Keeping Kids Safe May Be Bad

For Business

By Ashley Behn

New regulations set to take effect on February 10, 2009 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission could force local clothing retailers and thrift stores to give or even throw away children’s clothing, toys and miscellaneous products.

The new regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is in place to keep lead-filled merchandise away from children. The law mandates that all products sold for children age 12 and younger to be tested for lead and phthalates. All products not tested will be deemed hazardous, whether or not they actually contain these dangerous chemicals.

How will this affect our local shops? Amber Williams of Lumberton’s About Kids Consignment and Resale Boutique says that the law is too broad and not specific enough for the boutique to take action at this time.

“We’ve been very busy since the hurricane with so many families having lost their belongings. The new business has enabled us to move to a larger location, but we’re not sure what will happen now. For now, business will carry on as usual until more specifics about the law become available,” says Williams.

The new regulations passed in December 2008 and many retailers are still unaware of this law. All products produced before February 10 will require testing to prove the item is safe for children according to the CPSC standards. The testing is expensive and for many small businesses, it will be too much to keep their doors open.

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