There are so many people who make extremely high quality children's toys and items that are going to be devastated by this new law.  It is the parent's responsibility to have enough common sense to know what is safe for their child or not.  We made it through the dark ages didn't we? 

Please apply this to more than just handmade toys. *All* handmade childrens' goods are affected by this law and should be exempt -- clothing, jewelry, quilts, baby blankets...

Small businesses time and again were touted as being the backbone of our economy. The standards and requirements as currently stated in the CPSIA will be detrimental to many of these small businesses. There are so many repercussions to this Act. People losing their businesses over this legislation is something you can prevent and won't cost you or the tax payers a penny. If you can save the auto workers, save these small businesses, too. It's free of charge!

There are so many fine artisans making wonderful children's clothes - toys - quilts - dolls - jewelery, to name a few. The effects of this law will be far reaching and will be devastating to these artisans. I believe handmade items need to be exempt from this law. We don't want to see these wonderfully talented people put out of work! All that creative energy lost.

In this difficult economy, it's even more important to protect handmade artisans income. Many small workshops are run by single mom's trying to make extra income and retired people who are supplementing their benefts. It just makes sense to amend this law.

Some simple changes to the act can help save one of America's most valued cottage industries and tens of thousands of craftspeople who create children's products with love, care, and integrity. 

Artisans are willing to be accountable for the quality of their products; they just need more reasonable methods of accountability.

Liz Gumbinner, Co-founder CoolMomPicks.com

The Handmade Toy alliance has good suggestions on modifications to be made.
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/Home/our-proposal-to-modify-the-cpsia

Specifically, small scale manufacturers who make toys out of all natural, food grade, or otherwise known safe materials should at maximum have to register with the CPSC and provide their full material lists.

All small business be squoshed!!!And dollmakers too.He's very terrible person!!!

My kids' safety is of utmost importance, and I support efforts to rid leaded toys/products from US shelves. Handmade items made with quality (and of course, lead free) materials should be exempt. Please help save our endangered industry!  I'll be devastated (I love what I do) if I have to close my business because of this legislation.

Angie Beermann
www.madebyangie.com

If this is allowed to pass, most of the Christmas presents I bought this year will not be available next year. I hope that the powers that be listen to the people and seriously reconsider this!

I will be posting this link on my blog and in the war room (http://tinyurl.com/5fhzbd) to get the necessary votes to push this item further up on the agenda.

This should have been more inclusive....this is damaging to the rest of us who have just as much to lose. Please rewrite this heading to include the gamut of children's products producers. Thanks.

I make cloth diapering products and will be shut down by this legislation.  I am a very small operation, working out of my home while my children nap.  I enjoy what I do and am very sad that I will have to stop selling my items on 2/10/09.

It is difficult enough for small mfg to exist in the US, now another obstacle that big, oversea companies will find a loop hole around while small business in the US will be put out of business- how does this help our already struggling economy?

It should be the large mass produce manufacturers that should feel this pinch!

Please save handmade *products* from the CPSIA.

There's a reason February 10, 2009 is referred to as "National Bankruptcy Day" -- this law will shut down and bankrupt an unimaginable number of small businesses, manufacturers and artists. You think the banking/auto industry situation is bad? Just wait.

I urge everyone to blitz their state and local governments, media, chamber of commerce, etc to drum up support for this!
The bill's intent was good, but the American public thinks it only affects imported toys, when it will really have a huge economic and environmental impact in the U.S.
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
has one petition to sign and forward to friends, family and business contacts to spread the word.

Please save our children from never having the opportunity to play with artisan crafted handmade toys.

This has to be the most invasive and ill planned legislation I've seen.

Please reconsider.

Get the Lead Out, but, Save the Handmade Movement too!

One of the problems with this law, as I see it, is that the burden of safety is not being put where it belongs.

I make a lot of yarn items for kids. When I buy my yarn from a retail store, I do so with the assumption that the yarn is "safe."

