The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. They are concerned about the welfare of our children but have executed a poorly thought out plan- a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many in negative ways. 

This etsy forum thread explains how all is not doom and gloom, however there is still lots of work to be done. This personally affects me as Ben and I are trying to start our own business in order to make an income. We want to be at home and available for our baby when he is born- not constantly away working (this is how I was raised and it has always made me sad, even as a child). Also not only as a maker, but a lover of all things handmade, it makes me sad that homemade items, things that have love and care put into them vs. the plastic toys of tomorrow or items made overseas in non fair-trade conditions, won’t be available anymore. As a maker, I want to continue our business, and as a consumer, I want these options to still be available.

Below is an excerpt from http://www.boulieblog.com on how this law will further effect our social ecosystem:

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.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

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.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

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 did not know about this law or if this upsets you in any way, please act.

Resources

• Forbes : http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
• CPSIA : http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
• The Smart Mama : http://www.thesmartmama.com
• Buy Handmade : http://blog.buyhandmade.org/