Think the CPSIA Doesn’t Affect You? Think Again!

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which is the government’s “solution” to the issues we’ve faced in recent years with dangerous chemicals and substances being found in children’s products. When most people are hearing that the government wants companies to have their products tested under very heavy scrutiny, they think that this is a great thing. At first, so did I. Then I started reading about exactly what this new law means. It stands to compromise the livelihood of many legitimate businesses and put a huge financial strain on families of all types in a time of recession and economic uncertainty.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has been charged by the government to regulate products sold in the United States, on the heels of the recalls that plagued the country in 2007. The products that contained high levels of lead and other dangerous substances were mostly produced by large overseas retailers and many of the products that will be most seriously affected by the costs that pertain to the testing are those that were developed by small businesses as a safe alternative to those foreign-produced products.

When I first set out to write a post about the CPSIA, I was planning to do so in support of some of my friends who have home businesses that sell children’s products. The more I read and the more I learned, it hit me as to how many people are going to be affected. Anyone who wants to sell (or buy) anything designed for children, including clothes, toys, gifts and more, needs to understand the impact of these regulations.

As these regulations are written, manufacturers are responsible for testing any product that is intended to be used by children, aged 12 or younger. Sounds fabulous, right? Making the world safer for our children is always a good thing, right? Not so much, in this case. This law has been written to an extreme that will risk the livelihood of many and affect everyone who purchases items to be used for children.

The testing that will be required will potentially cost manufacturers thousands of dollars to have completed. Thousands of dollars for each of their products. There are no exclusions made for a mom, who makes handmade baby blankets, or a grandpa, who carves wooden toys to sell to supplement his Social Security income. Even products that were made prior to these regulations are included. Reselling old toys and clothes in thrift shops, through classified ads or even on Ebay will no longer be allowed.

The reality of the situation is buying and selling products for our children is going to change drastically. Many small businesses and second-hand retailers will have to close their doors. Certainly, pricing will change in favor of the manufacturers, as the costs of testing will have to be defrayed. Our used items will have to be sent to the landfills or handed off to someone we know, rather than donated to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. The impact of these regulations are huge and most people haven’t the slightest idea what is about to hit them.

Taking Action

We need to step up and let the CPSC know that these laws should target the items that have proven problematic in the past, not obliterate small businesses that create wonderful products for our children.

One organization that is working to help get the word out about this and other causes is Change.org. They will be presenting the top 10 issues from their site, as voted on by site members at a press event in DC on January 16^th. The CPSIA issues are at number 8, as of this writing. Please join and vote to keep this issue on the list.

You can also put your own words to good use by writing to your Congressperson and Senators, letting them know that changes need to be made to the CPSIA. There is a great sample letter here, as well as a link to the Handmade Toymakers Association’s petition for changes.

Contact the CPSC through their website here or call their chairwoman, Nancy Nord, directly at 301-504-7923.

Spread the word to friends and family about the law and how it could affect them. If you blog, let your readers know about these regulations and what they can do to help WAHMs, small businesses and themselves from being adversely affected.

If you would like to read more about the CPSIA, here are some links to blogger friends who are speaking out against this legislation, some of whom have a much deeper understanding of the laws than I do. Take a few minutes to read what they have to say.

Happy to be at Home -  Great post about the far-reaching affects of the CPSIA

National Bankruptcy Day – Dedicated specifically to the CPSIA

Cool Mom Picks – Post to help save handmade products

Just Add Charm – Raising awareness about the CPSIA and the small businesses affected.

Fashion Incubator – Many great posts about the CPSIA

Happy Panda Baby -  Several posts about the CPSIA from a small retailer that will be affected by the regulations.

For The Love of Baby – List of mom-owned businesses that need support in light of the CPSIA

The Smart Mama – Several posts about the CPSIA and testing information

If you have a post or know of CPSIA resources, please feel free to add them to the Mr. Linky here: