Handmade & Second Hand Toys

Do you buy or sell handmade or used clothes and toys?
This should concern you.

I've included links to write your representatives and encourage them to approve exceptions to law.


From Baby Cheapskate:
I want to be clearer and more specific about the effect the CPSIA (Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act) will have on reselling when it goes into effect on February 10. As clear as I can be, that is, since it seems there's an awful lot of confusion.

You will no longer be able to place used children's clothes or toys into the "stream of commerce" unless you can prove that they've been tested for lead and pthalates. As I and others understand it, that means no selling items without such proof on ebay, Craigslist, yard sales, and church/organization consignment sales (See if your favorite sales are still scheduled). Of course, that means no buying kids' clothes and toys without certification from these sources either. This act could easily triple the amount that many families pay to clothe their kid until there are enough second-hand items manufactured after Feb. 10 to replenish the second-hand market (and even then it's likely that prices at thrift stores, etc. will be higher due to the added cost of testing them). It will absolutely eliminate the notion of recouping any of the cost of older items through reselling.

What about donations? My research tells me that you won't be able to donate your used kids' clothing and toys to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or any place that would resells. They'd have to have proof that you had it tested for lead and pthalates. What that means for charities like Project Linus, which gives blankets to hospitalized newborns, or to charities that distribute clothing and toys without selling them, is unknown.

So can you give away your stuff on Freepeats, Freecycle, and Craigslist? What about swap meets? I've found one commenter that says no. Beyond that, there's little mention of it.

I do know one thing: If the government wants individuals to comply with this Act, it's going to have to do a better job of informing them. Until the government informs me otherwise, I'm going to assume that giving away your stuff on Freepeats will be okay.

Edited: Evidently Congress is in the process of determining exemptions to the new law. That's why it's so important to act now and let your voice be heard.

Other links with other information:
Cool Mom Picks
Sorta Cruchy


Write your elected officials here.

It takes 5 minutes. If you want, I'll send you the text of my letter to my senators and representative.