Tot Trade Charlotte's Response to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act(CPSIA
Dear Tot Trade Consignor, Volunteer and Shopper,
Jodi and I are writing to you in response to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). As many know, I am a mother of four children and my sister Jodi is their Aunt Jojo. With that said, neither of us would ever intentionally expose them or other children to the harmful effects of lead. Many of you, who have been with Tot Trade over the years, know that we truly do everything within our power to organize a safe and fair sale for our consignors and shoppers.
Last year, legislation was passed known as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in order to protect children ages 12 and under against the effects of lead in products such as clothing, accessories, furniture and toys. Implementation of this law is to go into effect Tuesday, February 10, 2009. The intention of the Law was to increase greater regulation for manufactures and retailers and not the resale industry.
Over the past 72 hours, Jodi and I have worked diligently to seek clarification from Senators, officials in Washington, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, other sale organizers and our attorney to understand the implications of running our sale and what the law means for our consignors. So what does that mean for you as a consignor and shopper and for Tot Trade as a seasonal children’s consignment sale?
As of today, Thursday, January 8 we have received a press release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission stating:
Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards. The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold.
Based on this information/interpretation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CSPIA) Tot Trade Charlotte will proceed with its scheduled Spring/Summer 2009 sales event February 28-March 1 at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. As we learn more information we will post both on our Blog and Facebook pages. In addition, if you are a consignor please be sure to check accepted and non-accepted items found on the consignor page of the Tot Trade Charlotte website.
Please know, the last 72 hours have been a very stressful and tense time for both Jodi and I. We both realize that during this economic climate, it is more important than ever that Tot Trade Charlotte and other area seasonal children’s consignment sales take place. We would like to thank the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center for working with us during this uncertain time. We appreciate your recent inquiries and hope that you will join us for truly the BEST season yet!
We are so excited to say that we will see you soon!
Sincerely,
Rhonda & Jodi
