It's going to be a very interesting and challenging year in the baby business world. Not only are we in the midst of a global recession, but I would like to point out a piece of legislation coming into effect soon in the United States that is sure to affect us here in Canada very shortly.
Do you have kids? Purchase anything that kids may use? This affects you. Perhaps you have heard of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. It was passed in an effort to protect children from lead contaminated products, which I think is certainly an admirable goal. However, what many people are slowly coming to realize is that it may actually cause the obliteration of many small businesses in the United States that manufacture handcrafted goods for children. It's complicated and time consuming to track down what the legislation says and who will be affected and how.
For example, a kids tshirt that is sewn in small batches, every piece of fabric (and each colour of the same fabric), applique, ink, button, zipper, rhinestone, etc, will need to be tested in a third party lab for lead. This has to be done for each different size of the same design of tshirt, even if made from the same batch of fabric. The manufacturer (often moms at home!) has to supply certificates to the retailers or the product is considered unsellable, hazardous waste, unable to be even given away. Some manufacturers who have posted online about their experience have inquired at labs as to what this would cost, and it can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. All this to be allowed to sell a $20.00 tshirt.
Here are some links for more information:
The Wall Street Journal - "Pelosi's Toy Story"Boutique CafeEtsy ForumNurtured Products BlogCute, Cuddly and Cannibalistic Bloghttp://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsiahttp://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Consumer Products Safety Improvement ActAs a retailer in Canada, we will be affected as our suppliers, small businesses creating handcrafted goods in the United States, will start going out of business. Our customers prefer goods made in Canada and the United States, especially the handcrafted products.
Please inform yourself and send a letter to your government representatives!
We'll be watching our neighbors to the south very closely as this story develops...
