I am calling Bullshit on the CPSIA lead testing law - this isn't about safety it's about dollars

This is BS! This new law is putting thousands of small businesses out of work, including mine - for toys, clothes, bedding - anything - all items sold for children that the crafters can't get tested by an independent certified lab. These tests cost hundreds of dollars per item and destroy the item. All items have to be made from EXACTLY the same materials tested in order to sell to children 12 and under. If you change materials - even a different color - you have to get the new item tested. Again - this is BS for small handcrafters like me. Everything we make is unique! However, the nogs in Congress won't give _us_ a free pass even though we make very few toys out of widely availalble (and usually pre-tested) craft materials and usually for people who know us by name. NOW - Mattel gets to test their own toys in their own labs? Their lead painted toys 'made in China' made Congress pass a law in the first place! They're just putting the competition to rest now - this isn't even about safety anymore.

What did I get when I mailed my Congressman about this? A nice form letter that said 'I support the CPSIA law because it protects our nation's children. Protecting children is one of my highest priorities.' Nice way to sidestep the issue at hand and go back to playing golf.

link to a story at the Wall Street Journal
Actual law at THOMAS

CPSC Grants one year stay of testing on children's products until issues can be resolved

The ban, which was to go in effect February 10th for all non-certified (tested at third party labs for lead and pthalates) has been lifted for a period of one year until they can resolve the issues brought up by the public.

Read more at the official site: CPSC Grants one year stay of testing and certification for certain products

That's a little progress!