Testing and certification requirements may prove too costly for many small businesses that, ironically, aim to provide safer products for kids.
New York City, New York, January 25, 2009: CPSIA-Central will be discussing issues related to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) at the Challenge & Fun booth (#1848) at the New York International Gift Fair (January 25-29), and (#1249) at the American International Toy Fair (February 15-18). The purpose is to educate those impacted by the new law, and to invite industry professionals to join in the effort to lobby for immediate reforms to CPSIA.
Responding to consumers’ fears following the spate of lead-related toy recalls in recent years, Congress swiftly and unanimously passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Few businesses affected by the CPSIA were even aware of it until the 2008 holiday season, when they learned that the new testing and certification requirements would go into effect on February 10, 2009. Many of those who will be negatively impacted by the new law – including designers, manufacturers, retailers, resellers, and consumers – are unaware of its implications and unprepared to respond to its requirements.
There has been widespread confusion regarding what types of products and businesses are affected. The answer is, all products designed to appeal to children aged twelve and under, all businesses that make or sell them, and all consumers of products geared towards children twelve and under.
No one wants to see unsafe children’s products on the market. However, the CPSIA requires costly, third-party testing and certification – beyond what is necessary to prove most products safe, and beyond the financial and practical means of many small businesses. Its implementation, as written, will result in higher cost of goods, widespread bankruptcy among small business owners, and loss of jobs in a time when unemployment rates are climbing.
CPSIA-Central is taking steps to educate those in the children's products industry about what the law means to them in terms of certifying existing inventory; duplicate third-party testing of the same materials used to make multiple products; certification and application of permanent markings, and more.
CPSIA-Central is a growing organization with over 500 members.
Contact: Rob Wilson Vice President Challenge & Fun, Inc. Phone: 508-881-7500 Fax: 508-881-5627 Email: cpsia@challengeandfun.com PO Box 222 Ashland, MA 01721 Phone: 508-881-7500 Fax: 508-881-5627
Founder & Administrator CPSIA-Central
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