The Latest on CPSIA

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act clarified its requirements for used clothing and baby equipment resellers but still leaves libraries unaccounted for when it comes to children's books, hopefully that will change before the law goes into effect February 10th. Here is the latest from the CPSC.

"The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties."

Not very comforting is it? Basically they are not banning the sale of these products, but the consequences force the resellers to get rid of those products if they don't want to end up in court at some point. Regardless, this act will put hundreds of small businesses out of business simply because they can't afford the testing. This includes the small local toy manufacturers and stay at home moms that make a living on their handmade creations. The government intended well in leaving no loopholes in the law, but went too far and now will eliminate competition and put more strain on small businesses already struggling in this economy. The toy giants will do just fine, but good luck finding unique, handmade, non-toxic toys after this law goes into effect! I have never stepped foot into a Toys R Us, will I have no choice now?