for those of you who haven't heard, there is this new legislation being put into place on 2/10/09 that will mandate all children's products (everything from toys to books, bath products to clothes) be tested for dangerous chemicals like lead and phtalates.
the good news: with all these nasty imported toys from countries with poor regulations coming into the US everyday...and thus into our homes...this will protect a lot of children who may have been unknowingly exposed to such chemicals.
the bad news: you know all those incredible handmade wooden toys or the beautiful hand stitched baby quilts you loved to buy? kiss them goodbye. now, people like mattel and fisher-price will have no issue with being able to afford the massive amounts of testing now mandated by the US government (each and every ingredient and/or material will need to be tested - as well as the final product - costing enormous fees to the maker) because they are a) loaded with cash and b) have lobbyists and legislators in their pockets and will be able to squirm through multiple loopholes.
but what about all the handmade stuff? gone. people that make things to sell at craft shows or on sites like etsy.com will never be able to afford this testing. they will be forced out of business. if they try to get around the laws...they will be offered the chance to pay fines or (better yet) perhaps take a lovely vacation to one of our country's luxurious minimum security prisons. those felons!
of course...there is one other alternative. crafters can start charging people what it will actually cost them (supplies+labor+TESTING FEES) to make and sell their product. big companies will be able to absorb their testing costs...these amazing artists won't...
here's some lovely examples:
from aebaby:
CPSIA Special - I Spy Bag Travel Toy, Black Floral
Cost: $17,240.00
Description:
Yes, this does cost $17,240. Thanks to the new law that goes into effect Feb. 10, 2009, the CPSIA will require that I test each product in my shop for lead. Each component will cost $70 for lead testing and an additional $350 per component for phthalates testing. Since there are over 40 different components to each toy I would have to add $17220 to cover costs of testing. So as of Feb. 10th when testing is mandated my once $20 toy an unbelivable $17,240.By the way- shipping on this item is complimentary. :) For more info please read http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/cpsia-deadline-for-changeorg-vote-cnn-article-3247/ Please speak up and help save handmade toys, children's items and the small businesses that create them.
or perhaps this one from levityinbrevity:
CPSIA SPECIAL PRICE Brown Corduroy Tree applique jumper 2t-3t
Cost: $2,547.99
Description:
Thats right $2547.99 So instead of the costing you $27.99 thanks to the new law from the CPSIA this is the cost to you...To test for Lead it will cost $70 per component(6 components: Thread, 3 different fabric's, button) TOTAL: $420 Add in the additional $350 per component for phthalates = $2,100Total-$2,547.99
the good news: with all these nasty imported toys from countries with poor regulations coming into the US everyday...and thus into our homes...this will protect a lot of children who may have been unknowingly exposed to such chemicals.
the bad news: you know all those incredible handmade wooden toys or the beautiful hand stitched baby quilts you loved to buy? kiss them goodbye. now, people like mattel and fisher-price will have no issue with being able to afford the massive amounts of testing now mandated by the US government (each and every ingredient and/or material will need to be tested - as well as the final product - costing enormous fees to the maker) because they are a) loaded with cash and b) have lobbyists and legislators in their pockets and will be able to squirm through multiple loopholes.
but what about all the handmade stuff? gone. people that make things to sell at craft shows or on sites like etsy.com will never be able to afford this testing. they will be forced out of business. if they try to get around the laws...they will be offered the chance to pay fines or (better yet) perhaps take a lovely vacation to one of our country's luxurious minimum security prisons. those felons!
of course...there is one other alternative. crafters can start charging people what it will actually cost them (supplies+labor+TESTING FEES) to make and sell their product. big companies will be able to absorb their testing costs...these amazing artists won't...
here's some lovely examples:
from aebaby:
CPSIA Special - I Spy Bag Travel Toy, Black Floral
Cost: $17,240.00
Description:
Yes, this does cost $17,240. Thanks to the new law that goes into effect Feb. 10, 2009, the CPSIA will require that I test each product in my shop for lead. Each component will cost $70 for lead testing and an additional $350 per component for phthalates testing. Since there are over 40 different components to each toy I would have to add $17220 to cover costs of testing. So as of Feb. 10th when testing is mandated my once $20 toy an unbelivable $17,240.By the way- shipping on this item is complimentary. :) For more info please read http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/cpsia-deadline-for-changeorg-vote-cnn-article-3247/ Please speak up and help save handmade toys, children's items and the small businesses that create them.
or perhaps this one from levityinbrevity:
CPSIA SPECIAL PRICE Brown Corduroy Tree applique jumper 2t-3t
Cost: $2,547.99
Description:
Thats right $2547.99 So instead of the costing you $27.99 thanks to the new law from the CPSIA this is the cost to you...To test for Lead it will cost $70 per component(6 components: Thread, 3 different fabric's, button) TOTAL: $420 Add in the additional $350 per component for phthalates = $2,100Total-$2,547.99
Posts
This is just madness! I can't believe they actually think this is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes...on my blog, it is a real Pound Puppy!! I had some of them too when I was a kid! I died when I saw them at Christmas this year! I just had to get one for my little girl!
wait isnt it put on hold for a year?
ReplyDeleteyes, it was....but that year will be up before too long and then we are right back where we started...
ReplyDelete