CPSIA law affects handmade items for children

Created with good intentions, the new CPSIA law requires testing for lead in all components of goods intended for children under 12 years of age. Materials such as fabrics that have little to no exposure to lead during manufacturing need to be tested. The testing will be the responsibility of the creator of the finished goods such as hobby business owners, indie crafters, etc NOT the manufacturer of the material/supplies. This may force small businesses that focus on products for children to close due to the super expensive testing costs that could potentially be more easily and affordably absorbed into manufacturer costs.

By the way, to test each component means to test every piece involved in making the item including- fabric, thread, every color of yarn used in an item, elastic, buttons, snaps, etc ...If an item starts using different components, the testing would have to be re-done. Each component will cost $70 for lead testing and an additional $350 per component for phthalates testing.

Thought I would pass along some links for fellow crafters and to inform consumers about the movement to amend this law.

CPSIA Central

Sample new CPSIA prices from etsy sellers

http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML