Update on CPSIA Childrens Product Testing Law

For the most part there seems to be some gray areas in this law. Some people who make custom clothing and accesories for children and own consignment stores say this won't affect their business while others in the same trades say it will. Therefore I am hearing two sides to this new law and how it will effect certain businesses. I really hope it won't effect everyone like I have been told but I like to be safer than sorry and am taking the necessary steps to protect my investments and my ebay store Carousel Collections. This is what the CPSIA said to a friend of mine when she called them and I would like to quote what was said here.

"... A person from CPSIA said that concerning making and selling custom clothing that it MUST be lead tested after Feb 10th and that it must be tested with a third party tester and I must provide the test results. She also said that all zippers/buttons had to be tested and each fabric so not just a simple test for a low price. Many tests making the cost too high.

As for selling the kids outgrown clothing, she said that it must be tested to be sold if I sell it after Feb 10th. She said the law is retroactive meaning that just because I already own it, if I try to sell it, I must have my own testing done. She also said that there are no exemptions in this law so even a plain white cotton t-shirt would be required to be tested as the law stands today. (I do know that there are LOTS of sites out there trying to change the law so I think that's why she threw the 'as the law stands today' bit in there)
I asked her what would happen to children's consignment shops and she said that they must comply also or face the same fines I would.
She was very matter of fact and didn't really care when I told her how this is going to affect so many but she did sound like she's answered these questions a whole lot as she had the answer pretty much before I even ended my question.
I didn't ask about toys since well if clothes have to be tested old toys would too but I don't sell toys so it didn't pertain to me specifically.
Just hope this clarifies something as I am sick of feeling like I'm spreading some mass rumor and trying to scare people."



If you want to hear it for yourself like I did you can call 1-800-277-3300.



I pressed 0 for the operator and asked to speak with someone concerning the new CPSIA concerning the new lead testing law. Was immediately connected to a person. "

Here is a great website if you'd like to be involved in fighting this.

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=32

More links:

Wall Street Journal article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122696993087535701.html

House Committee on Energy and Commerce

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Committee_o n_Energy_and_Commerce

The AAFA

http://www.apparelandfootwear.org/

CPSC website

Listserv for updates: https://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsialist.aspx
General Counsel advisory opinions
http://cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html#advisory
FAQs: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/elecertfaq.pdf
videos of the CPSC Public Meeting on lead
http://cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsialead.html

The videos of Rick Woldenberg’s presentation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUlY6zOMPqQ&feature=relat ed

This link relates to the existing inventory

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf


On my part I have already returned a lot of inventory that I had and plan on selling the majority of Fiana's Clothes in January. I will be doing two selling seasons in one. On ebay you sell twice a year for pre-owned clothing, Once for spring/summer and then again for Fall/winter. It will be a busy month ahead! Though this law is frustrating to me, whatever happens...happens. Some are taking it seriously and others are not. To each his own I guess. I just feel better that I have done everything I can do with the information given to me. This law is still isn't set in stone yet so many changes and exceptions could be made. But until it is all final I am being cautious.