Toymaker’s Law

Some common sense appears to be surfacing concerning the “Toymaker’s Law” that was scheduled to go into effect on Feb. 10, 2009.  That deadline has been extended by one year.  That does not mean we can forget it for a year, though.  Everyone needs to get involved to protect the small businesses that would be seriously affected by this law.

Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in July 2008 with good intentions.  They wanted to protect children from lead and phthalates found in plastics.  Unfortunately they required testing of all products made for children under the age of 12.  This would have affected secondhand stores and children’s boutiques.  This would require those of us providing items for infants and children to pay for testing on each of our products.  Consequently it would put many of us out of business.  

Most large companies who are suppliers for small cottage businesses have already done testing and it seems that may cover us when we purchase their items.  It may be possible to get certification from those companies.  I contacted some of my fabric suppliers and was told that they were working on the situation and would keep me informed or they already had it covered.  There is some information out there suggesting that cotton fabric will get an exemption from the testing. 

The testing will not be enforced at this time at the national level, but your state attorney general can still require it.  You need to contact your senator today and give your imput. 

I have come across some good information and advice on this topic and I am going to add some resources for you to look at and act on.

http://www.theprofessionalcrafters.com   This is where I first learned about this issue and of more details about this law.

http://www.etsy.com   has some good information and a call to action on our part with directions on how to contact your senator to let them know how it would hurt you if this law is not thought out completely.

http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/cpsia-stay-of-enforcement-thoughts-around-the-web/.  There are more comments and resources here.