So if you've been hiding under a rock this afternoon you may not have heard the news. The CPSC has granted a one year stay of testing and certification requirements for certain products under the CPSIA. Yup. It's true.
Now, the CPSIA will still require that all products sold be under the required lead and phthalate limits but what they will not require, at least for the next year, is pricey, redundant testing to prove that these limits have been met. So, if I know that my supplier has tested my ribbon and it meets said safety standards then I do not have to retest and do not have acquire certified proof.
At zuzu girl handmade, we still plan on continuing with a portion of our XRF component testing that we initiated yesterday (what timing!) on the few parts that could potentially contain lead. But the scope of our testing is greatly decreased and for that we are more than thankful. Tearfully thankful.
Kudos to all those who worked so hard to make this happen...
Links for those that want to read more...
CPSC News
Etsy Storque
Etsy Forum
Showing posts with label cpsia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cpsia. Show all posts
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
just say no...to the cpsia.
Please join me and bloggers across the world as we bombard cyberspace today with hopes to reach and educate as many people as possible on the impact that the CPSIA will have on everyone. I did not write the remainder of this post. I give complete credit to Chichiboulie and this Etsy thread.
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.
Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.
How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:
To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.
To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
Friday, January 16, 2009
forbes takes a stance
Someone twittered this forbes.com article tonight and I felt compelled to pass it on. It's titled "Scrap the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act" and supplies readers with a fairly straight-forward and comprehensive background of the asinine legislation. I'm hoping that it gets some people from outside the children's retail industry thinking about the affects this law will have on them. Just don't read it right before bed like I did. It's not pretty.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
circus act
Have you seen this interview with Julie Vallese, former Chairperson of the US CPSC? I have no idea why they let her give an interview on her last day in office but it's just plain embarrassing for everyone involved. I mean, I get that she didn't draft the law but really, you think she could be a little more articulate when speaking about it. And how dare she take a jab at "mommy bloggers" for calling out all of the flaws in this broad piece of legislation that clearly even she doesn't take seriously. Truly, it makes you want to laugh, cry, gasp and scream when you hear her say that the CPSC "does not believe that lead test kids are accurate" but "they can look at" the product was her response to how consignment shop owners should screen their products to gain " a level of confidence that they are meeting the law". WTF?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
repeal the CPSIA
Please follow this link and sign a petition to repeal the CPSIA.
This is a copy of the petition. Please read it. Sign it. Tweet it. Blog it. And share it with everyone you know. Now.
Petition to the US Congress and the Consumer Safety Product Commission:
Who should read this
1.If you manufacture any product for use by a child 12 years or younger, or
2. Buy products for children 12 years or younger.
The passage of the CPSIA affects you. The CPSIA touches nearly every industry and consumer in the United States. This includes book manufacturers, public libraries, schools, educational material manufacturers, clothing manufacturers, resale & thrift stores, bicycle manufacturers, shoe manufacturers, parents, grandparents, children, etc.
The need of the recent passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 is unnecessary. In recent years the CPSC has overseen many recalls but has failed to enforce existing legislation, rules and regulations. Additionally, the CPSC has had sufficient power to enact new safety rules since the agency was created in the 1970's. The CPSC is charged with serving the public interest by developing safety standards, issuing recalls, and banning certain products. If new lead regulation were needed, the agency should have acted quickly to enforce existing regulations or create new ones. As a direct consequence for what only can be described as inaction, Congress was misguided in creating a new law to address these lapses -much to the detriment of the American public.
The CPSC has passed various regulations over the years regarding flammability and sleepwear, painted metal, drawstrings, and children's jewelry. The CPSC can even repeal previous rulings such as in the case of Tris in pajamas. These actions were taken with little direction or intervention from Congress, proving the agency can act when sufficiently motivated or managed. The CPSIA must be repealed before more damage is done; consumers, industry and science must be involved in crafting needed rules rather than the special interest groups who were instrumental in writing the CPSIA law.
In these troubling economic times, we urge Congress to save our businesses, our economy and even children by repealing the CPSIA today!
