Local crafters fear that new lead testing rules, to take effect in Feb., will put them out of business

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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New lead testing rules are set to take effect in February, rules that have toy-makers and crafters up in arms. Many fear that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will present an undue financial burden on the small, independent manufacturers of products for children.

The changes in the requirements for lead testing come in the wake of all the concern a year ago about lead in children’s toys and the dangers that it can pose. I’m still learning all the ins-and-outs, but it appears that many crafters are concerned that the cost of the new testing will simply be too much for them to bear; the high costs will put them out of business.

It also sounds as though the new testing requirement means that each individual item someone makes will need to be tested, rather than testing materials as a batch. Testing can cost a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars.

Etsy is an online seller of handmade goods, and it’s users are extremely concerned about the new rules. Read Etsy’s open letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding the new rules, which will take effect Feb. 10.

Do you have more information on the new rules? What are your thoughts? Are you a crafter that’s concerned about the impact the new rules will have on you and your small business? What are you doing to prepare? Has anyone contacted U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, or new Sen. Kay Hagan?

Please leave a comment below, or email me at [email protected].

Here’s an Etsy forum thread that’s instructive.”

Here are YouTube videos of one company’s response to the new rules:

First video

Second video

Third video

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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