Imagine No Handmade Items…
We have posted about the Consumer Product Safety Improvment Act (CPSIA) before. This legislation was passed last year with good intentions. The influx of tainted toys from overseas deserved a response. However the CPSIA has created a regulatory environment that is poised to strangle thousands of small, ethical manufacturers and crafters with red tape.
Since the day we opened our doors, we have been a staunch promoter of our local craft industry. Over the past few months, we have been working side by side with countless local crafters trying to improve the CPSIA so that it does not put these small enterprises out of business.
We have made some progress but there is still a long way to go. Right now, we hope that you will join us and take action to help crafters and designers based here in Portland and throughout the USA.
The CPSIA has a tracking label requirement that is scheduled to take effect on August 14. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued no guidance for small and micro enterprises on how they can effectively meet this requirement.
Batch labeling applies well to mass-produced plastic toys but is nearly impossible for many small manufacturers to comply with (especially ones using natural materials). Additionally, many small and micro-enterprises create unique or limited run items, creating individual labels for such small batches is cost prohibitive. These businesses are overwhelmed by the prospect of implementing this piece of the CPSIA and without proper guidance from the CPSC, it is unclear how they can comply and stay in business.
The timing of this situation could not be worse. Complying with the many aspects of the CPSIA is creating a unique stress and economic burden for small businesses while they struggle with the most dramatic economic downturn since the Great Depression.
If this requirement is not delayed so that the Consumer Product Safety Commission can take the time to create guidelines for crafters and help them comply in a cost-effective manner, many, many businesses will choose to close because the expense of labeling will be impossible to meet.
How can you help?
- Contact the Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission today! Ask her to delay enforcement of the labeling requirement. Here is a sample letter to use!
- Contact your congressional delegation! Ask them to request a delay by the CPSC. Sample Letter to Congress.
- And, yes, please ask friends and family in every state to do the same! BTW – Congress loves faxes, truly.
Need to find your representatives and Senators? Here is contact info for the Oregon Congressional Delegation:
http://www.osba.org/leginfo/national.htm
If you live outside Oregon, use this site to find out how to contact the folks who represent you.
Go ahead and cc: President Obama on your letters, here is his contact info:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
Thank you for your support of the local craft industry. We are still hoping for the best with all of this. No matter what happens with the CPSIA you will always find locally made items at Milagros. That’s a promise!
All the best,
The Fuentes Family
Milagros Boutique
July 6th, 2009
9:20 pm
Thank you so much for posting this. I have built a local base of otherwise under- or unemployed who help me produce my toddler pull-up cloth diapers, but I am struggling with the reality that the labeling requirements will effectively mean each unit could have a slightly different combination of locations. I’m sure many other small manufacturers have the same problem. In my case it will mean an earlier-than-desired transition to a larger factory, but I truly hate to see this labeling requirement put an end to the benefit I can contribute to our local Portland economy.
July 7th, 2009
7:21 am
[...]Milagros Boutique has written a good piece on the impact[...]
July 7th, 2009
8:54 am
It’s great that you are continuing to educate people about this issue. I had to close my business because of this law but continue to fight to amend this law.
For people looking for basic, additional information I have website: http://www.whatisthecpsia.com. Please let me know if there are questions you or your readers would like answered and we’ll do out best to address them.
July 7th, 2009
1:32 pm
Congratulations on being a fellow retailer working to amend this awful law. I’m sure you have found (as we have) all sorts of denial, confusion, and ignorance regarding CPSIA.
The more retailers we have fighting this law for our manufacturers, the more likely we ALL will be heard!
Great store by the way!
July 7th, 2009
8:06 pm
Thank you for posting my shirts. I really does mean a lot to me. I clalled Ron Wyden (whom I am mad at for not supporting single payer) and many folks. American app. sent me a certified letter saying they complied. Gutermann the thread I use from Germany also sent me a certification and the Ink company I use (made in America) made in Vancouver also sent me the certification sent me an e-mail. I was a lot of work but I certify my stuff is totally made in america and is environmentally sound. I really thank you for helping me and respecting me. Also St. Johns bridge shirts are available in Adult sizes. Tony we will talk!!!!