Concern Over New Consumer Protection Laws
Posted on | December 8, 2008 | No Comments
Now, the issues of lead and chemicals in children’s items concerns us all. But the new law from the Consumer Protection Safety Commission is going too far. I’m afraid so many people will go out of business – both large and small businesses.
I don’t claim to understand all the details, but I’ve read some great info at Fashion Incubator. Basically, anything made for children under 12 years old needs to be tested for lead and other toxins. Sounds ok, right? But … you can’t rely on the testing done by the material manufacturer. So let’s say I make baby blankets – which I have (only a few actually), to sell on Etsy. Even if I purchased fabric that does not have any bad chemicals, and verified that, I would still need to get my completed items officially tested so I can sell my blankets.
I’ve read in some places that children’s clothing might be exempt, because it deteriorates and is not a durable good – but once again, I’m not sure of the details.
The cost of testing is very high … I’ve seen some quotes, and I’m not sure of accuracy, but let’s say it costs $500 to test the component in that lot. Well … how on earth is a small business owner supposed to make any money with such costs? Especially since it’s not like the act of sewing these already-manufactured materials together will add any toxins.
This hurts large businesses too. This hurts everyone who manufactures items for children. There is no exemption apparently – not for size of business or quantity manufactured. So the grandma knitting baby booties better keep her sales hidden :)
Seriously though, it’s just bad law, written without thought of the full consequences. We all want toxin-free items for kids. But this isn’t the way to get there.
There is also a forum at Etsy talking about this topic.
edit: And another listing on Etsy. Seems a lot of people are just going to drop their under-12 items, unless something changes.
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