Friday, January 30, 2009

We made a difference YEHHHHH!

Thank you to all of my friends, supporters and fellow crafters, we are being heard and have made a difference.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 30, 2009Release #09-115
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
The stay does not apply to:
Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.
Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.
The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our web site.
The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.
Please visit the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information on all of the efforts being made to successfully implement the CPSIA.
Statements on this vote by Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas H. Moore are in portable document format (PDF).
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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

We made a difference YEHHHHH!

CPSIA: We have made a difference
WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!!BIG NEWS: Official Word - 1 yr stay from testing and certificationhttp://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.htmlOur items must still be under the lead level however.RETAILERS EXEMPT: CPSC Todd A. Stevenson, Dire Office of the Secretary has asked that retailers be exempt from the final enforcement. That only the manufacturers could get fined http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/pubcom/civilpenalty.pdf REFORM: Sen DeMint has asked for reform http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=JimsJournal.Detail&Blog_ID=295d58b2-b6fe-c446-1432-24b6199424ed1. Component test 2. Exempt resale, goodwill, yard sales 3. No retroactive 4. CPSC to provide guideAll of these still need a vote but it is HUGE. We have to keep fighting. Even if we get the 1 yr stay we need to fight for component testing, xrt testing, and exceptions for materials that are lead free.It feels so good to know we have made a difference by making our c=voices heard! Thank you all for helping us fight this battle.

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CPSIA Sucks bad

We interrupt the usually cheery tone of this blog with a serious topic. You're probably already well aware of the issues connected with the CPSIA, but nevertheless it is time for me to add my squeak to the growing roar of protest. I'm joining Sarah Jane and a host of other bloggers who are posting about this today. Please take the time to educate yourself on this and seriously consider the consequences if something isn't done to amend it.
************
When congress passed the CPSIA (the Consumer Product Safety Inspection Act) in August 2008, they were intending to protect companies from selling harmful products. All products intended for children under 12 years old must go through thorough and stringent testing. The CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in children’s products, mandates third party testing and certification, and requires manufacturers of all goods for children under the age of 12 to permanently label each item with a date and batch number.
Most people know someone who will be affected because most people know people who have children, will buy something for a child within their lifetime, or have children themselves. Most small businesses and crafters who sell children’s products care about this. They will be put out of business by this law due to the prohibitive testing costs. Their products might be safe, but they can’t afford to “prove” it. Many parents care about this, their choices for their children could be significantly limited if the mid-size, small, and micro manufacturers all go out of business due to this.
Who should be concerned?
To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren’t originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there’s always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. It won’t even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can’t sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can’t even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children’s items all together to avoid future lawsuits.To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you’ll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you’d better start buying now because it’s all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren’t certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.htmlTo the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
To the Global Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Don't through yourself under the cpsia bus

Don’t throw yourself under the (CPSIA) bus
By Kathleen Fasanella on Jan 19 at 6:20 pm
By now, those of you following on twitter or here in the forum may have read the letter that the most strident legislative backers of CPSIA namely Waxman, Rush, Rockefeller and Pryor, sent to Nancy Nord of the CPSC. Many have taken this letter as a good sign because it’d mean that the law’s primary proponents have publicly acknowledged there are grave issues with the law. Within our own community, the letter is seen positively because it specifically requests a “small company” exemption. Other than that they faked you with a classic bait and switch -a bone they’re thrown to get you to shut up- hinging all your hopes on a possible exemption would be a grave strategic error. Unknowingly, you will be throwing yourself under the bus. Many of us suspect that the idea of a small company exemption is a strategy to placate the masses. They are hoping you will rest easy and stop annoying congressmen and senators with phone calls and letters or continuing to lobby the press for attention. Fewer of you will be going to the media with your concerns and the negative news stories will dry up if you think there’s a fix in the works. This is the last thing that should happen. Do not rest easy.
28 comments / CPSIA / Email to a friend / Trackback

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Miss P is MAS regional queen again!

