"Description:
Implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is following a worst-case scenario for manufacturers, retailers and charities. Thanks to the flaws in this law, millions of perfectly safe products are in the process of being destroyed, costing U.S. businesses billions of dollars in the midst of one of the worst economic crises in U.S. history. Charitable organizations and thrift stores are being forced to pull inventory from their shelves at a time when American families need them more than ever. The supply of science supplies to schools is being curtailed. Youth model ATV and dirt bikes are no longer available creating a safety issue because more than 90% of injuries to kids on ATVs occur on large adult size models. Even libraries are at risk of legal liability for lending children’s books. All of these violations of common sense are being done in the name of “safety”.
From unrealistic compliance deadlines that made it impossible for industry or the Consumer Product Safety Commission to adequately prepare before the law went into effect, to the unprecedented decision to retroactively apply the new lead standards and phthalates ban to inventory already sitting in stores and warehouses, CPSIA is causing massive disruptions to industries across the board, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.
So far, Congress has ignored the calls of thousands of small businesses, charities, parents and teachers to fix the flaws in this legislation, refusing even to hold public hearings on the problem. That’s why business and charitable groups are organizing a fly in, rally and Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress, provide information and bring attention to the CPSIA crisis. Wide participation is anticipated in this unique event to call upon Congress to urgently fix the CPSIA.
Date and Location: April 1, 2009, Capitol Hill [Room TBD]
Speakers will include Members of Congress and representatives from:
• Charitable Organizations
• National Association of Manufacturers
• Small Business owners from various industries affected by CPSIA
• Motorcycle and ATV dealerships
• Publishers and Library Associations
• Product safety and lead experts (to discuss science-based risk assessment)
Confirmed Participating Organizations (as of March 16, 2009)):
• Alliance for Children’s Product Safety
• American Apparel and Footwear Association
• American Motorcycle Association
• Fashion Jewelry Trade Association;
• Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
• Handmade Toy Alliance
• International Sleep Products Association
• Motorcycle Industry Council
• National Association of Manufacturers
• National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops
• National Bulk Vendors Association
• Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
• Toy Industry Association
Please note that we expect that this will be streamed live online. If you cannot make it you can still follow the proceedings live.
For additional information, please contact the Alliance for Children's Product Safety at 202-828-7637
Official Event Website:
http://www.amendthecpsia.com "
