CPSC Granted Additional Funding

On March 11, President Obama signed legislation that will increase funding for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by $25 million over the 2008 allowance. The extra monies will be vital as the CPSC continues to implement the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Of the total $105 million appropriated for the CPSC in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, more than $17 million has been set aside for new agency responsibilities and requirements created by the CPSIA.

The Act also includes an allocation for additional U.S. embassy staff in China to serve as a bridge between U.S. businesses and manufacturers and their Asian supply chain counterparts to meet safety compliance regulations and expectations.

Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, noted this funding is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to help the apparel and footwear industries adapt to the new regulations. He stated that the CPSC’s lack of resources to effectively implement the new requirements, along with the CPSIA’s short deadlines and ambiguous language, have put companies in economic peril without having any significant impact on increasing consumer safety. “As we get past the Feb. 10, 2009, lead and phthalate implementation date, Congress and the CPSC need to take the steps to build a constructive dialogue about the serious consequences this legislation has on our industry,” Burke said.

In This Issue: Global influences drive European fashion for fall Manufacturers build in special features to boost sell through Russian themes color specialty fashion this season Plus: Little Steps Fall ’09—fall shoe trends, emerging categories and a Q&A with BBC’s Bob Campbell Coming Next Month: Eco battles the economy—which categories will fare best Earnshaw’s investigates the T-shirt market Lifestyle brands rule the fashion pages Plus: The best new baby shower gifts under $50

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