A bit back I wrote a post on a new law that will go into effect in February. It's designed to protect children from exposure to lead and phthalates. In theory, a wonderful and commendable idea. However, in practice, the testing requirements necessary to comply with this poorly written law will skyrocket the price of this $18.50 handmade tutu to $3,378.50!

Yes, I said, $3,378.50. NO, THAT IS NOT A TYPO.

from the listing:
Yes you read it right that IS the cost for this tutu.
With the new law that will go into effect Feb. 10, 2009, the CPSIA will require that each store selling products for children under the age of 12 test each product in our shops for lead. Each component will cost $70 and this tutu has eight components -two rolls of tulle each needing to be tested, two different ribbons, one type of thread, elastic band, silk flower, and an alligator clip making the charge $560. Add in the additional $350 per component for phthalates testing and that adds another $2800 making this tutu that original cost $18.50 to the grand total of $3,378.50!!! So, with the purchase of this listing you will get your custom designed tutu-remember this price covers only TWO colors of tulle, which will be tested to the law's standards and shipped out with the proof of testing packaged neatly inside the box:)
For more info please read http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/cpsia-deadline-for-changeorg-vote-cnn-article-3247/
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Please help keep handmade items available for our children. See more of the impact of this law in this etsy thread and the new CPSIA forum. Also, please take a minute to tell Obama that you want this law ammended RIGHT NOW.

But it's not just Handmade that will suffer.
If this law goes into effect, it will have devasting economic consequences and put hundreds of thousands of small businesses into bankruptcy because they will no longer be able to sell children's products and will have to dispose of perfectly safe standing inventory as "hazardous waste". Guess what? That also includes every children's book at your local library and your kid's school. It includes no choice but bankruptcy for folks like my friend Kim, who produces a small clothing line called Moonfly. A mom who just wanted to make attractive, made in the USA clothes for kids. It includes charities who rely on second hand sales of children's goods through thrift stores to make ends meets. It includes every art supply in your child's classroom. ANYTHING made for kids under 12 has to comply. If you sell it after February, you can be charged with a felony.

What will happen to all of these things? Our landfills can't handle that much "waste"!