Here's the link for the information I'm about to share with you. I'm FREAKED OUT because as you know I LOVE LOVE buying Ellie's clothes from thrift and consignment stores and shopping at consignment sales. There is NO WAY I would spend the kind of money it would take to buy these cute outfits at regular retail -- even on sale. So, this new law, the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), which will go into effect on February 10, 2009, puts forth more stringent safety measures for products for children under the age of 12. This is also affecting places that sale handmade items (many SAHMs) on places like Etsy.com.
"The broad scope of the complicated law, and it’s interpretation by CPSC has effectively made it illegal for parents to resell their children’s clothing and gear at a garage sale, on eBay, Craig’s List, through consignment stores or annual children’s consignment sales. If donated to a nonprofit like Goodwill or Salvation Army, those organizations can’t legally resell it, as of February 10th. That’s right. Hand-me-down clothing for kid’s age 12 and under will be illegal to resell. It will be a banned hazardous product. The fines of $100,000, potential jail time and label as a felon for violations are stiff."
In order to contact your Congressman or Senator online and send them an email (pre-generated so it won't take a long time), click here.
Help save The Princess' wardrobe (*smile*) along with many, many wonderful clothes being tossed into a landfill, jobs lost, companies closed and revenues lost.
UPDATE ON THIS STORY:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lead7-2009jan07,0,6917858.story
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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7 comments:
That's crazy! I had been saving a ton of stuff to resell and what would I do with all of it if this becomes illegal. I don't get this at all, especailly at a time when the economy is bad and people are pinching their pennies. Maybe that is why they are doing it so consumers sales will go up! I'm starting to think I don't live in a free country anymore.
Kim
okay, don't panic! this happens to be in my husband's line of work. he's pretty much an expert on this act. i checked it out with him and he said it's not illegal to resell items but there are more stringent laws about them. for example, everything resold must be tested for lead. buttons, painted items, tags, etc. smaller consignment stores and non-profits probably won't be able to do this. but the larger consignment chains or stores should be able to comply. BUT my husband says that it is very unlikely that the CPSC will assess fines or prosecute second hand stores for continuing to sell clothing. so they won't close.
but cribs, high chairs, and walkers are in a different category and likely to be halted in second hand stores. so if you're looking to buy big nursery products, go now. but don't worry so much about the clothing.
Hopefully this will be one of those poorly thought out things that just go away. What silliness. rita
Well it is time to panic!!! Stores like Once Upon a Child and the like will fold. I guess you wouldn't panic for garage sales, but I get most of my stuff from OUAC. HEre are more links:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/264507
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02%2C0%2C2083247.story
Just curious if you knew about this latest update...seems as if resellers--be they thrift stores, ebay, etc...are ok. Sellers of cute things bought on ETSY (like sweet little bloomer-makers) and Ebay are still in jeopardy, though...we need to target senators to remember THOSE people!!!
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html
Oh I can already hear the conversation.
Prisoner 1 a tidy, mother of 3: So, what are you in for?
Prisoner 2 a burly, overly tattoed thug: I killed a man in cold blood. First degree murder. What you in for?
Prisoner 1: I sold a onesie.
beat of silence.
Prisoner 1: It was second hand.
Prisoner 2: Ohhhhhhhh. (he scoots away)
Thank goodness we have a government who does all our thinking for us. Good grief, we all know we can't be trusted to make such important decisions like buying baby clothes!
Good news! Here is clarification!
http://www.cityofsugarhill.com/controls/eventview.aspx?MODE=SINGLE&ID=214
One line in particular is encouraging:
" Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards."
Breathe easier...I will. I live for the consignment sales and used book sellers!
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