The 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed to protect us and, no doubt, to promote our general welfare. It has worked out very well for large toymakers such as Mattel while running their smaller competitors out of business. Even Exxon supported this bill.

“Thrift shops and used-toy stores have also joined the fight. Thrift stores say they have had to clear their stores of old toys and children’s clothes out of concern that some items might not be safe.”

““It’s been devastating for us,” said Kitty Boyce, owner of the Kid’s Closet in Rochester, Ill., who has emptied her shop of much of her children’s merchandise and is selling adult items instead. “For us, there will be no bottom line this year.””

“Adele R. Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, based in St. Clair Shores, Mich., said much of the new law made little sense. “People are taking away all items for children 12 and under,’ she said.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/bu...2&ref=business

Our government would rather have toddlers gnawing on Chinese plastic toys imported from China made of the finest Exxon resins than wooden toys such as those Mr. Woods of Maine makes or the inexpensive used ones found at second-hand shops.


Government approved Mattel toy