This is a copy of the petition. Please read it. Sign it. Tweet it. Blog it. And share it with everyone you know. Now.
Petition to the US Congress and the Consumer Safety Product Commission:
Who should read this
1.If you manufacture any product for use by a child 12 years or younger, or
2. Buy products for children 12 years or younger.
The passage of the CPSIA affects you. The CPSIA touches nearly every industry and consumer in the United States. This includes book manufacturers, public libraries, schools, educational material manufacturers, clothing manufacturers, resale & thrift stores, bicycle manufacturers, shoe manufacturers, parents, grandparents, children, etc.
The need of the recent passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 is unnecessary. In recent years the CPSC has overseen many recalls but has failed to enforce existing legislation, rules and regulations. Additionally, the CPSC has had sufficient power to enact new safety rules since the agency was created in the 1970's. The CPSC is charged with serving the public interest by developing safety standards, issuing recalls, and banning certain products. If new lead regulation were needed, the agency should have acted quickly to enforce existing regulations or create new ones. As a direct consequence for what only can be described as inaction, Congress was misguided in creating a new law to address these lapses -much to the detriment of the American public.
The CPSC has passed various regulations over the years regarding flammability and sleepwear, painted metal, drawstrings, and children's jewelry. The CPSC can even repeal previous rulings such as in the case of Tris in pajamas. These actions were taken with little direction or intervention from Congress, proving the agency can act when sufficiently motivated or managed. The CPSIA must be repealed before more damage is done; consumers, industry and science must be involved in crafting needed rules rather than the special interest groups who were instrumental in writing the CPSIA law.
In these troubling economic times, we urge Congress to save our businesses, our economy and even children by repealing the CPSIA today!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
electric boogaloo
Oh, I so needed this after a day in the Etsy forums. You need it too...trust me. What is it? It's electric boogaloo of course. And what is, electric boogaloo you may ask? (well, you should ask)
In her own words, electric boogaloo is, "the creative wanderings of a wife mother artist writer nerd". Sound familiar?
What really got me is Tiffany's post today about the CPSIA. It's called "Human sacrifice! dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria." In it she rants about the top ten uses for children's products banned from the CPSIA....and they are most definitely not what you would expect. You can read it here. Really, do it. Read it there.
In her own words, electric boogaloo is, "the creative wanderings of a wife mother artist writer nerd". Sound familiar?
What really got me is Tiffany's post today about the CPSIA. It's called "Human sacrifice! dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria." In it she rants about the top ten uses for children's products banned from the CPSIA....and they are most definitely not what you would expect. You can read it here. Really, do it. Read it there.
Monday, January 5, 2009
fighting a good fight
I was "introduced" to Rick Woldenberg during my incessant search today for new information on the CPSIA. Rick is the Chairman of an Illinois based company called Learning Resources and, in my humble opinion, an expert on the subject of the CPSC and their new "improvement act". He started a new blog on Friday to address the latest issues and solicit feedback. I plan to stalk Rick to gather more information over the next few weeks and, in case you're interested, I'm providing some of the ways you can stalk him too...
read Rick's blog
follow Rick on twitter
watch Rick on you tube
read Rick's blog
follow Rick on twitter
watch Rick on you tube
Sunday, January 4, 2009
our new look
As you may have noticed, we have a new introductory section to this blog. I'm doing what I can to showcase some of the awesome Etsy talent that is at risk due to the overzealous consumer product safety improvement act that goes into affect February 10. Obviously, there are a number of organizations rallying in opposition to this act and the optimist in me has faith that the commission will see how outrageous the requirements are in their current form. But, until that time, and if you know me you will understand, I simply cannot remain quiet.
I will, however, stop bitching about the problem and instead I will start posting images from fellow etsians that want to display their work here. I am honored that they have agreed to let me share it with you and I hope to make a bold statement. It is a travesty that these safe, handcrafted products may no longer be available due to the blatant indiscretions of a few greedy corporations.
So please drop by the shops we've pictured above and send some love their way if you're so inclined.
