Dear Friends of Earnest Efforts -
We are writing to inform you of action taken by Congress to pass the HR4040 or the CPSIA
(Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) implemented by the CPSA (Consumer Product Safety Commission). We are pleased that
Congress passed a bill to protect our children from toys containing lead and phthalates and addressing other safety issues, however,
parts of this bill will directly affect all small handmade toy makers and store owners in a way that could put many of us, who make
child safety and the environment our top priority, out of business.
The CPSIA rules now require that all toys be tested, including
natural handmade toys, and at a cost of approximately $4000.00 per batch (no quantity limit on batches). This cost would
put us out of business. We would also be required to label each toy with a permanent batch label. This is another cost
that could force us out of business as well as deface the beauty of our rattles.
Dan Marshall from Peapods Natural Toys
in St. Paul has created a website where you can go to read the rules of the CPSIA, a proposal to improve the CPSIA
and a sample letter you can send to your congress person or senator. The website is www.handmadetoyalliance.org. This
act was suspended by congress, but will go into effect in February 2011.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter
and we sincerely appreciate your help.
Take care, be good and kind, and don't forget to laugh,
Rick Hinton & Heather Robbins-Hinton
Help Save Handmade Toys
