With the political landscape changing quickly in Washington DC, there seems to be a lull in activity surrounding the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. Representative Dingell, the original proponent of the act, has been replaced by Representative Waxman as the the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee (the Committee overseeing the FDA Globalization Act). With Representative Waxman comes an entirely new agenda that may or may not have the FDA Globalization Act (in some shape or form) on it. For now, it appears to be off the active agenda table and literally, tabled for 2008.
Bramble Berry and a coalition of fellow vendors (Essential Wholesale, WholesaleSuppliesPlus), active micro businesses (Belle Lucce, j.blossom) and industry groups (The Soap Guild, Indie Beauty Network) are continuing to monitor the situation, actively brainstorm solutions and proactively educate friends and customers how to best comply with current laws and best manufacturing practices.
To see previous posts about this (including a round up of the Washington DC trip) click here.
Thanks for the update.
katw0man,
Aren’t kids fun? That’s not our little girl but I felt so giddy when heard the good news that I felt like finding the nearest bed and jumping on it! =)
Kia,
It’s hard to say what 2009 will bring but with the power shifts taking place, I think there is a fair chance that we’ll find ourselves working on some shape or form with regards to legislation.
Have you read dM’s post on this yet? She has a very comprehensive assessment of this:
http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/indie_business/2008/12/the-fire-burning-in-my-belly.html
There is so much going on it is very hard to keep up. Thanks for staying abreast of the situation. Do you anticipate the need for more handcrafting representatives ie. indie beauty to testify on the hill in 2009?
wow, i did not know that Anne-Marie! I will definitely do that!
Thank you oh so much! Is that your beautiful little girl jumping on her/your bed? My own little girl loves to do that!
what a princess!
KatW0man, Have you checked out The Soap Guild? They have great insurance rates around $450-$500 per year for the small handcrafted soap industry.
Like everyone, I'm so thankful to all of you for raising our awareness & working on our behalf regarding this Act. I hope it's tabled for good!
Many thanks, Anne-Marie and to the rest of the group of amazing people!
thank you for the update. something like this could wipe us startups out completely. i just went to my insurance agent yesterday. was renewing my contractor husbands commercial liability. wow, was i shocked!
$5,000 premium for bath/body/candle insurance!!!!!
i shuddered and walked out of office after hearing some terror stories……..
what can a girl do? i guess just increase prices to cover.
Not much left to 2008, but a bit worried about what’s coming with the change of so many seats. Thank you for the update.
Thank you again, and the whole coalition, for keeping us up-to-date on this issue and for working tirelessly behind the scenes!
As always, great update of the situation, Anne-Marie. It’s empowering to see us using our resources to make a difference. This issue is so much bigger than cosmetics and I am excited to be collaborating with you and your customers to protect small craft and Indie Businesses everywhere.