In addition, here are a few links about the cpsia that I've found extremely helpful in case you feel like reading up as well...
cool mom picks
etsy storque
blogher
handmade toy alliance
I will, however, stop bitching about the problem and instead I will start posting images from fellow etsians that want to display their work here. I am honored that they have agreed to let me share it with you and I hope to make a bold statement. It is a travesty that these safe, handcrafted products may no longer be available due to the blatant indiscretions of a few greedy corporations.
So please drop by the shops we've pictured above and send some love their way if you're so inclined.
In addition, here are a few links about the cpsia that I've found extremely helpful in case you feel like reading up as well...
cool mom picks
etsy storque
blogher
handmade toy alliance
Saturday, January 3, 2009
cpsia endangered list
Please take a minute to visit this flickr group to see a growing number of children's products endangered by the cpsia. Please add your photos... spread the word... and look for more endangered items here over the next few days...
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
change.org & the cpsia
Here is yet another forum, driven by the handmade toy alliance, that allows you to voice your opposition to the cpsia. Remember, this is not just about toys. This law effects ANY product targeted towards children 12 years and younger. It only takes a minute. Please join the vote...
Friday, December 12, 2008
"the witching hours" on blockhead radio
I must credit The Copper Cauldron with most of the words you are about to read...
Who?
Blockhead Radio is an internet based radio show hosted on Blogtalkradio. Blockhead Radio is all about introducing artisans of all types to the world: independent music artists, independent authors, independent artisans who specialize in handcrafted goods.
What?
"The Witching Hours" (hosted by agoodwitchtoo) is just one of the many fabulous shows on Blockhead Radio (for a list of shows and what they are all about visit the website). "The Witching Hours" is focused on bringing the concept of the Handmade Movement to listeners and thus potential buyers.
It is designed to spotlight the Saturday Night Sales that many Etsy shops run on Saturday Nights.
Also, every week there will be a Treasure Hunt of 15 participating shops (and zuzu girl handmade is one of them this week!) The Treasure Hunt's theme will be one of "Follow the Yellow Brick Road..." (very fitting if you know anything about Zuzu). The Treasure Hunt is designed to get people browsing through shops, clicking and looking through each shops listing for the picture that will let them know the next link is contained in the item description. The first one to call in or email agoodwitchtoo with the complete list of participating shops will be the winner.
When?
Every Saturday Night from 5pm until 7pm EST "The Witching Hours" coincides with the beginning of a long standing promo thread started by Willowglass. You can read more about this Saturday Night Special portion by going to Etsy's SNS blog.
Where?
Why from the comfort of your very own homes! Get yourself a beverage of choice and wear your favorite pajamas.
Remember, you will need to sign up for an account at www.blogtalkradio.com to be able to join us in the chat room. The call in number is (646) 649-1320.
Why?
We're dedicated to getting the message out to the world that Handmade is where it is at! There is no better way to stimulate our economy than by directly supporting small businesses instead of lining the pockets of the already wealthy corporations. Not to say we discourage shopping with the big corporations. But where else are you going to find quality wares, excellent customer service, and be able to support artisans?
Who?
Blockhead Radio is an internet based radio show hosted on Blogtalkradio. Blockhead Radio is all about introducing artisans of all types to the world: independent music artists, independent authors, independent artisans who specialize in handcrafted goods.
What?
"The Witching Hours" (hosted by agoodwitchtoo) is just one of the many fabulous shows on Blockhead Radio (for a list of shows and what they are all about visit the website). "The Witching Hours" is focused on bringing the concept of the Handmade Movement to listeners and thus potential buyers.
It is designed to spotlight the Saturday Night Sales that many Etsy shops run on Saturday Nights.
Also, every week there will be a Treasure Hunt of 15 participating shops (and zuzu girl handmade is one of them this week!) The Treasure Hunt's theme will be one of "Follow the Yellow Brick Road..." (very fitting if you know anything about Zuzu). The Treasure Hunt is designed to get people browsing through shops, clicking and looking through each shops listing for the picture that will let them know the next link is contained in the item description. The first one to call in or email agoodwitchtoo with the complete list of participating shops will be the winner.
