On February 10, 2009 a new law goes into effect for crafters. It is HR4040 2008 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT or CPSIA....PUBLIC LAW 110-314 All craft items made for children and sold by you, must be tested for lead. They must be labeled as such also. If not you face a felony conviction.
My daughter had purchased a bib and the vinyl facing on the front of the terry bib had traces of lead paint in the figures on the front. Some of the painted prints on vinyl material contain lead. Hopefully this law will eliminate this. I have to pass this on to my friend who makes vinyl barbie bags that have painted cartoon characters on them. This law will pertain to anything made for kids.
Last edited by Appleannie; 01-06-2009 at 06:15 PM..
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Laura, Google lead testing kits, there's a lot that came up for me.
Jody, don't know if Canada is doing it or not...might want to check with one of your government agencies.
Here is a little info I was able to find. I am still trying to find out how it is going to effect Canada. From what I understand now this was just on some forums I belong to and basically it is saying that anything thing/toy/clothing/etc that may appeal to any child 12 years of age and younger must be tested.
Testing on products could cost up into hundreds of dollars per an item. From what I understand the product has to be lab tested and certified. That is for each different product you make weather it be a burp cloth or a knitted pair of booties or a toy. I am still trying to find more info but some of it is rather confusing.
There is talk about this on many forums and websites. I want to know how the government is going to police this. There are thousands of craft shows and also people who make items for hospital and crisis centers and are they not going to be able to do this anymore? I am starting to think that, because this law is for the big manufacturers of toys that there is no way they are going after the little guy. I also think that there will probably be some kind of exemption for the small crafter in time. I alway look on the positive side of things and try not to be scared because of the government has made another dumb law that in reality can't be enforced. Those people in congress never thought that they would affect the people who do craft shows and make their items. They probably never have even been to a craft show. Just my two cents, for what it is worth.
Maybe crafters can post a sign for items that they sell specifying that they are handmade and are "as is". Do you think that this would be enough to eliminate any liability?
I know that since we live in a society of suing today, this certainly is scary for the "little guy". Thanks for letting us know about this new law!!!
Attention Crafters 
Just my two cents, for what it is worth.
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