will...
Likes Bikes and Dirt
This is pretty fucked. Basically, in America from like Feb 09 onwards, a BMX is a toy. and toys need compulsory lead testing if it comes from asia now. This costs absolute shitloads, because every single part, down to even different size bolts need to be tested. this can cost up to $300-$600 for a stem, and $8000 for a complete.
Anyone who dodges this and imports anyway gets fucked up basically.
read the whole thing for the info.
Taken from TCUB
Anyone who dodges this and imports anyway gets fucked up basically.
read the whole thing for the info.
Taken from TCUB
I think this is pretty important. Read this first...http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/...27023813&st=40 Yes, it's a long read but this is important. Prices are going to raise. Small companies are going to fold. The new regulations will mostly affect completes and multi piece components.
I talked to with Bill from Supercross, heard from S&M and Bully. Some good quotes from Bill in the Vintage BMX Thread:
Hi Everyone,
We have had many phone calls about this and I had a few people ask me to post up on Vintage, so Mike, with your permission.
Here is what my understanding is from the attorney's as of yesterday.
1. All products must have a third party independant test for lead content not exceeding 660ppm. Each test is estimated to be at $50-$100 per pc. ( Here is where it gets sticky. On a Racerhead 2 stem that I used for example yesterday we were told originally that we have to test each anodized color as the dye for each color has different lead content, so I figured O.K. 5 colors 5 tests so it would be between $250 - $500 per run to test the colors, right? Well from what I am told that is very very wrong. It is $50 per base, $50 per top clamp, $50 per clamping wedge, and $50 per bolt of differing size. So a stem would cost $300 on the low side or $600 on the high side per production run, per color. So in essense on a run of 200 stems in 5 colors could cost $3,000 to get certification to sell. Add in varying sizes and the cost goes up. It could end up costing upwards of $9,000 per run for testing of 200 stems. Basicly an additional $45 per stem. So we will seriously have to look at how we manufacture our stems ( or any item ) now.
2. On our complete bikes, every pc of the bike needs to be tested, and this is regardless of whether the parts vendor has supplied certificates of compliance. Once it is put on to a complete, the whole unit needs to be re-tested. This could cost quite a bit as we have to test each model of bike, and each color of bike and any bike that has differing parts, so in essence every model, size and color. Frame, Fork, Bar, Stem (multiple parts on the stem, each part needs to be tested ), Headset ( how many parts are in the headset, way too may right ) Spokes, Brake Cable, Brake Cable Housing, Freewheels, Tires, Stickers ( Each Sticker that is seperate and it's backing ) I think you get the idea. I was told the Deal price is about $8,000 to test each bike. And it has to be done with each shipment. So a small guy like us that does 532 pcs per shipment on the completes, we have to test each shipment. So our cost per unit is going to be much higher than someone who does 6,000 pcs per shipment as they can ammoritize it better.
3. Anything imported, like complete bikes, arriving after Dec. 22nd, must have all certificates. If it arrives without certificates the entire shipment will be destroyed and the company will be charged a hazardous waste fee for the removal. So not only do they destroy $100,000 worth of product, but they will charge you for it.
And here is the kicker, anything in a retail store that has not been sold to the end user, even if it is from a production run before the new laws will have to have certifications done for the entire batch , or there is a $500,000 fine and they will seize and destroy the current inventory.
This applies to all products, whether it is made in the USA, Taiwan, Japan, etc.... anything that is a 24" diameter wheel or less is affected as it is deemed a TOY under the current classification.
I have heard that Specialized, TREK and Giant (Since Giant makes some TREK and Special Ed, this comes as no surprise. TREK has the contract for MirraCo) have formed a Lobbying group and have gone to congress, but that it is not looking good.
Again, all the stuff above is my attorney's interpitation, I am also working with a few other attorney's and trying to find out exactly what we need to do.
I did speak with Ryan Birk yesterday, and as this thread started out about, yes, sadly it is very true that Kuwahara has ceased operations in the USA. Ryan was very helpful on information and trying to help, he does not want to see any other of the smaller BMX companies have to close their doors and I value his knowledge and help. Unfortunately as it seems this is going to be a huge tipping point for the BMX industry in what appears to be a most horrible manner.
If I hear anything to the positive I will be sure to post, but it does appear that it is going to get darker before the dawn.
I hope everyone has a great day!
BillAt least we are low on the list...maybe this will be the death of cheap Wal-Mart bikes? Of course nice small run 20's will now cost the same as a DH bike.I have been speaking to too many Attorney's and Industry Legal types and don't know what to make all of this yet, but there definately needs to be some kind of help for the smaller companies who have no voice.
Many of these small BMX Companies do not even know about this stuff yet.
And Colin, I hope the Obama thing was a joke as it is him that may sign the deal for the death blow from what I am told.
I did hear some good news on it today and that is that the Bicycle MFG's are so far down the totem pole that it will be a while before they nail us. Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and the others are much further up the list.
Have a great day!
Bill
So those cool small limited run bikes are now in danger? Everyone must ride the same bike frame...you will all be assimilated. We are BMX. Seriously, my last 3 20's were small batch frames and not production. Kuwahara has pulled out of the US!Hi BMXers, I hope everyones christmas is NOT ruined by all this CPSC tallk. Yes, this is going to cost all of us in the biz and outside more money per bike. I am not advocating all these tests but some are not so bad, but testing spokes, nipples and valve stems ridiculous.
I just got back from china where i was working with our assemblers to get inline with all test. Short story is that is will cost between 3 and 4 thousand dollars for a complete bike to have tested be a third party accredited center. This will defintely cause problems for small run bikes. Even a bigger Co like Diamondback where I work has models that we do smaller runs of bikes. Qty under 300. Justifying these bikes to the heads will be much harder than the already hard sell of BMX racing bikes.
Good luck,
Mike Hammond
Diamondback BMX
Really? This is what our government is doing right now?
If they outlaw BMX...only Outlaws will ride BMX!
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