Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act Spells Disaster For Many Etsy Sellers

[Kristijntje]

The following is an open letter regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This Act, which will go into effect on February 10th, 2009, puts forth much more stringent safety measures for products intended for children under the age of 12.

Under the very important auspices of child safety, the Act may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted alternatives. Many Etsy artists and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won't be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation...

full article: http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/h...r-pr-3056/

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) imposes an additional third-party testing requirement for all consumer products primarily intended for children twelve years of age or younger. Every manufacturer (including an importer) or private labeler of a children's product must have its product tested by an accredited independent testing lab and, based on the testing, must issue a certificate that the product meets all applicable CPSC requirements, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission...

full article: http://blog.auctionbytes.com/cgi-bin/blo...67351.html

[Kristijntje]

New law could wipe out handcrafted toy makers

A new regulation taking effect next month that's intended to guarantee children protection from lead exposure may put some indie toy makers out of business...

full article: http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/14/smallbus...2009011509