Our baby just won MAS pageant regionals again Yehhhh!
Looks like we get to go to nationals this summer. So much fun. Need outfits, dresses, pageant wear contact us we love custom. www.threepeasco.com


Hugs,

Antoinette Newhouse
Designer & Owner Three Peas Co.
Urban chic apparel, accessories and boutique items to compliment your lifestyle
www.threepeasco.com





Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

CPSIA information

Another great informational on contacting your reps that I just found on twitter.

This Blog today is for all the wonderful business owners I have met on Twitter and other online networks that have shared their stories and frustration on how the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) could ruin or put them out of business come February 10 2009.
I wanted to put together a list of all the Senate member's phone numbers and websites on the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee first and then I will post another Blog with all the Representative members on the Commerce Community. From the sources I have talked to in Washington, I believe the most effective point of attack at this point is to contact all the Democrats on these committees first and try to get a least one of them that would be willing to take up our cause, because they are the majority and their Chairman (Representative Henry Waxman (CA) and Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (WV) ) decide what will be brought up for discussion at meetings. From talking to a lady at the minority Senate Commerce Committee Office, she said that there is not a lot of interest from the Democrats on the Senate Committee to bring up the CPSIA. We need to make it clear, that they need to be interested! Their names will be hyperlinked to their website, if you need further information. Please contact them by phone if you can at least once a week. This is a fight that we must not give up.
*If you live in the state where there is a Democrat on this Committee, I ask you to get everyone you know that lives in the state to call too. I would even further suggest to contact your local media and newspapers (write to the editor) and start putting pressure on your Senator by stating how this could ruin your business and many other businesses in the state and how they are choosing not to do anything about it! Please post this information everywhere you can! Lets get the word out! So with out further adieu here is the list of the Senators on the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee:
Senate Democrats
Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (WV): (202) 224-6472
Daniel K. Inouye(HI): 202-224-3934
John F. Kerry (MA): (202) 224-2742
Bryon L. Dorgan(ND): (202) 224-2551
Barbara Boxer(CA): (202) 224-3553
Bill Nelson(FL): 202-224-5274
Maria Cantwell(WA): 202-224-3441
Frank R. Lautenberg(NJ): (202) 224-3224Mark Pryor(AR): (202) 224-2353Claire McCaskill(MO): (202) 224-6154Amy Klobuchar(MN): 202-224-3244Tom Udall(NM): 202-224-6621Mark Warner(VA): 202-224-2023Mark Begich(AK): 202-224-3004Senate RepublicansRanking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison(TX): 202-224-5922Olympia J. Snowe(ME): (202) 224-5344John Ensign(NV): (202) 224-6244*Jim DeMint(SC): 202-224-6121 (He voted no out of 3 Senators on this bill)David Vitter(LA): (202) 224-4623John Thune(SD): (202) 224-2321Roger Wicker(MS): 202-224-6253John Isakson(GA): (202) 224-3643Sam Brownback(KS): (202) 224-6521Mel Martinez(FL): (202) 224-3041Mike Johanns(NE): 202-224-4224

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

CSPIA strikes plush uterus!

Wow this is so ridiculous I have to share. I just received this in my alerts!

Beware the Toy Uterus!
Saturday January 24, 2009
A uterus is not a children's toy -- even if we're talking about a plush toy uterus.
The I Heart Guts company, the makers of all sorts of organ-shaped novelty items, is recalling its plush uterus due to the fact that the toy's ovaries represent a choking hazard. According to the company's web site:
In an effort to ensure our plush products exceed federal and international safety standards, we learned the 2008 Plush Uterus has failed a pull test. The ovaries may detach when pulled, becoming a potential small part choking hazard for young children. No one has been harmed.
Although our website and sewn-on label state that the uterus is not for children aged 0-3, we have instituted a voluntary safety recall for the uterus plush. We have filed a safety recall notice with the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC). If the plush uterus is being used by a young child, please remove it immediately. If you gave the uterus as a gift, please forward this email to the recipient(s).
And if you're wondering if there's a male counterpart to the stuffed uterus, I checked the website. It's not there. But let's just assume it's not child save. (via Weird Universe/Consumerist)

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

So which items do you think should be out of CSPIA sweep?

In preparing all of the well needed research for this huge CSPIA catastrophe, I have discovered some sick humor as to what needs to be added to the act, repeat sick humor / sarcasm, not reality as you all know I am very anti CSPIA and not because children are not important... but because this act does not protect our children it promotes monopolies like Mattel to take over our kids toys and to never be able to have another sock monkey:(

So on that note, I found my own children licking the coffee table yesterday. They had spilled their chips and wanted to clean them up before I got back. Pretty intelligent for my 1.5 and 3 year old I thought.

With that though since the CSPIA rampage has entered my life, I figured what products do children not come in contact with?

All furniture ( not just cribs)
car
computer
trash cans
restrooms
need I go on( lol)

I guess in this stressful time I had to push the already blurring lines of this act.

Please get involved and save handmade toys, clothing and all other choices other than mass production. Join our fight! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=70238323664


Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with today's modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Blogger Buzz: Blogger in 140 characters or less

Blogger Buzz: Blogger in 140 characters or less

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

CPSC/CPSIA Lets get Waxman to call a meeting

CPSIA, 46,000 small businesses hurt- and, did I mention you should call Waxman?
Keep up the pressure on Waxman. Call his CPSIA dedicated voicemail, and tell him you know that he can call a Committee meeting and issue some technical amendments and fix things a lot sooner and with more staying power than the Commission can. Tell him you don't appreciate him using Nancy Nord as a scapegoat for his poorly written bill. Remind him that books often have staples or plastic protective covers for their dustjackets, and 12 year olds do not typically suck on their bicycle tires. Here's the number: 202-225-2927I don't know if this would work, but you can't email him if you're not a consituent. So email your own reps and include an email to Waxman. Ask them to pass it on to him, since whether you can vote for him or not, the decisions he's made are going to alter what you can buy, where you can buy it, how much it costs, what you can make, sell, or trade- and read.Here's a list of the members on the Committee of Energy and Commerce:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Commerce_Committee#Members.2C_111th_Congress
Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Forbes cpsc /cpsia info

Hi friends, here is the latest forbes article out re garding ou cause... Commentary
Scrap The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act--IIWalter Olson, 01.22.09, 03:15 PM EST
Why are Rep. Waxman and his allies so insensitive and deaf?
Last Friday,
I wrote about how the testing requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) threaten to drive out of business tens of thousands of small makers of children's products; the law also menaces thrift shops with legal liability if they deal in children's secondhand goods, whether or not those goods put any child at real risk.
Just as the article went to press came a new development: The law's prime sponsors, Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Bobby Rush, D-Ill., joined by Sens. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., and John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va.,
sent a letter to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Nancy Nord proposing to mitigate a few of the law's burdens through regulatory interpretation. Some critics of CPSIA saw reason for hope in this news.
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After all, only days earlier, Waxman and Rush had dismissed the protests of craftspeople, thrift store owners and garment makers as the result of mere "confusion" and "inaccurate reporting." Had the two suddenly seen the light?
Alas for false hopes. Whatever its value as a political feint (don't blame us for what's coming!), the lawmakers' Jan. 16 letter does very little to avert the coming business calamity.
The letter proposes two specific new exemptions that are both arbitrary and narrow, and which make little sense except as a way to placate a few of the law's more visible and politically salient critics.
It is not clear that the CPSC, whose hands are tied by the law, in fact has legal authority to adopt even these modest exemptions--and in no case can it put them into practical effect before the looming deadline. What is significant is the ongoing bad news: Waxman and Rush remain dead set against the only real way forward, which is for Congress to revamp or repeal the law itself.
For those who came in late, a bit of background. As of Feb. 10, it will become unlawful to make or sell anything intended for use by children under 12 without a program to test the goods for lead--even if no items of their kind have ever been found to pose a lead risk, even if you make and sell only a few inexpensive items a year, even if you've sourced their materials from the most conscientious local suppliers and even if they're items toddlers seldom convey into their mouths, such as dartboards or bicycle tires.


Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Save your handmade items from CPSC / CPSIA

If you are one of the many people who like something original or high quality not from the usual big brand retailer; please take note... our rights to make decisions as to what to purchase for our children is about to be taken away because of an ill thought out act. The CPSIA will come into effect Feb. 10th and will put standards on small business and WAHMS that will then have to shut their doors. Please help us get the message to congress that this is not ok and we the people will not accept their lack of planning and thought prior to signing it.