Up until the time that the yarn become a baby cap, this law does not care if it is "safe" or not. If the yarn is unsafe for a 12-year-old to wear, then isn't it also unsafe for a 13-year-old to wear? Or a 60-year-old?

If safety is a concern, then it should be the responsibility of the manufacturer of the raw materials to have it tested and certified. Yarn, cloth, ribbon, wood, paint...these are all made in vast quantities. The testing costs would be much reduced, and the cost burden would be held by the companies much more capable of absorbing it.

As this law is written, it will put thousands of Americans out of work.  Yes, protect our children, but also protect the small businesses that are the backbone of America.

Please reconsider this law as it is hurtful for the ecomony as well as the creativity and vitality of the country.

This law, as written, will put thousands of hardworking Americans making children's items out of business.  Well-informed parents turn to these American businesses in an attempt to turn away from the mass-produced, imported, lead-laden toys that first caused this problem.  Ironically, this law will put small to mid-size American businesses making safe children's products out of business and allow the foreign companies who caused these problems to continue.  Where is the logic in this?  Please, help depend American business and amend this law.  Although it was drafted with the best of intentions, the practical effects of the law are devastating. 

Small manufacturers of all children's products, not just handmade toys, are affected by this legislation.  This law should be amended so that small manufacturers will be able to comply with the testing procedures instead of having to go out of business.  Thousands of safe, wonderful children's products will disappear if this is not changed, simply because the manufacturers do not have the financial means to prove their products comply. 

Please let's support the home artisans and those who lovingly hand make items.  I am so sick of laws that purport to be in the interest of the public only benefitting large corporations, not those who would truly have the interest of their customer at heart.  Surely toys can be made safely and the homecrafters kept in busines.. we CAN, we MUST have both --

This law if left untouched, unamended, will literally force thousands upon thousands of United States artisans out of business.  All those mom & pop booths at the local county fair will no longer be in business.  All those adorable one-of-a-kind toys, & even clothes, will no longer be available.  The testing requirements for the small business and the home based business are ridiculous.  Most small businesses will simply close their doors instead of trying to figure out how to pay the $175/item to test.  And then try to figure out how to justify the increase in price to their customers.  This law will hurt our already struggling economy. Many of these artisans have worked tirelessly for years to provide safe, durable, wonderful items to our children.  And now the government has deemed these products as unsafe and dangerous to our children.  This is sad day for entrepreneurs in this land of freedom.  This is a sad day when it seems that our freedom is being slowly  taken away.  This law MUST be amended to protect the mom & pop and other small businesses.

this is just unreal. it even states you cant donate the items you make for children.

and what about the people who dont want all their toys sprayed with that chemical that makes them flame resistant.

please dont do this for the sake of 100's and 1000's or crafters. we cherish our work and the work of others.

President Obama, this is not just affecting toys, this is affecting children's handmade jewelry and clothing and accessories.  We create one of a kind beautiful creations that are safe for children that this law will cause us to go out of business if we are forced to have one of a kind jewelry, clothing and accessories that we know are lead free and safe for children tested at the expense of $500 per test when we are stay at home moms running home based businesses.  This law did not take into account small home based businesses and will hurt our economy when we are all forced to go bankrupt on February 9th, 2008 and lose our homes when we can't pay our mortgages.

I continue to be amazed at the broad nature of this law, and the vast array of wonderful companies and products that will disappear unless something is done to save them.  It will also be a tragedy if we create an environment that makes it next to impossible for new companies with innovative products to sprout up.  Please rewrite the law to breath life back into the children's products market.  We value the clothing, toys, bicycles, gifts, educational materials, and much more that will disappear without your help!  www.cpsia-central.ning.com.

This has to be the sloppiest possible legislation.  All the implications of such a law must be considered.  Shame on the legislators.

