Textile Manufacturers Concerned About Consumer Legislation

James A. Morrissey, Washington Correspondent

Legislation increasing the scope and funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is causing considerable concern among textile manufacturers as it includes authority to test for potential hazards of formaldehyde in textiles and apparel. When the bill was pending in the Senate, Sen. Robert Casey, D-Pa., offered an amendment that would have directed CPSC to start testing textile products. He said the CPSC needs to update its authority to meet the challenges of today’s supply chain and “consumers have the right to know the clothes they wear will not make them sick.” As the bill emerged from the Senate, however, it was modified to provide for a two-year study rather than a directive to start testing.

Because there is no such provision in the House version of the bill and there are other differences, a House/Senate conference committee will try to work out a compromise bill. As of now, conferees have not been appointed, but there are some ongoing informal discussions.

April 8, 2008