Hugs,

Antoinette Newhouse
Designer & Owner Three Peas Co.
Urban chic apparel, accessories and boutique items to compliment your lifestyle
www.threepeasco.com


Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

More CPSIA and CPSC

Today I will share with you a great article and informational I found on a fellow twitter account. This is all information from her blog and not meant to interpret the law in any way simply to offer ideas of how to deal with this horrible act. xoxoxo

Hugs,

Antoinette Newhouse
Designer & Owner Three Peas Co.
Urban chic apparel, accessories and boutique items to compliment your lifestyle
www.threepeasco.com


http://cpsiacheerleader.com/
There’s currently a war going on between congress and CPSC which is causing INACTION.
Waxman and Rush created CPSIA and authorized CPSC to interpret it. After the very recent backlash from his constituents, Waxman responded by writing the letter to NORD (ATTACHED HERE) Please read it. It details the various recommendations that might save your business!
Still, CPSC (Nancy Nord and Thomas Moore) feel as if their hands are completely tied and are still not able to APPLY the recommendations without more direction/authority/money.
There are two things you can do and it is urgent you do them soon and frequently because meetings are taking place now and your input and action are necessary.
First, please contact Nancy Nord and Thomas Hill Moore of CPSC and let them know you are very much aware of the Waxman/Rush recommendations (Jan 16) that they’ve been asked to implement immediately . This sends the message loud and clear that they are now accountable. This message is so important because their response has been that they have no authority to change anything. Stress that their very commission ( CPSC ) has been given FULL Authority to make these necessary changes - it says so in this letter!! Ask what they are doing about this!? When will we see clarification and changes??!!! WHILE YOU’re AT IT, DEMAND THAT THEY ALLOW XRF LASER TESTING OR COMPONANT TESTING to qualify after August 2009!!!
I’ve provided phone/fax and email link. use ALL THREE!!! cut and paste parts of the waxman letter. if you’re really lazy, fax them the above letter and underline parts you want them to address.
Nancy Nord & Thomas Hill Moorephone: 301-504-7923fax: 301 504 0121email: http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/commissionernord.aspx
THE second task is to CALL/EMAIL/FAX Waxman and BObby Rush. They proudly passed and defended this unreasonable legislation. And now that they’ve written this letter to CPSC, they feel they can wash their hands of this mess. But it is important that we call these two and let them know that THEY ARE ultimately responsible for this bill. The Commission CANNOT undo the law without their direct involvement.
WAXMAN202-225-2927
202-225-3976 (phone)DC202-225-4099 (fax)DC323-651-1040 (phone)LA
818-878-7400 (phone)LA
310-652-3095 (phone) LA323-655-0502 (fax)
Bobby RUshWashington Office2416 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515phone: 202-225-4372fax: 202-226-0333
Thanks in advance for your calls/letters.Teri
And here is a short letter I’ve written and sent my Senators and Representative. Please consider doing the same in your state, and feel free to use this format:
Dear Senator Sanders:
Today a letter asking for a delay on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was sent by Energy and Commerce Members Joe Barton and George Radanovich, to Henry Waxman. This letter echoes my concerns about the economic impact the CPSIA will have on the United States, and the fact that unlike the various “bail-outs,” allowing more time for the CPSIA to be properly implemented would be free of charge, and save thousands of businesses in one fell swoop.
Please read this ground-breaking letter on my blog
here.
Yours truly,Cecilia LeibovitzCraftsbury Kids
craftsburykids.com

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Monday, January 19, 2009

CPSIA new law revisited

The new CPSIA law affects so many thousands, possibly millions of small businesses. It's so sad that something meant to help children is going to have such a negative impact on small businesses, especially in these already difficult economic times. The website etsy.com features handmade items by individual sellers, and so many thousands are upset about this law, and trying to get it amended. The new law effects ANY product that is intended for use by a child under the age of 12. Toys, clothing, cloth diapers, blankets, hair bows, EVERYTHING! If the product is meant for adults, but "looks" like something a child would like, it is included! I just read an article saying all books, new and old, have to be tested: http://www.news4jax.com/news/18498895/detail.html#- What would this mean for our library?


Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Save Handmade crafts

For those who don't know, the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) is an act designed to protect our children from unsafe toys, aka.. lead at excessive levels.. and thats a noble cause, HOWEVER, this act requires ANY item designed, marketed to, intended for use by, or looks like it could be designed FOR any child under the age of 12 must be tested. Sounds like a good idea, but you have to consider that the cost for these tests (estimates on different websites vary) have ranged from $100.00 to $4000.00. Even if we assume its $100.00, the average crafter cannot afford to have every "batch" of their craft tested. This act is poorly written and doesnt adress the REAL problem... it forces testing on products manufactured in the US, when our products werent the problem to begin with. We should be forcing testing on every product IMPORTED to the US, but a witch hunt on good American companies making good healthy products is not helping. In this economy, do we really need to put more of a burden on our businesses?
THIS AFFECTS EVERYONE! This affects at home care-takers, daycares, and schools... as your cribs and any toy items must be tested for lead. This affects crafters, of course. This affects Re-sellers, such as Salvation army and others, as THEIR apparel and toys must be tested. This affects GARAGE SALES. According to this act, you CANNOT sell any item for children under the age of 12 which has not been certified to meet the legal levels of lead. I am NOT joking, that is in the act. It is breaking the law to do so, and the fines are high.
Heres an example... if a bib maker makes 10 different styles of bib, with two fabrics on each bib, velcro, and heavy weight sew in.. she must have all10 of those bibs tested, at the $100 a pop (or more) and if she sews a different style, even using the same fabrics, THAT must be tested. EVERY time she makes a new batch, they must be tested.. even if they use the same supplies. She must also PERMANENTLY label her items with the batch number, so consumers can know when it was made and what batch it came from.If a dress maker who makes children's dresses sews 20 different dresses, in 3 sizes each, she must have ALL sizes of all 20 dresses tested, even if they are made of the same fabric. Thats 60 tests. And dont think this doesnt affect ADULT apparel makers too, because it does... how many of you have 12 year olds who wear "adult" clothing? Not all 12 year olds shop in the junior section.. so adult clothing manufacturers will have to take extra precaution to ensure their products are never marketed to anyone under the age of 12, it goes so far as to say they cannot APPEAL to children under the age of 12. The law STATES that.. how can a dress maker ensure their product doesnt appeal to a child under the age of 12?
Small businesses CANNOT absorb the costs of this, they will either close their doors or raise their prices.. or stop selling items for children under the age of 12. We all buy our products (materials) from retailers here in the US... surely if those products (materials) were tested that would be good enough, right? No. The finished product must be tested, regardless of the materials being safe.
Here are some TRUE-VRS-FALSE things we managed to find, in regards to this Act, and how it will affect CRAFTERS specifically, of any item for children under the age of 12. Do your own research and read the law.. and of course, all of this is subject to change because there are amendments to this Act, and there are people fighting to change it. This isnt the "final word" this is a.. right now we think.. kind of deal.
Statement - certain things will be exempt for testing, like apparel, because fabric doesnt have lead in it.FALSE- all items marketed to, designed for, advertised as, or for use by a child under the age of 12 must be tested for lead, even if it does not contain any.In 180 days, must test less than 600 parts per million. In 365 days, must test less than 300 parts per million. in 3 years from date of enactment, must test less than 100 parts per million. WHAT the item is does not matter. It MUST test if it is to be used by a child under the age of 12.
Statement - on Feb 10th the store shelves will be empty, everything not tested must be disposed of.UNDETERMINED-I am getting conflicting information. I cant say yes or no on this, to be honest I dont trust anyones "opinion" on this, including mine. I have contacted my states governer, and my senator. Both of their "offices" have replied that my concerns will be adressed. I dont know how long that will take.
Statement - on Feb 10th you must stop selling anything which has not been testedUNDETERMINED-I am getting conflicting information. I cant say yes or no on this. I have contacted my states governer, and my senator. Both of their "offices" have replied that my concerns will be adressed. I dont know how long that will take.
From what I read.. I gathered that all items are subject to an up to 10 month grace period for testing.. you have to have certificates for every item to prove you had them tested. BUT, I could have read it wrong. I will wait to see what the governer or senator says.ACTUAL TIME LINE FOR ACCREDITATION-ITEMS WITH PAINT - NO MORE THAN 30 DAYSCRIBS, PACIFIERS - NO MORE THAN 60 DAYSSMALL PARTS - NO MORE THAN 90 DAYSCHILDRENS METAL JEWELRY - NO MORE THAN 120 DAYSBABY BOUNCERS, WALKERS - NO MORE THAN 210 DAYSALL OTHER CHILDRENS PRODUCT SAFETY RULES - NO MORE THAN 310 DAYS (10 MONTHS)
THIS IS ACCORDING TO SECTION 102 of the ACT, view the PDF at Thomas.loc.gov, search H.R. 4040
