I have been reading a lot about this in several groups and websites. I have gathered some information and will continue to add links and sources of info as I find them. Here you will find what this law "might" imply and what we can do to change and let our voices be heard.
As it stands this law could totally and dramatically affect our economy by pulling the rug from under us (WAHM, SAHM, Crafters, re-sellers, bargain shoppers, yardsalers etc). We want our children to be safe, but we also want these laws to be made consciously and carefully without hurting our already fragile economy.
Here are a couple exerts from emails I have found with info. We can help by signing petitions and expressing our opinions to news, press and Congress.
Everyone pick up the phone tomorrow Friday between noon and 3pm EST and call Rush Limbaugh for his "Open Line Friday" 1-800-282-2882 Fridays they will discuss anything from callers. Let's make the numbers count so they can see we are UNITED! He has millions of listeners and we could use his pull to help our cause. Let him know our businesses and economy are at stake here.
This will affect as examples only (not all inclusive):
All hand-crafters, work at home manufacturers, and small run manufacturers
who will not be able to afford testing, which is estimated to cost between $150-
$4000 per component tested, with an average cost of $500. As an example, a
cloth diaper may have three components: inner fleece, outer lining, and velcro.
At a cost of $500 per component, that would cost $1500 for one batch of cloth
diapers using the same materials. Change the color or start on a new bolt of
material and testing is required again.
Daycare providers as they are required by law to provide "safe" items for the
children they care for as defined by the CPSC. As the CPSC's interpretation of
the law is that untested items are unsafe unless proven by testing as safe,
daycare providers will either need to obtain proof of testing from the
manufacturer, test their items, or buy new items. However, they'll be forced to
go through this again each time the law reduces the allowable level as the GCC
provided doesn't say what the level is.
Thrifts, Consignments, and Charities that sell used items will not be able to
resell used items without the GCC.
You will not be legally allowed to sell your own items on eBay, Craiglist (or any
other site), or even hold a yard sale without providing a GCC to the buyer to
prove their children's items are in compliance. You will not even be legally
allowed to donate or give away these items, even to foreign countries as it is
explicitly forbidden to "export" items not proven safe.
Hotels, hospitals, and any public play area will have to ensure all their child-
related items are tested or replace them as they are provided to the public.
Libraries will have to ensure their children's books have been tested or replace
them.
New & Used book stores will likewise have to ensure their books for children are
safe or discard them.
Schools will have to examine all their child-related items and supplies from
books, to science equipment, to paper clips if they are to be used by children 12
and younger. Items not proven tested, will, by CPSC's interpretation of the law,
have to be tossed as well.
PTA fundraisers that involve handmade crafts for kids will be forbidden.
Holiday craft bazaars by your local church will likewise be forbidden for
children's products.
Trade shows for vintage Barbies, Star Wars Figures, Hotwheels, among others
will be illegal.
Families looking to save money or be environmental friendly by reusing and
recycling children's items will no longer be able to.
What you can do:
Vote here:
http://www.change. org/ideas/ view/save_ handmade_ toys_from_ the_cpsia
Sign this petition:
http://www.rallycongress.com/ make-second- hand-kids- clothes-legal-/1471/