work out and handmade items will be ok---
keep up the good work!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. AppliedWithLove

Thanks so much!! xo

Jan. 5, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. TadpolesandTutus

Thank you Etsy!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. JustFeltHungry

Please vote to save handmade children's items, toys and clothing!

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save...

Jan. 5, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. KnitzAndFeltz

Although my shop is not geared towards children I am thankful that etsy is working with that particular artist community. Good Luck to all of you!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 11:19 p.m. pumpkinhaus

Thank you etsy!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 12:57 a.m. blynkenandnod

Hooray! You guys must be busy behind-the-scenes. Thank you!!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 1:32 a.m. Nikifashion

THANKS FOR UPDATE

Jan. 6, 2009 at 1:35 a.m. BlueFlameDesigns

thank you for the update! i personally don't make children's products, but have been following this closely since there will be such an impact on the handmade community overall.

Jan. 6, 2009 at 1:40 a.m. happydaystudio

Thanks for all of the updates and info. I can't believe what an impact this might have on handmade children's items. :( Keep us posted!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 3:48 a.m. Sinta

Thanks for the update! I heard that this might impact prints and paper goods as well 0_o I worry what will happen to the toy makers! There are some brilliant little toy shops here. :( Don't want them to vanish.

Jan. 6, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. CrochetforEwe

Thanks for the updates! I'm so sad about all this!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. babypeasandcarrots

Thanks so much for keeping us updated!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. melaniescrafts

Thank you for the update! I am very worried about this whole thing.

Jan. 6, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. littlealouette

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan. 6, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. StudioCherie

Thanks for getting so active in this issue and for such a thorough report

Jan. 6, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. EcoKate

it's completely off topic but i flipping love the photo at the top of this post. that baby's expression is too cute.

Jan. 6, 2009 at 4 p.m. papercutdiecut

So cute...I love them..

Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. karabu

This is wonderful to have so many links and information all in one place. It gets so overwhelming to keep track of. Thanks you.

Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. KabiDesigns

Thank you for Update ^_^

Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:22 p.m. susanstreasures

not so happy now....

Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. BunnysBoutiqe

Thank you for the update

Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. idarose

Thanks for the updated information. The one-of-a-kind issue is nice, but what if you only make a few of a kind? I mean, we're hand crafters not mass producers of merchandise, but many items may be similar in design if not exactly the same.

I've been reading the actual CPSIA documentation and everything I've read so far seems to pertain more to large manufacturers (like labelling, dating, adding batch numbers, etc.) even though we are all included in the law. Batch numbers? I hope I never make enough items at one time to have a "batch".

Jan. 6, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. ChildsPlayCrochet

Thanks for the update.

Jan. 6, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. theRocketWorkshop

On a positive side, lots of us are having sales to get rid of our stuff.

It hurts though :(

Jan. 7, 2009 at 2:04 a.m. tadpolecreations

The implications of this legislation were well intended, however its lack of clarity and confusion has potential to cause more harm than good.
It is important to think about the safety of the products we create as they end up in the hands and mouths of the very young.
Many of the crafters of childrens products here on Etsy are also parents of young children. We care greatly about providing a safe homegrown alternative for our children and the children of our buyers.
Where will you shop for a handmade puppet, custom birthday shirt, fabric baby bib or blanket come Feb. 10th?

Jan. 7, 2009 at 2:18 a.m. beautifulbridget

Thank you for all of this wonderful information, it is so helpful!

Jan. 7, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. dreamitloveit

I really hope they hear us and listen to us. This is still all so confusing as to why it starts off being a toy issue with things coming out of China, but then ends off leading into other handmade children's items like blankets, apparel, etc. I would never personally sell a product that I wouldn't feel safe putting on my own child. Are they telling us that a large manufacturer of say children's apparel that has their items created in some other country are actually going to put each and every peice through some testing. I think Not, there is no way they would ever be able to get eerything produced, tested and shipped in a timely manner. Look at companies like Gymboree who produce new lines several times a year. The more I think about this it just makes no sense at all..... They want our Economy to be helped, well this isn't helping.....

Jan. 7, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. breadandroses

Thank you for the updates & bringing the entire issue to our attention! Until the law is amended, I have had to suspend my entire new seasonal production. My entire BreadandRoses shop having a Clearance Sale.

I am still unsure whether one of a kind items, including childrens apparel, are exempt or not. Doing one of a kind childrens clothing will be the ONLY route I can take to stay in the childrens market unless this grossly untenable law exempts textile items for children specifically and all handmade, limited production for children in general.

I echo the comments above by IdaRose re: small, limited edition production (isn't that really the point of handmade in any media anyway?). This is a massive economic blow individually & collectively for the thousands of us affected. Let's hope the powers that be alter the law asap and protect the really small business owners who have the most to lose by implementing this tunnel vision legislation.

Jan. 7, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. breadandroses

Re: earlier comment w/ poor grammar - Meant to write 'the really small business owner who have the most to lose by the implementation of this tunnel vision legislation'.

Jan. 7, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. Allthingsimple

Thanks for letting us know what is going on :)

Jan. 7, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Allthingsimple

So what will happen if people do keep selling after that date??