This act has many far reaching effects beyond just the toy industry.  I am a work at home mom and my business will have to close if this goes unchanged.  I love making products for children and making sure my products are safe is of highest priority.  The handmade market really got a boost after all of the recalls last year and now it is that same handmade market that will suffer because of it.  As a consumer, our purchasing options are going to be limited to those that can afford testing up front and we are all going to pay for it with higher prices.

Handmade toys are amazing and the quality of these toys is much higher than the quality of almost any manufactured toy on the market. Many small businesses thrive because they create quality toys that become heirlooms.

When I became a new mom, it was so important for me to find safe toys for my daughter.  I opted for handmade artisan products that I found right her in the US because I wanted to support local small business owners, and I wanted safer alternatives to large scale manufacturers. 

If this is allowed to pass, almost every toy my child owns will fast become "vintage" and items of a time past.  Most of the Christmas presents I  bought this year will not be available next year.

This act really needs to be reconsidered!

Please revise CPSIA! Save and support handmade and small business.

Please review this and look at the real impact of this law.  While I understand the intention, it's not fair.

Our country has always taken pride in being the "land of opportunity".  Not anymore.  This legislation takes away all the creativity, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial ability that makes our country so exciting and constantly changing and diverse.  It's just plain wrong and so horrifically devastating in so many far reaching ways.  I shudder when I think about all the areas it will effect, not just my own little seamstress enterprise that is set up on the kitchen table next to my kids soggy Cheerios and crayons. 

This affects any items made for children under 12. This had huge problems. It's great  to see that people are finally hearing about this. Keep on shouting!! We are the little guys that need to be heard.

Is there a way to ameliorate the high expense of testing for very small toy manufacturers?  It seems a real shame to put people out ofbusiness and cost them fortunes to test for chemicals they never put into their toys (think hand carved trains, hand sewn dolls, hand knitted soft toys).  If there were a way to cost share on the testing, it might not break the backs of these small crafter businesses (ie: if they have less than 3 employees they can piggyback on a company that has, say, more than 30 employees?).  It feels right to protect children, but not at the expense of hard working people who could not afford to pay for the expense of testing every product they make.

Hoping for a compromise that keeps children first w/out dissing the economy!

Andy Lee

In times like these with the economy down, I find it very disappointing that the goverment would enforce something like that and put work at home mom's and artisans out of business.  I think it is MY responsibilty as a parent to ensure that the toys/crafts that I get for my family are safe.  I do not need the goverment to tell me what I can and cannot purchase. 

The economy at this moment is really bad,many family try to survive to this situacion and now the goverment want to put out of business the handcrafteds..Please we don't have to pay for the problem with toys import from china....we don't have to pay for that ..We get our material and suplies here in this country we don't go to china for our material ...If the goverment accept the import of our materials is because be IN TO THE LAW for be sale in the USA..I get my materials in big store like joann,hobby lobby,michales is they sale that is because all that things are legal for be sale in this country....Please reconsider.

I am truly terrified by this legislation.

I make one of a kind plushies and soft sculptures, some for adults and some for kids. It would be IMPOSSIBLE to test my items, as some of the testing involves digesting the entire product. If I spent 5 hours sewing one unique toy, I'm not going to make another just so I can pay money to have the first one destroyed. If I ever make multiples, it's very few and not at the same time.

The onus should be placed on manufacturers of supplies. And not just things geared for kids, shouldn't we ALL be protected from harmful chemicals? The fabric I use doesn't change when I sew it together, and it remains just as safe as it was in the store. I use bits and pieces of fabric from various places, I have no batches, I have no lots.

I am part of the Plush Team on Etsy.com (www.plushteam.com), a group of sellers who make plush toys. Almost every single one of us will go out of business if forced to comply with this legislation. Some will be able to focus on "adult" plushies, but even then, the legislation says that if it LOOKS like a toy, then it's subject to the law.

Please don't stifle our creativity and our businesses - we are the ones keeping America afloat and keeping America safe with our quality products made with love and care.

