Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on the Reintroduction of the SHOP SAFE Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558
Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO, Personal Care Products Council, on the Reintroduction of the SHOP SAFE Act
Washington, D.C. — “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies appreciate U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) for introducing the Stopping Harmful Offers on Platforms by Screening Against Fakes in E-Commerce (SHOP SAFE) Act of 2023. We strongly support its passage.
“E-commerce platforms create opportunities for legitimate companies to grow and reach new consumers, providing 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 protections 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 for doing so. The SHOP SAFE Act 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 e-commerce platforms comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Legislation should also establish a minimum threshold for submission and validation of identification, banking and product authentication documentation to provide consumers greater confidence 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 the online sale of counterfeit products and establish stronger consumer protections.”
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Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation.