KSN.com:
In just days a new federal law goes into effect, which will virtually shut down the craft industry. The law, aimed at protecting children, requires all items for kids, including those made by local artisans, be tested for lead. The problem is that those tests are expensive and it’s sparked a class action lawsuit that one Derby mom is now part of.
Kara Sumner began making dolls as a hobby but it soon turned into a business.
“It’s a way for me to provide extra income for our family, and not work outside the home,” she said.
All things seemed good until Sumner learned of a new federal law that literally stopped her sewing machine mid-seam.
“I won’t be able to sell them,” she said. “There’s no way.”
The law requires any item intended for a child 12 and under be tested independently for lead. Since Sumner’s dolls are homemade, she would have to test every item used in making them. So, for a doll she sells for an average of $35 she would be forced to test all four components of the doll at a cost of $300 per test. Her dolls would have to sell for $1,235 for her to make the same profit.
“I don’t know anyone who would want a doll, no matter how wonderful they are, for that,” she said. ”It’s frustrating and disheartening.”
Sumner has done what she can by contacting lawmakers and even joining a class action lawsuit. The mother of three believes the law has good intentions, but it just went too far.
“The shocking thing for me is books,” she said. “Your child’s next book, if they are under the age of 12. If your little girl is not reading Twilight, the book she is reading will have to be tested.”
Image by jelene