Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

The CPSIA is a law of concern to parents that becomes effective February 10th, 2009. It was passed in response to consumer concerns of lead in toys and other toy safety issues from the past few years. While most agree that the intent of the law is good, some of the regulations are creating a concern for parents.

The main objection to the law is that it applies to not only new childrens clothes and toys, but also to clothes and toys that are re-sold. That includes kids' resales, garage sales, eBay and consignment shops, which will all be required to comply with the law.

While I haven't read the full regulations, those who have believe that this law will make it difficult for parents to sell their kids' stuff on eBay, at consignnment shops or via any formal channel. While the law does not prohibit such sales, it does require costly saftey testing which will likely make it unprofitable to resell kids' items.

The implicaiton for parents could be significant. First, many rely upon the opporutnity to resell their kids' things as a stream of extra income. Second, many parents rely upon resale to allow them to buy the clothes and toys at affordable prices.

Particularly in a time of economic challenges, the ability to both buy and sell kids's stuff is important. Further, in a time when we are focused on being "green," the idea that more stuff will be thrown out instead of used again is quite unwelcome.

Learn more about the law at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html.

Learn what you can do to save kids' resale opportunities at: http://savekidsresale.squarespace.com/