Just like I do everyday, I browse a largely popular photography forum. This morning I stumbled across a huge thread so I had to take a peek. Apparently, as of 2/10/09congress has passed a bill banning the sale/resell of items made for children under the age of 12 that have not been tested for possible contaminants. This law includes clothing, toys, books, decor etc. This is outrageous! Online stores like ebay and etsy are going to be hugely affected by this. It also mentions thrift stores, goodwill stores, consignment sales, salvation army and yard sales. So many creative and talented crafters are going to be put out of business. So many people who shop at places like ebay and thrift stores are going to be hurt by this. Can you imagine all the now "garbage" we are going to be creating by having to throw out everything rather than reselling?
Here is a summary of the legislature.
As of February 10, 2009, you will no longer be able to sell or buy children's used clothing under the CPSIA. Not at the Goodwill, not at a consignment shop, not on eBay. Not even at a yard sale. If you do, you face a $100,000 fine and 5 years of imprisonment. That is, unless the seller can find a government-approved way to test the garments that won't force them out of business.
The CPSIA was an important legislative contribution to efforts to strengthen product safety laws for children's products. Although well-intentioned, if left unaltered, on February 10th, 2009 children's resale, consignment and nonprofit thrifts currently selling gently-used children's items will be forced to close or close their children's departments to consumers. The work of nonprofit organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army and many smaller groups will be severely impacted
Petition congress here! http://savekidsresale.squarespace.com/contact-congress-now/ If this doesn't affect you, it affects someone you know. Please pass this info along to others!
