Lead Test Laws Killing Small Business?

A new law designed to cut the lead out of kids products may end up killing the craft industry.

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Local mom and pop retailers say the products they make, like kids clothes and hair bows, will need to be tested for lead under the new law.

Even if the materials used in the craft have already been tested, the final product must be tested too.

One designer of kids clothes says the rules will cost her nearly one thousand dollars per retail item.

Trevor Thorson says she can't afford the cost of testing products so she is closing her shop.

Resellers originally thought the rules applied to them too, but the CPSC recently said they are not requiring donated items be tested.

However, the CPSC says resellers can not sell items that are surpass the allowed lead level or face a $100,000 fine.

Thorson told us the cost of testing and the potential fines are behind her decision to close her shop.

If you'd like the read the law that goes into effect February 10th, here is a link:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf

Comments

[Denis Muras]

We in the Woodworker's Club of Houston are concerned about this law as well. Our club donates 3000 to 4000 toys to the Goodfellows organization. There is a group called the Handmade Toy Alliance that is a grass roots effort to have Congress modify the law. There is a link on the page to vote at change.org, http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Home

Pass it on...

Denis Muras
President, Woodworker's Club of Houston
http://www.wwch.org

[Brenda Reed]

How would this effect acryllic painted canvases? or cotton crotcheted toys? Where would we see the results of these tests posted?what if they are given as gifts?

[Denis Muras]

If the toy is intended for a child under the age of 12, it would need to be tested and certified. Gifts included, as the law is currently written, that is why clubs and charity organizations are worried about this law..

Denis

[Kathleen]

[Jeff, cover your ears]

Jeff called me to verify what Trevor told him. Over the past two months, I've talked to a lot of reporters. He impressed me by asking so many of the right questions, following the logic of the law so I'm really looking forward to his story when it's live.

[Becky]

I'm so glad to see something about this finally make it to television and the consumer! I have a small craft business and my sales to children are a very important part of it. If the law requires me to retest my items that have already been deemed lead-free by the manufacturer, I'll be out of business as far as craft shows go.

Kudos to Ron Paul for voting no on this law!

Thanks for airing this, Jeff!

[SaveKidsResale]

Small toymakers and artisans represented by the Handmade Toy Alliance say the cost of that testing is prohibitively expensive. Sellers of secondhand goods such as thrift stores and consignment shops, represented by the National Association of Resellers and Thrift Stores have no way of knowing if the products on their shelves contain excessive amounts of lead unless they’re tested. To find out more, go to savekidsresale.com - write your congressional representative. It's imperative that this law be changed. The unintended consequences are far reaching.

[Adrienne]

This law has GOT to be amended!! No one wants poisonous toys and children's items, but redundant testing is not cost effective nor logical....oh wait, neither is the US government...UGH

[Marty Dick (aka GranMarty)]

Does this law include fabric items with buttons? I ordered some fabric paint which I tossed when I discovered it was made in China. I make a lot of clothing for my granddaughter and I want to continue doing so. I started doing this for gifts rather than buy anything made in you know where.

[Cora]

I am really going to miss this boutique and it's products. My children look adorable and the quality of material is outstanding! I believe that the products should not have to be tested if the the materials used have been tested.

[Charlotte Haines]

I agree with the law I have to children under 12 myself. But if our supplies here in the USA and Fabric Designers have already proved there is no lead then WHY THE DOUBLE DIP! This is making it very diffcult to buy USA products.
Also what is the Guarentee. That the items I am buying at the Retail chain are following though and are they haveing to double dip to prove. Their items.

[x-ray fluorescence]

Hi,
I agree with the law.No one wants poisonous toys and children's items, but redundant testing is not cost effective nor logical...

[Sonya]

Where do we go to get our items tested???
I live in Houston TX and sell to local boutiques in my area. They are asking me if I am going to test my products. Dose anyone know where I can get that done localy?

[Van Sales]

I visited this blog first time and found it very interesting and informative.. Keep up the good work thanks..

[Benjamin]

Greatly this law is effected to many law business aspecially on toys.If the toy is for the child of under 12 then this law is good.But have to think more about it.

Benjamin
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[suman]

I thank you for the informative message .
its really good suggestion on verification of products.

suman
very good bpo

[Business Marketing]

This is harsh news. There should be some loopholes so that smaller business owners can still stay open. I say should, but as the people who make the laws have proven in the past, what should be isn't always what takes place, sad as it may be.

[Charles brooks]

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[henrylow]

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[Robert]

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[Robert]

Small business

2) The Center for Media Research has released a study by Vertical Response that shows just where many of these ‘Main Street’ players are going with their online dollars. The big winners: e-mail and social media. With only 3.8% of small business folks NOT planning on using e-mail marketing and with social media carrying the perception of being free (which they so rudely discover it is far from free) this should make some in the banner and search crowd a little wary……….

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