When?
Every Saturday Night from 5pm until 7pm EST "The Witching Hours" coincides with the beginning of a long standing promo thread started by Willowglass. You can read more about this Saturday Night Special portion by going to Etsy's SNS blog.
Where?
Why from the comfort of your very own homes! Get yourself a beverage of choice and wear your favorite pajamas.
Remember, you will need to sign up for an account at www.blogtalkradio.com to be able to join us in the chat room. The call in number is (646) 649-1320.
Why?
We're dedicated to getting the message out to the world that Handmade is where it is at! There is no better way to stimulate our economy than by directly supporting small businesses instead of lining the pockets of the already wealthy corporations. Not to say we discourage shopping with the big corporations. But where else are you going to find quality wares, excellent customer service, and be able to support artisans?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
etsy open letter to the cpsc
Seems Etsy has finally come out to support the team. By team I am referring to the tens of thousands of Etsy artisans that sell product made for children and have no idea whether or not they will still be in business on February 10th when the new safety improvement act goes into effect. So now we wait and hope that the Ombudsman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will join the Etsy community in a webchat to answer some of our many questions. Until that time...stay informed and positive. You can read more about what Etsy is doing here...
Monday, December 8, 2008
cpsc saga continues...
As anyone reading this knows by now, panic is spreading like wildfire throughout the Etsy community in regards to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that goes into effect February 10, 2009. As it has been explained to me, it will be illegal to sell any products that may be used by children without a government approved safety test and certificate for every single item.
Fortunately, we have legal council in the family so I solicited some advice. I'm still not entirely clear as to what the fate of zuzu girl handmade will be come February but the little information that I did receive is definitely worth sharing...
Apparently there is still some question as to how direct to consumer goods will be handled as opposed to manufactured goods. These are the two responses I received. It's an email conversation between two different, extremely qualified trade lawyers. Clearly, there is still room for discovery even from these professional points of view so I'm not having any fire sales just yet...
Laywer One: "Looking at the Act, it would appear that these folks (meaning etsy artisans) would be subject to its provisions. These are consumer products and they cross interstate lines. There is no de minimus test here on value. This having been said, can they rely on the testing that would have been done by the retailers from whom they purchase their supplies. I am not quite sure how the CPSC would deal with this."
Response from Lawyer Two: "The CPSIA conformity certificate only applies to importers and domestic manufacturers. It appears her business does neither, so she would not be required to certify anything. Moreover, the importers and domestic manufacturers are required to “furnish” the certificate to retailers and distributors, not to ultimate consumers. It appears that these businesses sell to individual consumers, so they would not have to “furnish’ a certificate either."
I'll publish more as I get it in case you are interested in this point of view...
Fortunately, we have legal council in the family so I solicited some advice. I'm still not entirely clear as to what the fate of zuzu girl handmade will be come February but the little information that I did receive is definitely worth sharing...
Apparently there is still some question as to how direct to consumer goods will be handled as opposed to manufactured goods. These are the two responses I received. It's an email conversation between two different, extremely qualified trade lawyers. Clearly, there is still room for discovery even from these professional points of view so I'm not having any fire sales just yet...
Laywer One: "Looking at the Act, it would appear that these folks (meaning etsy artisans) would be subject to its provisions. These are consumer products and they cross interstate lines. There is no de minimus test here on value. This having been said, can they rely on the testing that would have been done by the retailers from whom they purchase their supplies. I am not quite sure how the CPSC would deal with this."
Response from Lawyer Two: "The CPSIA conformity certificate only applies to importers and domestic manufacturers. It appears her business does neither, so she would not be required to certify anything. Moreover, the importers and domestic manufacturers are required to “furnish” the certificate to retailers and distributors, not to ultimate consumers. It appears that these businesses sell to individual consumers, so they would not have to “furnish’ a certificate either."
I'll publish more as I get it in case you are interested in this point of view...
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