CPSIA Blogging Day was yesterday! What does that mean?
I started this post yesterday, on CPSIA Blogging Day but things happened that prevented it being posted. The information is so important that I felt it worth posting even if a day late.
CPSIA also known as Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in August 2008 with the intention of protecting customers from Companies selling harmful products.
Everyone remembers the recent scares of lead based paint used on toys made in China and sent to the US. This is an example of what this CPSIA Act was intended to stop. As the Act currently stands, the wording was not completely thought through with a small or “micro” business in mind. They require testing of each component that goes into the final product. These kinds of testing fees will put small business toy makers right out of business as they can’t afford them. Also the Act is so broad that there are questions as to whether Thrift items are included with a need for testing. Talk about a nightmare to track! It’s possible to purchase an item that was tested by a company and purchased new, then have to test that same item again if it finds it’s way to a thrift store? Can you say red tape that’s ridiculously not needed? This is not how to protect us!
Sarah Jane has a comprehensive blog post on this legislation from a small business perspective. Another important point is that most of these small businesses are owned by mothers, aunts, grandmothers their own selves and are looking out for the best interests of their own families. Always click the “about us” link on any website you find and you’ll see what I mean!
There has got to be a better way of getting at what we need without discouraging small business in our own country at a time when small business has the opportunity of benefiting our country. It’s time to read, decide, and then say your piece on how this legislation should be revised.
You can take action here: Participate in CPSC Public commenting: Until January 30th, 2009 the CPSC is taking public comments on Section 102 ofthe CPSIA. Email them here: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov
This legislation seems quite similar to the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 that has not yet been voted on. Let’s get some revisions in the works before we create the same confusion!
Thank you for your time!
Happy Washing!
~Regina