Laws and Regulations

On March 7 and 8, PPAI will host meetings between industry professionals and their representatives in Congress to emphasize the importance of promotional products as part of its Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has started a 60-day public comment period on revisions to federal regulation of the chemical BPA. The consultation period comes after the American Chemistry Council requested changes to certain regulations regarding children's drinkware.

Remember back in the day when you combed your hair, brushed your teeth, put on your best pair of khakis and a new shirt—all for your classroom photo? That's what factories do on audit day.

Just for a moment, try to imagine that a promotional product you sold to your largest customer has suddenly become the subject of a government recall.

Trade Only Inc. has announced a new affiliation with the Quality Certification Alliance (QCA) which makes it easier for distributors to use QCA Accreditation as their primary criteria for supplier and product selection.

Requesting product safety testing results from the factory about the specific item it is making for you is a natural first step. Seems easy enough, right?

President Obama's choice of a Michigan trial lawyer to serve on the Consumer Product Safety Commission would shift the balance of power at the agency and ensure a pro-regulatory majority through most of 2013, regardless of who is in the White House next year.

Obama nominated Marietta S. Robinson to take the seat of Thomas H. Moore, who left the CPSC last fall. The commission is currently operating with four members—two Democrats and two Republicans. If confirmed by the Senate, Robinson would give Democrats a 3-to-2 majority at an agency that regulates thousands of consumer products from children's toys to tools.

An architecture firm recently launched an online database of construction materials manufactured with harmful chemicals. How long until promotional products face the same scrutiny?

The International Oeko-Tex Association will offer a free online presentation on Wednesday, February 15 at 12:00 noon EST that provides information on the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 certification for eco-friendly textile production facilities. This Oeko-Tex webinar is offered free of charge to textile products manufacturers, brands, retailers and members of the media.

Like success and life, product safety and compliance programs are about the journey rather than the destination.