Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO On the Introduction of Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce Act of 2020 (SHOP SAFE Act of 2020)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org
Washington, D.C. — “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies appreciate Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-GA), and Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Martha Roby (R-AL) for introducing H.R. 6058, the Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce Act of 2020 (SHOP SAFE Act 2020), and we strongly support its passage.
“Ecommerce platforms create opportunities for legitimate companies to grow and reach new consumers and provide them with more choices and greater convenience. However, the current structure is vulnerable to exploitation and contributes significantly to a rise in illicit trade. Counterfeit personal care products damage businesses, disregard regulatory protection and more importantly threaten consumers’ health and safety.
“Consumers should have the same assurance that the products they purchase online are as safe and effective as the products they purchase in a brick and mortar store. Our member companies invest substantial resources to ensure the safety and quality of their products and U.S. laws hold our members accountable to do so. Passing the SHOP SAFE Act of 2020 would even the playing field.
“We encourage Congress to establish a system that makes online marketplaces and others responsible for ensuring that products on their platforms comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Legislation should also increase the requirements necessary for third-party sellers via ecommerce by establishing a minimum threshold for submission and validation of identification, banking and product authentication documentation. This will provide consumers greater assurance that the products they purchase are authentic and safe.
“We look forward to working with Members of Congress and other stakeholders to raise awareness and develop solutions to combat counterfeit products online and establish strong consumer protections.”
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Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, lipstick and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.