Statement - All cribs must be tested if they are to be used in a daycare, home care facility, or to be re-sold (such as a hand-me down store, or consignment shop)TRUE - unless amended (and it SHOULD be.) - It shall be a violation of section 19(a)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act for any person to which this applies to manufacture (make), sell (store or otherwise), contract to sell or resell (consignment store), lease, sublet, offer, provide for use (give away!!) or otherwise place in the stream of commerce a crib which is not in compliance with a standard promulgated under subsection (b). (meaning it must meet the lead levels I mentioned above... 600 parts per million, then 300.. maybe 100 eventually).
This applies to any person that -(a) MANUFACTURES, DISTRIBUTES, OR CONTRACTS TO SELL CRIBS; (Salvation army, Consignment stores, Goodwill, Garage sales, Deseret Industries, Baby stores, Walmart.. it affects ANYONE who wants to SELL a crib.)(B) BASED ON THE PERSON OCCUPATION, HOLDS ITSELF OUT AS HAVING KNOWLEDGE OR SKILL PECULIAT TO CRIBS, INCLUDING CHILD CARE FACILITIES AND FAMILY CARE HOMES; (Daycares, at home care facilities, babysitters, ANYONE who has children in their home and receive pay for it.)(C) IS IN THE BUSINESS OF CONTRACTING TO SELL OR RESELL, LEASE, SUBLET, OR OTHERWISE PLACE CRIBS IN THE STREAM OF COMMERCE; OR (Consignment, Salvation army, Crib retailers, Baby Boutiques)(D) OWNS OR OPERATES A PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMODATION AFFECTING COMMERCE (HOTELS)
BASICALLY - THIS AFFECTS ALL OF YOU! According to the way this law is written, it could be ILLEGALfor your sister to give you her crib without having it tested. It could be illegal to sell a crib which has not been tested, even illegal to give it away. Cribs should be tested, but there should be an exemption or "grandfather" clause for ones already in circulation! I cant afford to have my kids crib tested so I can donate it after she doesnt need it anymore.. I KNOW Goodwill cant afford to have all kids cribs tested before they can sell or donate them. This is REDICULOUS.
All "Durable infant or toddler products" must be tested... those are defined as:(A) Full size cribs and non full-size cribs; (B) toddler beds; (C) high chairs, booster chairs, and hook-on chairs; (D) bath seats; (E) gates and other enclosures for confining a child; (F) play yards; (G) stationary activity centers; (H) infant carriers; (I) strollers; (J) walkers; (K) swings; and (L) bassinets and cradles. ALL of those items are included in the law I posted above, ALL are illegal to sell or give away, even by you, without a lead test certification.
If you planned to donate your childrens old items, you cant. If you planned to give them to a friend, you cant. If you planned to sell them, you definitely cant. According to this law, as it is written right now, you CANT. its ILLEGAL. (to find out what you can do, keep reading)
1) DEFINED TERMS- As used in this section
(A) The term `phthalate alternative' means any common substitute to a phthalate, alternative material to a phthalate, or alternative plasticizers(B) The term `children's toy' means a consumer product designed or intended by the manufacturer for a child 12 years of age or younger for use by the child when the child plays(C) The term `child care article' means a consumer product designed or intended by the manufacturer to facilitate sleep or the feeding of children age 3 and younger, or to help such children with sucking or teething. (PAJAMAS, BEDDING, BLANKETS, BIBS, PACIFIERS, TEETHERS, BOWLS, SPOONS, FORKS, CUPS, HIGHCHAIRS, ANYTHING TO HELP A CHILD SLEEP, EAT, SUCK, OR TEETH)(D) The term `consumer product' has the meaning given such term in section 3(a)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(1)).(A) AGE- In determining whether products described in paragraph (1) are designed or intended for use by a child of the ages specified, the following factors shall be considered:(i) A statement by a manufacturer about the intended use of such product, including a label on such product if such statement is reasonable.(ii) Whether the product is represented in its packaging, display, promotion, or advertising as appropriate for use by children of the ages specified.(iii) Whether the product is commonly recognized by consumers as being intended for use by a child of the ages specified.(iv) The Age Determination guidelines issued by the Commission staff in September 2002 and any successor to such guidelines.(B) TOY THAT CAN BE PLACED IN A CHILD'S MOUTH- For purposes of this section a toy can be placed in a child's mouth if any part of the toy can actually be brought to the mouth and kept in the mouth by a child so that it can be sucked and chewed. If the children's product can only be licked, it is not regarded as able to be placed in the mouth. If a toy or part of a toy in one dimension is smaller than 5 centimeters, it can be placed in the mouth.
Statement - well how will they know we are not complying? They wont worry about us, we're small potatoes.TRUTH -Maybe, maybe not. Is it a risk you are willing to take? I listed the fines below. Just be aware, in the UK they have had tougher toy laws for a long time.. as a result, their toys are safer.. but also as a result, crafters are subject to having their product confiscated, even at craft shows, if they do not comply with the law and regulations. YES, they can find you. Will they? Maybe not.. but I am not willing to risk a $100,000 fine to find out.
(1) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT- Section 20(a)(1) (15 U.S.C. 2069(a)(1)) is amended--
(A) by striking `$5,000' and inserting `$100,000';
(B) by striking `$1,250,000' both places it appears and inserting `$15,000,000'; and
(C) by striking `December 1, 1994,' in paragraph (3)(B) and inserting `December 1, 2011,'.
(they took the fine from $5000, and made it $100,000?!!?!?!!)


