On February 10, 2009 , untold numbers of children's products manufactures and retailers will be closing their doors. Apparently, the US Congress has passed an act that will require testing on everything that is intended for use by children under 12. The wording of the act says "consumer product", so it may include diapers was well as toys.
The act requires expensive testing on each toy, batch numbers, etc., which would be easy for any big manufacturer but would put thousands of work at home moms and small shops out of business, or force them to operate illegally. To do this and get caught however inflicts a 100,000 fine per item.
If you are in the USA, please PLEASE
write your senators and representatives to ask them to change this act to exclude products made in the USA, Canada and Europe. I am still unsure of how this effects small business, retailers, and work at home mamas in Canada, but I am keeping my eyes peeled for information. I am sure we could write US reps as well. I purchase a lot of handmade items from the US for my daughter (especially knitted items) and it would be a shame to see these mamas go out of business by this law. I am all over testing for lead, don't get me wrong but this is a little ridiculous.
Here's some important links to check out regarding this issue:
The ActPetition:
"Save Handmade Toys in the USA from the CPSIA"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys?e
Facebook GroupActivist SiteEtsy Protest ForumJoin the Handmade Toy Alliance & get more info