Jan. 7, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. curiousworkmanship

Join my mail-in protest for CPSIA! http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php...

Jan. 7, 2009 at 9:27 p.m. havilahashby

I think that the CPSIA that was put into effect is absolutely outrageous. As if our economy isn't struggling enough?? If this is not amended soon thousands of small businesses, myself included, are going to go out of business. My husband and I just finished writing a letter to our congressman, our senator, and the governor. Below I am going to post a copy of the letter. I tried to fit it in the same post but it wouldn't fit...People need to pull together and get the word out there about this! Feel free to make a copy of my letter and send to your congressman, senators, and governors. Thank you for reading and God Bless!

Jan. 7, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. havilahashby

To whom it may concern:
I am writing this letter in regards to the CSPIA Act (Consumer Safety Protection Information Act) that was recently passed. It states that anything sold for use by children under 12 must be tested and then hold a certification that it does not contain lead above a certain amount set by the government. It's not limited to lead - the language is written so that the government can add any other materials deemed hazardous at any time. Here are the problems with this act:
I understand the need to make sure that children’s products do not contain hazardous materials. However, why target the small businesses and boutiques who sell goods made from raw materials? Wouldn’t it make more sense to use this act to target the manufacturers of the raw materials such as fabrics, paper, wood, paints, glues, dyes, etc? Forcing every small business to have their items sent in to be tested will in fact force most of those businesses to close their doors. I don’t have a big enough business to be able to afford to have this kind of expense. Any clothing boutique’s items are time sensitive; they must have everything ready for the upcoming season. If every children’s clothing store sent in a batch of their items, these testing facilities are going to be saturated with innumerous samples to test and have their results sent back to the business owners, hopefully before the new season is supposed to launch. Even people hosting yard sales, thrift stores, The Goodwill Store, and The Salvation Army will be affected by this. This act is now targeting places where we donate our unused goods for charity. I am sure that the people that presented this act had the best intentions, however there is going to be a catastrophic outcome on our economies and charities.
If this act remains as is, an unbelievable number of small businesses are going to be shut down as a result, myself included. I run a small business from my home where I design children’s clothing. However, I cannot afford to have all of my products tested. Neither can thousands of other small businesses who are now closing their shops on the 10th of February. With the current language in this act, any item that can hand crafted from any material must be sent in and tested before we can legally sell them to our customers. An online community where my boutique and several other boutiques share and sell their items, each vendor who sells any type of product for children are pretty much going to be shut down because no one can sell their items. With the economy the way it is, how is enforcing this act with its current language going to be beneficial? We may not have the capital and customer base that nation-wide stores have, but the money we do make goes into expanding our businesses, creating jobs, and of course, putting money back into our economy. With this act, most of us will be forced to close our doors. Now how does that help out our businesses, our economy, or the ability to provide for our children?
I propose instead of making every single business have their items tested, why don’t we amend the act to state that manufacturers of raw materials have their items tested as proposed in the CSPIA? This will help small businesses keep their doors open, keep testing facilities from testing the exact same samples from different businesses, thus eliminating an unnecessary mass of samples, and most importantly, keep money flowing into our local and national economy. If this act stays as it is, this will be a death sentence for many small businesses and local economies.

In conclusion, please revise the Consumer Safety Protection Information Act. We need to keep our small businesses open and keep our economy going. There is a better way to protect our children from potentially hazardous products. If we let this market for children’s goods parish, who knows what other markets will follow. Help keep small businesses alive and keep our economy from failing.

Jan. 8, 2009 at 1:59 a.m. 3Hands2Hold

Everyone please email your friends and blog away... Heck even facebook or myspace to anyone that will listen. We need everyone and anyone to go vote, so maybe someone will take us 4real (obama)... We can't just sit around and complain or try and figure out the law without a lawyer by our sides.. We can make a difference!
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save...

Jan. 8, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. fluffygirlboutique

Thanks for the update. I am updating my friends on facebook.

Jan. 10, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. scire4

Thanks!

Jan. 11, 2009 at 1:43 a.m. Techmom77

I own http://www.BabySproutNaturals.com. If the CPSIA isn't reformed immediately my business will be closing as of February 10th just like thousands of others!

Please visit my website at http://www.ReformCPSIA.org. I have set up a petition to present to Congressman Lungren as well as other interested parties. In the 2.5 days the petition has been live I have received over 500 signatures! This is GREAT!

Please forward these links to everyone you know!

http://www.ReformCPSIA.org
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/r...
Also visit: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save... and vote to get it presented as one of the top 10 issues presented to President Obama!

Warmest Regards,
Dawn Michelle
http://www.BabySproutNaturals.com

Jan. 13, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. pishposhgirls

any new news out there?? any changes yet??

best to all of you!
laura

Jan. 29, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. thehauntedstudio

I hope we all get help from the goverment not obstacles.

Feb. 4, 2009 at 12:58 a.m. hillbillyhulagal

I agree wholeheartedly with dreamitloveit.

Feb. 20, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. belovedbks

Dr. Seuss Meets the CPSIA

http://www.easyfunschool.com/the_CPSI...

Enjoy! :-)

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