Hugs,

Antoinette Newhouse
Designer & Owner Three Peas Co.
Urban chic apparel, accessories and boutique items to compliment your lifestyle
www.threepeasco.com




Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Ojai, CA in January

Hmm I have to share what a beautiful day it was in Ojai today. 82 degrees in the middle of winter:) Both kids were able to wear shorts only a week after we were burr cold in the snow. If you ever get a chance to visit Ojai stop into a great little boutique Cowboy Babies, www.cowboybabies.com great shop with trendy and unique children's clothing. They also have many handmade items and the owner's own fab. designs. Happy Sunday!

Hugs,
Antoinette Newhouse
Owner & Designer
Three Peas Co. www.threepeasco.com
Urban chic apparel, accessories and boutique items to compliment your lifestyle

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

New Years Resolutions for the family:)

Hi TPC Friends,

Today I will start sharing my families life with you. This morning we went on a hike to the local park and played with the kids there. It is so crazy how quick they are growing up. P is now 17 months and D is 3y 1m. Between starting this company and raising them, I forget how nice it is to just have family time/downtime. My reason for sharing this with you is that as busy as we all are, please take a moment out for the people in your life you love. As tragic and sad as it may be to think about, you never know what tomorrow brings. Lets make New Year's resolutions to be more into family/friends time regardless of what needs to be done and know we lived each day as if it were the last.

Hugs,

Antoinette Newhouse
Designer & Owner Three Peas Co.
Urban chic apparel, accessories and boutique items to compliment your lifestyle
www.threepeasco.com

Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl boy and women deserve boutique quality handmade items.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Three Peas Co

http://www.threepeasco.com
Three Peas Co. Lifestyle is a combination of urban chic with todays modern child in mind. Every little girl, boy and parent deserves boutique quality handmade items.