Back on January 5, I wrote about how items meant for use by children under the age of 12 were now going to have to be individually tested for lead and certified prior to sale.  The law is to take effect Feb 10, 2009.  It looked like small & home-based children’s clothing, diaper and toy makers were about to be put out of business.  And it looked like thrift and second-hand stores were going to be effected too.

Well, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has now issued several press releases (specifically, this one is informative) clarifying their position, the law and potential targets for enforcement.  WHEW!  You all know how the government can be vague and these press releases are not exactly perfect examples of clarity, but they make me breathe a bit easier.

Here’s my nutshell version after reading the press releases.  If you are a giant toy manufacturer producing products in third-world countries ya gotta get your junk tested for lead and other harmful chemicals.  If you are a second-hand resellers, you need to pay attention to the CPSC’s website and try not to sell junk for kids that has been recalled.  But of course, the wording is such that if you make a product meant for children under 12 after 2/10/09 you could, potentially, but it’s very unlikely, be called upon to produce evidence your products are safe for use by children under 12.

So I feel better about my chances of being able to purchase second-hand clothes for my kiddo.  And maybe some nice toys possibly even made here in the USA!

I don’t think my concern over this law is completely dismissed yet so I might say something about it again.