Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Earlier this week, news reports began circulating about the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which would require third-party testing on consumer goods (including apparel) used by children. The purpose of the act is to keep lead-filled products away from children. It is directed at lead-based paint and phthalates (chemicals used to keep plastics pliable) in products that children might chew, suck on, or otherwise ingest. Beginning February 10, 2009 (the date the law goes into effect) clothing retailers and thrift stores will be throwing out children's clothing because they do not meet new federal regulations.

This is the Consumer Product Safety Council web page that links to the actual legislation and their legal counsel's interpretation on how the law should be applied http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML

According to some reports, testing for lead and phthalates could cost as much as $30,000 per tested sample.

We contacted the office of more than one U.S. Representative and were told that the law has been enacted, but the regulations have not yet been released. There is a chance the law would apply only to producers and importers, not retailers (including thrift stores). The law could also affect initial retailers, but not resellers. These are some of the details that are yet to be determined.

Since we don't know exactly who will be affected by the new law, and to what extent the law will impact our ministries, here are some things that missions can do:
Contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 800-638-2772. This is the agency that is writing the regulations. Ask them for a clarification on what types of outlets will be impacted by the regulations. Voice your concern as to how this will impact services for people in need.

Call your member of Congress or Senator. Explain how their constituents might be impacted if the product testing is extended to thrift stores and free clothing distribution.
Low income families who currently receive free donated clothing, or purchase them at a thrift store, will be forced to pay retail in a tough economic market.
Social services to the poor will be reduced as income from clothing sales at the mission thrift store will decline, resulting in the inability to fund much needed assistance.
It will cost jobs. Thrift stores provide employment to individuals; lower revenue means cutbacks.
It will have a negative environmental impact as tons of serviceable clothing goes into landfills, rather than aiding needy families.
The legislation dramatically impacts helping agencies (rescue missions, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Volunteers of America, churches and other community organizations with clothes closets) during a slow economy, when their assistance is most needed by the community.
Ask your legislators for help in exempting missions and other non-profits that serve people in need.

Write letters to the editor; include the amount of free clothing given to the community and the numbers of families served. Ask for support in seeing that the regulations not impact the most vulnerable members of the community (you may use many of the points from item #2 above). Voice your concern about lead and phthalates, but ask that the new legislation not place additional hardships on the youngest and poorest citizens.

Remember that legislation can be changed and improved. Keep the lines of communication open with members of Congress and Senators for input into future laws of this sort.

Don't panic, let the legislative process run its course, then be ready to respond when the full details are known.

If you want more information regarding the act, these sites have a lot of good information.

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/new-product-safety-regulations-that-affect-all-manufacturers/

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/national-bankruptcy-day/