Comments on: Senator Evan Bayh Responds to My Letter Protesting the CPSIA of 2008

By: Eric H

Eric H — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:42:42 +0000

I feel compelled to point out that the CPSC was considering a **proposed** rule to exempt clothing made from 100% natural fibers (cotton, flax, hemp, etc.). I believe I have never seen such a thing. Thread is typically polyester, you have buttons and zippers, and of course there is the dye. So basically they had a rule proposal to allow rough, undyed, diapers and togas and undyed wooden shoes. As far as I can find, they have never finalized that rule, probably because of the furor that erupted leading up to and in the wake of the one year stay of enforcement in February.

By: Eric H

Eric H — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:19:24 +0000

I’m sorry, but if you’ll read the link closely, there is NO EXEMPTION for natural goods and second hand sellers. It states that second hand sellers need not test, but that is true for first hand sellers also. Manufacturers must supply GCCs backed by testing; retailers are not manufacturers; however, retailers may not sell items that violate the law. The linked CPSC announcement goes on to say, “Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.” That has always been the case; this announcement was merely a “clarification” of the convoluted mess. If anything, the CPSC has hinted that it will not expend resources to hunt down second hand stores, but you still have to remember the 50 Attorneys General who are empowered by the law to enforce it as they see fit.

As far as the “natural goods exemption”, that has long been rumored but has never come to pass (and is not even mentioned in the linked CPSC announcement). It would require component testing, which has been proposed by manufacturing groups and test labs, but has NEVER been approved. Congress would like to blame that on Nord, but in fact the law provides little wiggle room on the subject.

By: angela

angela — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:32:18 +0000

sounds about typical…and they wonder why people are so apathetic about voting

By: Esther

Esther — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:36:20 +0000

I’ve almost stopped contacting my reps because I get the exact same reply every time. It just shows they don’t read my letters and they don’t care. These were letters sent snail mail which is supposed to get more attention. Oh well, they’ve lost my votes.

By: cmmjaime

cmmjaime — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:19:18 +0000

Actually, I would put the blame for the CPSIA mess square on the shoulders of incompetent government officials!

I would love to know what exemptions for resellers you know about that I’ve missed somewhere…This reseller has found very little to celebrate in any exemptions Congress or the CPSC have come up with so far in regards to this mess of a law.

By: Becky Striepe

Becky Striepe — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:03:17 +0000

Yea, I’m with you guys. The transparency in that letter is really heartening!

By: Julie Finn

Julie Finn — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:09:06 +0000

I know, that’s my favorite part!

By: Sarah Natividad

Sarah Natividad — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:49:05 +0000

Well, at least he didn’t tell you the law was all happy rose scented unicorn farts…