USA Garment Product Safety Rules Change

Tuesday 10th of February 2009 11:23:14 PM

USA Garment Product Safety Rules Change

There is a new law taking affect in the United States called the “New Product Safety Information Act of 2008”. The new law affect the manufacturers of children’s clothing and shoes and other children’s accessories. It also impacts retailers selling the same types of products. The legislation takes affect this month and both the manufacturers and retailers are trying to get more information about the specifics of implementation and how the new rules will change their current procedures. Government inspectors will begin using the new rules in their business and product inspections this month.

The WSA show held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the largest fashion accessory shows presented and there will be a special workshop dealing with the “New Product Safety Information Act of 2008”. A spokesperson for the WSA show, Celeste Boehm, said, “We realized there was an immediate, overwhelming need for more information on how this new safety law would affect the different areas of our customer’s business. Putting such laws in place is necessary, but without the proper explanation, they are subject to individual interpretation. We’re hoping to provide some strong direction and clarity for manufacturers and retailers dealing with children’s products.”

The new law applies to the makers and sellers of children’s clothing including t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatshirts, and also children’s footwear. The legislation addresses issues such as lead in paint, third party testing, and tracking labels. This is primarily a product safety law intended to protect children from exposure to products which can be injurious to their health or poses a physical threat. Though it is always difficult to adapt to new rules, the children’s clothing industry accepts the need for the changes and recognizes the goal is to protect the children from harm.