Public Policy

In an effort to create awareness of issues impacting the gift and home industry, and to further serve our membership, the GHTA is pleased to announce a new, valued-added service for member convenience --- Public Policy --- where vital information will be shared. This new section of the GHTA website will highlight current topics and reference information specific to our industry such as Safety & Regulatory Compliance, Government or State positions, as well as pertinent industry information regarding show attendance, category performance and other critical issues.

We invite all members and industry friends to submit content for consideration, as we plan on updating the web site often with relevant news that will inform and educate the industry on a number of relevant topics.

GHTA members who are interested in joining the Public Policy Action group should click here

May 2009: Lawmakers call for clear toy safety standards - small businesses testify on unfair challenges in meeting regulations.

May 2009: NAM-CPSC Coalition Request for Stay of Enforcement of Product Tracking Label Provisions is Denied. Click here for more information.

April 2009:  GHTA Joins Scores of Industry Trade Organizations As It Travels To Washington DC for an April 1 Fly In Rally and Congressional Briefing

March 2009: NAM CPSC Tracking Label" includes information about the NAM CPSC Coalition's requested delay in enforcement of Section 103 of the CPSIA, requiring new tracking label information for children's products.

March 2009: "CPSIA April 1 Event" includes information on the upcoming April 1 rally in Washington D.C. to fix flaws within the CPSIA's new product safety law.

February 2009: "GHTA Heads to Washington D.C. for CPSC Meeting," includes information regarding the GHTA's Public Policy Action Groups' work in Washington D.C. The GHTA, along with more than 60 other trade organizations and associations, signed a petition requesting that the Commission order an immediately effective emergency stay of the effective date of limits on lead content in accessible parts and components in children's products established under Section 101 (a)(2) of the consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 ("CPSIA") (Pub.L. 110-314).

January 2009: "CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products," U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, includes information on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's decision to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger.

August 2008:  "A Patchwork of Protection" by Meredith Schwartz, Gifts and Decorative Accessories, includes pertinent information regarding product safety standards, protocols and much more.

August 2008: "Consumer Safety Issues in the Gift Industry," California's Proposition 65, includes information regarding California's Proposition 65 and its effects on the gift industry.