Deadlines for new toy safety rules Posted by mitcka at 11/24/08 03:34 PM

comments (3)

1 Posted by ann at 01/09/09 01:42 PM

I am horrified by the lead-phthalates-whatever in toys and other items intended for use by kids and was REALLY cautious with my own kids' toys. So the CPSIA's testing requirement is, on balance, a very good thing.

But as an occasional seller of handmade toys, handknit socks, bibs, and the like, I am really appalled by the breadth of the CPSIA. It's got the handcraft world in a real bind. I've heard of people shutting down their small businesses and of European wood toy manufacturers pulling out of the US market on the grounds that the testing requirements are too burdensome. So this isn't going to stop the Walmart/Hasbro/Mattel part of the industry, but it will stop the sale of toys that probably weren't a problem to begin with and which are probably more creative and healthy for our kids... How is this an improvement?

As a longtime member, this is the first time I've found myself conflicted about a CU action alert - what is the official CU position on the application of the lead testing requirements to small businesses?

2 Posted by Jerid Hill at 01/29/09 02:22 PM

I urge you to look further into the CPSIA before running a promotion of locking in this premature law.

The CPSC even states they are not ready to implement this law. Although intentions are good, the handling of putting such a restrictive law into practice has been horrendous. We need an extension in order for the proper testing to even be allowable. There are only a handful of testing facilities and at this point, they are already backlogged from previous testing. This law as is will instantly stop businesses in America from operating. This will cause thousands of thousands of job losses as well as business closings and bankruptcies.

If done properly, this look could have an excellent impact on the quality of products in America. I have such an implementation of how to do this, but we need at least a 6 month extension. My plan will be able to go into effect in 90 days or less and the remaining time would allow for the manufacturers to go in line and follow through.

At this point, the CPSC has yet to respond to me or countless others regarding ways this law is harmful and suggestions on how to improve it.

I urge everyone to contact your local congressmen/women and put the pressure on in order to save America. The economy is bad enough and this law will worsen it to extreme measures.

3 Posted by Mother of 6 at 01/30/09 08:34 PM

Nobody wants lead or phthalates in children's toys and clothing. That said, however, reasonable amendments to the CPSIA would enable the Consumer Product Safety Commission to continue to ensure child safety, while also preventing thousands of American small businesses from suffering heavy casualties.

This does not have to be an either-or proposition filled with rhetoric on either side.