Starting February 10th (yes, February) the world of handmade and secondhand items could change forever (or until the new act gets modified). According to Cool Mom Picks, “congress passed the ill-conceived Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, a law which goes into effect in two months and will absolutely decimate the small toy manufacturers, independent artisans, and crafters who have already earned the public trust.”
The act, which requires mandatory testing on children’s products could also adversly affect my beloved purchases on Etsy. I make handmade and I appreciate handmade. I buy so much handmade. I’m anxiously watching the story unfold.
So, what about consignment? Obviously we as consumers cannot afford to pay for toxin-testing. Well, good news! Baby Cheapskate (one of our favorites!) is reporting that consignment and yard sales will have some kind of exception. Read more about that here.
In addition, I just found out today that Kid’s Wear Plus is moving their sale up this year to beat the deadline. The sale will be a “Sale for All Seasons” so bring your summer, spring, fall and winter. No bedding, Halloween costumes, Christmas clothing or winter coats) this year in order to accomodate the most product possible. They’re waiting on final word from their landlord for the space but are urging people to go ahead and begin tagging items now. You can remain updated on the status of Kids Wear Plus and Kid’s Market on their sites (clickable).
This act was undoubtedly created for our protection. We as consumers cried out for government protection from lead and other toxin containing children’s items. However, it should be practical – there has to be consideration for items that have already earned our trust. So, please take the time to contact your congressman, our local information is below:
Senator Richard C. Shelby (R- AL)
202-224-5744
202-224-3416
http://shelby.senate.gov/resources/contact.htm
Senator Jeff Sessions (R- AL)
202-224-4124
202-224-3149
http://sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?
FuseAction=ConstituentServices.ContactMe
Congressman Spencer Bachus
202-225-4921
202-225-2082
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
You can contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.
***Update – the CPSC released a clarification today stating “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.” So, it looks as if consignment, Craigslist and Ebay are safe for now!
