CPSIA Update

I thought I’d write a little update on where Bamboletta stands on the CPSIA issue. It’s all so confusing and overwhelming to be honest. I just want to make sure that I can ship dolls across the border without any hassle. So, this is what I’ve come up with so far.

Although there were recommendations made that wool, cotton be exempt from the law – reading the recommendations , and not relying on Bloomberg.com (my bad, I just saw the cotton and wool!) indicates that it is only undyed cotton and wool that would be exempt. So, what I personally am doing is gathering up all my materials – every thread, every embroidery floss, beeswax (cheek colour), fabrics, wool – you name it – and sending it to a lab on Friday to undergo testing that will put me in compliance with the law.  It will not be illegal to buy a Bamboletta Doll.

This is maddening, but it is the law. There is no lead in wool, cotton or any of the fabrics I use – it would be impossible. I use 100% natural fibres in all that I do (aside from my thread – polyester – it just works better).  A good portion of my business comes from the USA and the last thing I would want to happen is have a doll seized at the boarder. This business is our livelihood and we just can’t take the chance of the $100,000 fine. If I didn’t comply, I wouldn’t think realistically anything would happen to me – they wouldn’t find lead in any of my dolls BUT if I don’t test then I’d be breaking the law. So, we have to put the testing on the Visa and then it’s done with. It’s good information to have and I don’t have to stress about it. I plan on sending a few of Bens toys over to the lab for testing that I’m iffy about.

This whole thing makes me sad, really, really sad for crafters and artists in the US. I understand and totally agree that there has to be some form of protection for our children against unsafe lead levels. But, there has to be a way that WAHM’s can afford testing or use testing done by manufactures (fabric manufactures for example) to prove that their products are safe. I believe that the law will change – but it’s already the end of the month and things don’t look like they are moving.

So, please if you haven’t already, have a look at this and write to your congresspeople/ senators/ etc. It will be a sad world without handmade childrens things.