By now, some of you would have heard about the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) which is to be fully implemented on February 10th. This law was a reaction to the imported products that were sold to US consumers for children which had very high lead content... do you remember the Thomas Train issues? Like most parents, I don't want lead in my children's toys. I do think it should be mandatory that imports are tested. But the law doesn't stop there.
According to the law, all products that could be used by children 12 and under must have third party testing of the final product. (Testing of components is NOT compliance).
I began creating unique hand made toys and quilts for children because I don't like most of the cheap mass produced plastic toys that currently line the toy shelves of retailers. When I first began making toys, I contacted the manufacturer of the fleece that I use and have now twice received written confirmation that the fleece used in my toys are lead and toxin free. So, I am making a safe toy alternative. Or am I... according the new CPSIA I am creating hazardous waste.
Unfortunately, certification that my materials are lead free does not make me compliant to the law. Because I can not test EACH variation of my blocks (each is unique) they can not be considered for sale once the law goes into affect. A spokesperson has stated that items that are true one-of-a-kind items will be exempt from testing but the law has not been revised to reflect that statement.
Here are a few link which provide additional information:
Link to the government website: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Link to A Daily Rate which contains an article on this topic: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
I encourage everyone to look at this legislation and act. Call someone, write your legislator, sign a petition....
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