Way to go Government! This is Olivia’s explanation of the situation:
“The government wants to tell Mom that she’s not allowed to sew. They made a mistake in their law and Mom needs to write them a letter so that they will let her sew again.”
The new law, H.R.4040, to go into effect on February 10th will make it so that I will not be able to sell my hand made clothes, dolls and slings without submitting each batch (every item being individual means each item will be a batch) for 3rd party lead and phylate testing. I agree that these items should not be in toys and clothing. That’s one of the reasons that I prefer to buy handmade and wooden toys. The other reason being my support for small and cottage businesses like my own. But H.R.4040 will place such stringent requirements on these businesses making it almost impossible to operate. You can find out more about this law and its possible repercussions here.
I’ve already contacted my Congress Person and Senator requesting a provision in the law to protect small businesses. Sherrod Brown (D- OH) has replied, though not very satisfactorily. If anyone is interested in his response leave a comment and I can email it to you. My biggest frustration is that no one is offering a step by step solution for how to bring my goods into compliance with the law. As it is right now I have to decide whether I’m going to quit selling slings and children’s materials or if I’m going to be a quality-goods bootlegger. Please contact your respective elected officials and emphasize the need for a simple way for small and cottage businesses to comply with the law.
Like I said, way to go Government! Way to make criminals out of people just trying to make their own way.
How depressing. I’ve signed the Handmade Toy Alliance’s petition, and hope that one or other of the administrations in office between now and 10 February takes action to avoid this.
Like most regulatory solutions, this cripples people who weren’t involved in the problem, while leaving the big toy manufacturers who caused the problem barely scathed. And the effect on children’s resale is distressing, too.
You could try a solution I saw suggested at another blog: Just label your stuff as “For Adult Use Only.” :-P You know, those are decorative dresses to hang on the wall. ;-)
Is the government going to shut down all the craft fairs in the country? There HAS to be an exception for small cottage industry. I mean, you’re not a “manufacturer”, you are an artist, right?
Mary
Unfortunately the law does not allow for any distinction between a “manufacturer” and “artist/crafter/artisan.” How frustrating. As QOC has mentioned, there is the problem that all secondhand children’s clothing/toys will also have to be submitted for testing which no thrift shop or garage sale will be able to comply with. Tons of good quality secondhand items will be headed to the landfill or sold the new black market.
I think I will have to do the “adult use only” thing. There doesn’t seem to be any other way. ;)