We won a battle!

And I say battle and not the war because there is still a LONG way to go before this is over. On January 30, 2009 the CPSC announced a Stay of Enforcement of Testing and Certification Requirements. This made many designers start dancing around their computers. And it is definitely a step in the right direction. So do your little dance my friend, I'm dancing right along side you.

Now, take a breath and let's get back to work! This stay essentially says that we do not have to test and provide testing certification until February 2010. HOWEVER, as stated by the CPSC: 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.

Ummmm, I'm thinking I would have to get them tested. Hmmmm, that doesn't sound quite right does it? So we have a catch 22. You don't have to test, but if you sell a garment with lead in the buttons, snaps or zippers, etc. that don't meet requirements then you better get out your check book for the fines.

I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer, I swear (though I have been called such names and worse). LOL. I truly from the bottom of my heart am trying to just lay it all out there so that NO ONE is in a situation where you are paying big fines or worse yet being sued by a family who claims their child was never the same after using your product. It is the sad reality of the world we live in.

But let's celebrate our battle victory. I think we can win this war. We just need to keep fighting!!! So keep writing your representatives and letting them know you support the Stay of Enforcement! Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) has also announce that he is sponsoring legislation to amend the CPSIA. So while you are in the mood, drop him a note as well and let him know that you are behind him 100%.

And just in case Tim Gunn from Project Runway is reading (Hi Tim, I LOVE YOU!) hee hee. Wouldn't this make a great Project Runway challenge?! All the designers must make garments for children that pass all CPSIA requirements. Oh, and you might want to get them tested just to be sure or be faced with a fine and an Auf Wiedersehen from Heidi. The only catch is you have a $30 budget. Make It Work!!!