Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CPSIA-- Protecting Who?

I would like to alert you to an article I recently read regarding the CPSIA, I don't think that all the ramifications of this quickly passed legislation were thought out and it will really create a huge mess if something isn't done about it--quickly! I'm sorry for the length of this article, but there are alot of good points made that I think really need to be brought to your attention.


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


Check this SaveHandmade blog for many topical links and resources.

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

6 comments:

I LOVE FRANCE said...

Hi there
I just found your blog.
The law they are just bringing out is stupid ,as if the economy isint bad enough.
Who thinks these laws up and why what good is it gonna do
andrea

The Catnap Cottage said...

Our tax dollars at work!! I know, let's make an even bigger government so we can have more regulation. But wait, I think they are working on that now! Maybe the ones that think up this crazy stuff should actually have to live in the world we live in! Ugh!! Cindy

Amy said...

I have been reading up on all this mess for a few weeks now. Your post is great and drives the point home. This is pure craziness if "they" think this is the best for everyone. What next?? It makes you just shake your head, doesn't it?!
On a happier note....I gave you an award over at my blog. Go See. Maybe it will cheer you up.
Amy

littlethings1 said...

You could not of said it any better ! Great read ! It is so frustrating , how can stupid things like this happen ! So glad our tax dollars are at work to "help" us !!!

Betty said...

I've heard about this law but not read it yet. This is ridiculous. We need to stimulate the economy not stifle it! Time to write some letters!!

Cec said...

Thank you for such a clear and personal look at that new law. You can check out my blog and see how I got into trouble with Swiss law today - not on purpose, of course!!

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