new toy safety regulations slated to take effect in the US starting in february are well intended, but flawed legislation + will have devastating consequences for small toymakers + handmade toy vendors.

last year, the us media broadcasted many stories about recalls of toys made for children that included dangerously high levels of lead or other chemicals or small parts that could easily detach + be swallowed by a child. several of the world’s leading toy manufacturers were forced to recall tens of thousands of units of toys to ensure the safety of american children. almost every problem toy recalled in 2007 was made in china. read more at mahar drygoods.