THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT
Remember all the recalls last year due to lead in toys? While we were all busy watching election and economic news coverage, Congress quietly passed a law to help protect children by requiring all products to be sold to children under age 12 be tested for lead and phthalates. In their haste to get this bill passed, Congress unfortunately didn't consider the impact this would have on the resale and home business industry.
There is no exemption for resale (which means no GBAMOM or GBACH resales or garage sales for untested items) or "micro" businesses (Etsy, crafters, eBay, etc.). Children's products that don't meet the requirements will be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and can't be sold...by ANYONE.
If these items can't be sold without determining whether they are compliant, then what is going to happen? Many businesses will close and jobs will be lost, especially bad news during these hard economic times. It is also BAD news for the environment. What is more "green" than re-using and recycling clothing and toys? These un-sellable items will cause TONS of additional piles in the landfills.
We can only hope this was an oversight and that Congress will reconsider and allow some exceptions. Take action!
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
*Write your congresspeople. Find your Representative
Remember all the recalls last year due to lead in toys? While we were all busy watching election and economic news coverage, Congress quietly passed a law to help protect children by requiring all products to be sold to children under age 12 be tested for lead and phthalates. In their haste to get this bill passed, Congress unfortunately didn't consider the impact this would have on the resale and home business industry.
There is no exemption for resale (which means no GBAMOM or GBACH resales or garage sales for untested items) or "micro" businesses (Etsy, crafters, eBay, etc.). Children's products that don't meet the requirements will be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and can't be sold...by ANYONE.
If these items can't be sold without determining whether they are compliant, then what is going to happen? Many businesses will close and jobs will be lost, especially bad news during these hard economic times. It is also BAD news for the environment. What is more "green" than re-using and recycling clothing and toys? These un-sellable items will cause TONS of additional piles in the landfills.
We can only hope this was an oversight and that Congress will reconsider and allow some exceptions. Take action!
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
*Write your congresspeople. Find your Representative
and your Senator at these sites.
*Contact the CPSC , send an email directly or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923
*Contact the CPSC , send an email directly or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923
*Post your concerns on your blog, on Facebook, or on MySpace.
For more information:
Read the CPSIA website or google CPSIA)
===============================================================For more information:
Read the CPSIA website or google CPSIA)
Here is the contact info for our area:
US Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653 or email
US Senator Russ Feingold (202) 224-5323 or email
US Representative Steve Kagen (202) 225-5665 or email
US Representative Tammy Baldwin (from WI) was on the committee that passed the bill.
Her contact information is: (202) 225-2906 or email
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