i have spent the last hour reading up on this and what I have read specifically states that the items to be tested are ones manufactured on or after the February 2009 date - that it is NOT apply to items manufactured before that date. Also, one item I read by a lawyer of the CPSC said that retroactivity of laws is NOT supported by the Supreme Court.
From the CPSC website "Toys manufactured after February 10, 2009, will have to meet these requirements." "Children’s toys and child care articles manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 will require a general conformity certification based on a “test of each product or a reasonable testing program.” "
Regarding books etc. - "If the children’s products use printing inks or materials which actually become a part of the substrate, such as the pigment in a plastic article, or those materials which are actually bonded to the substrate, such as by electroplating or ceramic glazing, they would be excluded from the lead paint limit."
Regarding durable products (as already stated by someone else) "Will infants’ crib bedding, blankets, bath textiles, and apparel fall under the heading of “durable product”?
No. Congress did not define the term “durable,” but it is commonly understood to mean able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration. Cloth/textile items are generally not considered to be durable goods. None of the items Congress specified in section 104 as examples of durable products are items made entirely of cloth, rather they are primarily made from rigid materials (e.g., cribs, toddler beds, high chairs, strollers, bath seats)."
Regarding socks and shoes: "Shoes and socks are not considered to be children’s toys or child care articles." (this i include because of a blog I read by a mom insisting that she would not be able to purchase shoes and socks for her kids because it would cost too much due to the testing requirements.)
I agree that there is room to be concerned on how this will affect the small businesses that make children's toys and furniture. But, I have found nothing the last 90 minutes to say that general clothing, quilts, knitted hats/mittens/scarves would be included. Nor have I found anything that states that everything manufactured before Feb. 10 would need to be thrown out because they don't have the certification that will be required. I also haven't found any mention of gifting homemade items and needing certification to do that.
I will continue to read up on this. Thanks for bringing it out to the Board!