Do we know that our alligator clips are lead free?

[Heather73]

Sorry...I maybe could have been clearer. The majority of clips contain a nickel coating that does contain some lead. Whether or not it will meet the new criteria, I'm not sure. I've lead tested a lot of clips out there (just a basic test to detect any level) and wasn't satisfied with the results, since they all came back positive, so I have my own clips made that don't contain any lead. They are more expensive, which is why they are not readily available on ebay or other ribbon/clip sites.

[FRANCISBEL]

mark for later

[HotBowMom]

The CPSIA will be the death of all of our businesses if amendments and/or exceptions are not added prior to 2/10/09 and I don't know why people are shrugging it off. There are two new blog posts from those in the know about the implications of the testing requirements below.

It's not enough to have each component maker test their items before you use them (i.e. ribbon, clips, etc.). Once you add glue, wire, thread, elastic, sequins, tulle, organza, bling, resins, appliques, etc., the finished product is considered to be materially different than the composition of the separate parts. Once you heatseal the ends of a ribbon, how do you know how it is still safe? Once you glue or wire something, how do you know it is still safe? That is why the CPSIA will make manufacturers test the FINISHED product because the manufacturing process can alter the makeup of the individual parts.

As stated above, this is the law as of 2/10/09. Ebay will no longer permit non-certified items to be sold on it's site and Etsy will remove them. If you think the trolls are bad now, just wait until February! People will be jumping at the chance to shut down all of us bowmakers and if there is a reward program offered as suggested, trolls will literally be getting paid to rat on your business.

You can get more information at:

Fashion Incubator Blog Archive CPSIA and Small Manufacturers

The Smart Mama - Simple Steps for Non Toxic Babies, Kids & Homes Green Natural Organic Healthy Bisphenol Phthalates Lead Toys Testing - The CPSIA: Good in Theory, Hurting Small, Favorite Green Businesses in Practice

National Bankruptcy Day

We all need to sign the petitions (CPSIA Impacts on Children's Apparel Industry Petition : [ powered by iPetitions.com ])

and contact our legislators:
Welcome to AAfA - New Product Safety Legislation Needs Clarifications Now

If you think you're not affected, you're wrong. This law pertains to ALL products that are intended for children 12 and under. It's not enough to put a flimsy disclaimer on your items; you will be sued and/or fined for non-compliance or worse, poisoning a child.

[Katharina]

I'm sorry. I don't mean to imply that I am shrugging it off. I am located in Canada, so the new law doesn't directly affect me to the degree it affects most people here. It does affect my shipping into the States obviously. This is why I am asking about the lead content of the clips without being as concerned about the law.

And you are right. Everyone does need to do what they can. I have signed that petition, but I don't think many of the legislators care if a Canadian calls them.

[Katharina]

Just an FYI for everyone. I emailed RABOM to ask about the lead content of the clips. Clark emailed me back to let me know that they are "made of steel and do not contain lead".

[maddismommy]

Just an FYI Esty will not be removing any items, because of this. They say it is up to each seller to decide what to do. If you want more info go to the Etsy forums. The administration has responded to some of the threads on this topic.

[Katharina]

Etsy does have it in their rules that you have to abide by all applicable laws. IF you get flagged, they could remove items. The thing is though, etsy is an international site and it is only in the US that handmade children things will become illegal. Plus, for all they know, you have done the testing...

[lilredsmiles]

Originally Posted by Katharina

Just an FYI for everyone. I emailed RABOM to ask about the lead content of the clips. Clark emailed me back to let me know that they are "made of steel and do not contain lead".

Thanks for letting us know. I emailed RABOM & Sally's beauty supply last week when I first heard about this. I requested documentation for the lead content in their pinch clips & french clips. I haven't heard back from either! I suppose they are just flooded with emails & are contacting their suppliers too.
~Shelley

[Katharina]

I may have just gotten lucky and emailed right after he got the information or something. Could be why I heard back so quickly and you haven't.

I also heard back from TRR who also says that their clips don't contain lead.

I emailed Rabom also but haven't heard back. I only emailed last night though. I've been looking at their site waiting for them to post something up about this but I haven't seen anything yet. After all, if we go out of business they do to. Even if they claim their products are lead free we still need a certificate in hand saying so. From what I've read on the cpsia website you need to have proof in hand and just saying your products are lead free isn't enough.
There are other issues at hand like tracking labels and batch #'s but starting at the beginning with the certificate is the real issue at hand. If I can't get that from my suppliers I don't know what I'm going to do. Obviously, like many of you I can't afford to have all my products tested but I also have a mortgage to pay and 3 kids and my dh's salary doesn't cover it all.