26 January 2009, Charlotte, NC - The Hosiery Association
(THA), in conjunction with The Hosiery Technology Center (HTC), has created the
CPSC Legwear Coalition to work in partnership with the Federal legislature and
the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The coalition has been formed
to respond to and prepare the legwear industry for the new Consumer Products
Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) which became law in the USA in August 2008.
“While the legwear industry applauds legislation that makes
products safer, we know that our industry’s products are already exceptionally
low-risk,” says Sally Kay, THA’s president and CEO. “The CPSC Legwear Coalition
will compile and provide this evidence to the CPSC so that it can consider
redirecting its efforts and resources to improve other categories that may pose
immediate threats to American consumers.”
According to THA the new CPSIA legislation requires
extensive testing and certification to ensure products, especially those
intended for children, meet strict lead content limits. Lead is not commonly
used in legwear manufacturing and is, therefore, rarely if ever present in
legwear products that a consumer would wear.
“The legwear industry’s product safety record is exemplary,”
says Cathy Allen, THA’s chairperson. “We are confident that our Coalition’s
work will reassure the CPSC and encourage them to target products where safety
improvements will yield the most benefit for children.”
“By combining the expertise of our member organizations and
the industry’s technical and legal experts, the CPSC Legwear Coalition will
build and communicate the compelling case for legwear product safety,” says
Kay. “The Legwear Coalition’s work will also help THA’s member companies better
understand the complex and extensive CPSIA legislation so that they can be in
full compliance.”
The new CPSIA legislation will be a key topic at THA’s 104th
Annual Convention to be held April 23-26 in Hilton Head, SC. THA also offers
seminars and other educational programs to prepare members to effectively implement
procedures required for CPSIA compliance.
Convention details are available at www.HosieryAssociation.com.
About The Hosiery Association
Founded in 1905 and headquartered in Charlotte, NC, The
Hosiery Association (THA) is the premiere, trusted source for information and
trends that impact the global legwear industry. THA represents legwear
manufacturers and their suppliers from around the world and supports them with
information, education, legislative advocacy, and global networking. The organization
also works to build interest in legwear with retailers and the media on behalf
of its members. THA oversees the industry’s philanthropic initiative,
NoColdFeet, which organizes product donations to non-profit organizations.
