As you may imagine, behind the scenes I continue to put in 18 hour days working on CPSIA. There’s so much information to process on a daily basis, small tidbits really, that I’m not posting these updates here. These are posted to the CPSIA forum. Probably the tool that the ad hoc coalition of affected industries are using most is Twitter. You can follow me for the latest and also by using the hash tag #cpsia.
Collectively, we’re fielding many telephone calls and emails from TV, radio and newspaper reporters who are interested in interviewing children’s wear designers and retailers in given areas of the country. I’ve started posting these here in the forum and also on Twitter. The latest request came in from Los Angeles and with as many designers as I have there, not many I know of are doing kid’s clothes. Very surprising that, so sing out if you’re in the neighborhood. A round up entry of all CPSIA related articles on Fashion-Incubator is here which includes strategies for activism. Your support is direly needed.
Recent CPSIA updates:
A proposal to exempt certain natural materials from lead testing. (pdf) This isn’t likely to provide the sort of relief we’d like. If your 100% cotton, silk etc garments are dyed, printed or processed in any way, they won’t be exempt. Sorry to disappoint you, any claims to the contrary are false.
The CPSC issued a press release today entitled CPSC Clarifies Requirements of New Children’s Product Safety Laws Taking Effect in February. Again unfortunately, this is not likely to provide much relief for many of you. Some experts and attorneys say the press release is little more than a restatement of the law than an exemption. Essentially, retailers of used items are liable for substantive fines ($100,000) and prison if they sell items that exceed stipulated lead levels but they don’t have to test them… In sum, the situation remains murky.
Un-updates
The situation regarding distribution of children’s products to the needy by charities (such as Project Linus) is likewise unresolved. It is rumored the CPSC was going to issue an exemption but we’re still waiting. Does it go without saying that there’s no news with regards to children’s manufacturers in general? Believe me, if it changes, you’ll be the first to know.
Thank you so much Kathleen. This could so easily have been a paid membership, as discussed, and many of us would be more than willing. Your tireless efforts on keeping us up to date on the CPSIA should be recognized! Really, all of the content is great.
I for one am going over to that donation button after I hit submit and suggest you all do the same!(How do I make that bold?) Whatever. Any amount is better than nothing. Let’s show some love.
From a long time lurker, not that big on posting or commenting, thank you a thousand times!
Thank you some much for your endless effort in getting this rules changed.
And thanks to Laura of reminding me of the donation button.
Here is something I pasted out from CPSC web site:
This is taken from a “notice of proposed rulemaking” signed by Todd A. Stevenson, secretary of CPSC, dated January 9. page 7 and 8.
D. Impact on Small Businesses
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), when an agency issues a proposed rule, it generally must prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis describing the impact the proposed rule is expected to have on small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA does not require a regulatory flexibility analysis if the head of the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant effect on a substantial number of small entities.
The Commission’s Directorate for Economic Analysis prepared a preliminary assessment of the impact of relieving certain material or products from the testing requirements of section 102 of the CPSIA if they were found to be inherently under the lead content limits prescribed. The number of small businesses that will be directly affected by the rule is unknown but could be considerable. However, it will not result in any increase in the costs of production for any firm. Its only effect on businesses, including small businesses, will be to reduce the costs that would have been associated with testing the materials under section 102 of the CPSIA. Based on the foregoing assessment, the Commission preliminarily finds that the proposed rule would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Perhaps you also are wondering where RFA gets their information.
Sign up for the e-mails with up dates from CPSC:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsialist.aspx
and post your comments there…
Laura,
While the blog is free, there is also a forum that you need to buy the book to get access to. If you like the blog, you’ll love the forum.
Kathleen –
happy to help if you need anyone in my area – western NY – here is a link to an interview I gave this week to our local station
http://www.13wham.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=203654@video.wokr13.com&navCatId=5
Thanks Alison, I’m lurking there too. Well, a couple posts:)
I’m LauraL and see you there as well. peace
Please sign the ipetition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RepealCPSIA/signatures-5.html
I’ve been contacted by a reporter for a major NJ newspaper who would like to write an article about this. He’s looking for New Jersey business owners who will be affected by the impending CPSIA regulations. If you are willing to be interviewed, please contact me through the contact form on my website, and I’ll tell you how to get in touch with the reporter.
http://www.moosemangames.com
Reporter from the Wall Street Journal wants to interview manufacturers who went out of business due to cpsia.
Email me directly and include the following information or I won’t pass it along.
name
business name
phone/cell
city/state
url if you have one
In addition, please write a paragraph or so (be succinct) with your story of how this law has put you out of business.
The reporter already has the cost of testing angle covered so you don’t need to do anything other than mention it but not flog it. He’s interested in the reasons for driving you out of business. Imo, it seems he is particularly interested in the issue of inventory and whether your stores have returned product to you and if so, what is the value or cost of it to you. He’s also looking for a personal touch here, something readers can connect with.
Repeating, I will not forward your response if you don’t include the above information.