Sniglets and the CPSIA

I have finally been able to figure out how the CPSIA laws are going to affect Sniglets. I've done hours upon hours of research, it's been exhausting to say the least! The laws, as they stand right now (keep in mind that they are ever changing) will effect my paci clips and anything I make that has metal snaps or fasteners (ex: onesies, bibs, and hair bows). Textiles, polyester ribbon, and paper are all materials that have just been exempt from the testing, therefore anything I make using only those items only fall under the new labeling laws - I can deal with that. The labeling laws just state that every item needs to have a label that includes my name, business name, city, state, and date of manufacture. Basically just enough information for a serial killer to find me and my family, but hey, this is all about safety right? Geeze.

The next set of laws, the lead and phthalates testing laws, apply to anything made with metal, plastic, or paint, I only use metal components so I will just talk about those. For me to be in compliance with CPSIA, I have to prove that all of my metal components have been tested and certified to be lead free, that's all of my clips, covered buttons, snaps, and hair clips. I think that's great, to hold manufacturers accountable to using lead free supplies, but that much is only good enough for right now. If the required testing of all finished products goes into effect this coming February, that will be a whole different story. That will mean that even if I am using all proven lead free components in my manufacturing (materials that have already been tested and certified by their own manufacturers) I will still have to pay for third party lead testing on my finished product. Even though I have done nothing to alter the chemical makeup of the components, the fact that I have assembled them together will require THOUSANDS of dollars worth of testing. Plus, I will not have to test just one clip, just one time, but will have to retest anytime I change a ribbon color or fabric. Needless to say, I will have to just stop making them. When it comes to items with snaps, say I buy a Gerber brand onesie or bib (even if it has already been tested and certified to be lead free by Gerber) once I put a monogram or applique on the item, the liability of manufacturer automatically switches to me - not Gerber anymore, and I would be required to pay for third party testing again. Needless to say, I will just stop making them as well.

That is just how CPSIA effects me and my business, what about how it will effect you as a children's product consumer? Do you like to buy hair bows, kid's jewelry, painted wooden toy's? All painted wooden toys will have to be tested for lead (even if the manufacturer proves he only uses tested and certified lead free paint), all children's plastic products will require third party phthalates testing (despite the fact that phthalates have NEVER been used in children's toys, just in packaging products). This will make all children's products that we buy (that are not made by mass producers like Mattel or Fisher Price) nearly extinct or very expensive.

I personally am more upset about these changes for myself as a consumer than I am for myself as a crafter and seller. I love choices! I have loved the huge variety and originality offered by the handmade world. I too care deeply about safety for my children, I always have, and have prided myself on careful research in my choices, but I think that requiring such monotonous and expensive lead testing on products that are already made with all lead free components is redundant. It bothers me that Evie and Annie will have to grow up in a world of cookie cutter choices, that they will only be able to choose from the items being offered by the small monopoly of remaining large children's companies who can afford the testing. This is just such a bummer.

So, what can we all do to help make changes? Tell people, tell everyone you know! The government has done a poor job of informing the American consumer, most people will be caught of guard if big changes are not made by the time February 2010 rolls around. Write a post or put up a link on your blog. In the coming weeks, I want to help inform you on how to work towards making amendments to the CPSIA, but for right now please help spread the word!

P.S. Here is a great informative article on the CPSIA. This would be a great link to send to your friends and family.