I agree our kids should be safe from harmful chemicals - but target the ones responsible and don't punish hardworking Americans.

We all agree that children’s products should be safe but this legislation is a rushed and not well thought out.   This is not something that is a one size fits all.  Something has to reconsidering for small producers, second hand stores, etc.     In our line we have the same onesie  in 3 colors made of organic cotton.    One short sleeve and One long sleeve.  The way this is written even though the onesies are made from organic cotton, using the same natural thread and organic binding, we will have to test this onesie 6 times ( 3colors in short and long sleeve).   What?  This product will not be safer – it will just cost more.  Even though we use that same thread, binding and fabric on other styles we will still have to test other “styles”.  How does this help keep a child safe?  AND this is just one onesie style.
 
Why doesn't this legislation consider component testing - at least for the small producer.  Shouldn't the manufacturers of all the parts and pieces that go into making toys/clothing etc. be held accountable for what they are producing?  This would eliminate a lot of unnecessary testing for everyone.

As an early childhood educator and Montessori teacher who relies heavily on natural fiber and wooden didactic materials for my classroom, I am concerned both for these small businesses and for my own ability to provide my students (and my own children) with handmade, quality toys. I do not want to be forced to purchase plastic toys made in Chinese factories.

I own a small handmade children's clothing company that allows me to create and add to our family's income while staying home with my two kids. 
This law would completely change the picture for my family in a completely negative way. 
The language must be modified, as we are already struggling as small business owners.

Would someone please tell me who thought that donating a home made blanket to a freezing child, hand made clothes and toys to abused, orphaned and homeless children, and loving comfort to sick children in hospitals here in the US is just as dangerous than the imported pieces of trash now available..
Why are all the loving and giving people being penalized?
Who will care for these needy children?
Isn't it enough that we pay for our own supplies, absorb the high costs of shipping and pray each night for them?
Now you are telling us that you can't do this anymore, because some large enterprises are not in compliance with their obligations!!!
And as far as putting things in their mouths, when teething a child puts anything he can in their mouths, clothing, shoes,
toys and any everyday household item they can reach and grab.
You may not categorize these items as toys or child care things, but to a small child everything they discover as they grow is a toy...
Please don't eliminate the only quality items left in America!!!

I just hope that common sense can prevail and wording be changed on the legislation.

I love to custom make toys for children and will be unable to comply with the testing requirements.

I can source safe materials and make to the highest standard possible surely this should be enough.

www.Lovealittle.etsy.com

This is affecting a small companies, family own companies that create handmade toys which be love. I hope you reconsider this, a lot of kids will have no presents next Christmas.

I am a seller on Etsy and I would be devastated if I could no longer offer my blankets for sale.  I certainly don't do it for the money as I have a M - F 8 - 5 job.  I do it because I love making things for children.  I love knowing that someone finds comfort and warmth in my items.
I agree with keeping our children safe and feel this law needs to be revisited so as to protect small businesses.

So many folks who make handmade items would be devistated if this affected their sales. I hope common sense prevails & the wonderful hand crafted creations can continue!!!

This law as it stands is going to force American Handcraft business to close up shop.

I know personally my husband and I depend on the extra income my working from home, sewing cloth diapers brings in. We already have been through seven months of unemployment do to a medical emergency situation and loss of employment because my husband was on medical leave so long.

This is going to damage our economy even more than it has been damaged thus far.

An international focus is appropriate because there is proof that without oversite, our children can be exposed to dangerous subtances in their toys.  In America, small business has been the backbone, and a stabilizer, of our economy in rough times.  Furthermore, where are the cases of poisoning and injury through play with domestic, hand-made toys?  Do not subject these types of toy makers to CPSIA... it will do more harm than good.  Furthermore, I want my child to have access to hand-made goods... because there is nothing like a home-made toy, something someone puts their heart and soul into making.