A State of Confusion?

So, if the CPSIA regulations are ever relaxed, you can bet that most, if not all, states will leap into the breach. We can expect multiple definitions of product safety and will probably be required to manage to different levels depending on the state where products will be delivered. Don't be surprised if we look back on the CPSIA and California Prop. 65 as the good ol' days.

A more relaxed legislative environment is unlikely, however. In fact, I expect the pace to pick up for state level product safety legislation. Since 2012 is an election year, a "protect the people" (aka product safety legislation) theme almost guarantees front-page coverage for the politicians. No pun intended, but it is a "safe" topic—unlike the economy and taxes. Maybe the only thing sexier to the media is the news of a major product recall and another global brand taking a major front-page hit.

Brent Stone is executive director - operations for Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), the promotional products industry's only independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping companies provide safe products. A Six Sigma Black Belt, Stone has more than 25 years of in-depth supply chain management experience with extensive expertise in process design, development, improvement and management. He can be reached at brent@qcalliance.org or visit www.qcalliance.org for more information.