CPSIA Update

Given the direction business has been heading, it’s become harder and harder for designers to launch lines in this market. The pressure right out of the gate is to have reliable, inexpensive factories, making the started-out-of-my-garage success stories an endangered species. Then came the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. And a difficult task became nearly impossible. Though all companies are struggling to meet and pay for the testing and labeling required under the law, little guys who retailers rely on to differentiate their product mix and offer custom items are being forced out of business all together. One retailer and activist has started a grim countdown to the end of the stay. Here, she provides stories of businesses that will buckle under the unintended consequences of the CPSIA. Though we hear lots of talk from the current Administration about helping entrepreneurs and how small businesses will be the ones to lead us out of the recession, businesses of all sizes are struggling and failing under this law. In May, Earnshaw’s reported on the Amend the CPSIA rally on Capitol Hill. I’d love to find out from attendees how the follow up communications have gone and hear from other business owners who have taken proactive steps to get the law amended. You can also continue the discussion in our forum.

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