FDA Globalization Act of 2008

The Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild is stridently opposed to including cosmetics manufacturers (particularly small and handcrafted businesses) under any mandatory for-fee registration or reporting provisions.

Our challenge is to keep the final legislation from adversely affecting our small soap and cosmetics businesses.

The FDA Globalization Act of 2008 has the stated intent to increase the safety of food, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics manufactured or imported for sale. It was written to address the many health issues that have challenged the food and drug industries over the last several years.

Chances are there will be some legislation to protect the public from health and safety issues from sub-standard, diseased, infected or adulterated food and drugs. We must put forth a coordinated effort to ensure that the final result does not cause bad effects in our industry.

As a trade association for soapmakers, the HSMG and our members can stand together and work together to achieve much greater accomplishments that each of us standing alone.

One of the most effective ways to cause legislative change is through grass-roots movements and concerted effort between all those within the industry that will be impacted.

What's being done

Marie Gale, President of the HSMG has written letters on behalf of the HSMG members to the legislators and committees involved with discussion draft. She is also working with other groups to bring attention to the issues.

Donna Maria Coles Johnson, of Indie Beauty Network has been point-person for visits to Washington on behalf her her members (and all small business cosmetics manufacturers). She has also been very active in making the issue known via her blogs and media relations. If you haven't already, sign the petition

Debbie May, of Wholesale Supplies Plus has engaged a lobbist firm to work on behal of all small businesses and crafters making cosmetics and has submitted substantial information to the Energy and Commerce Committe and others voicing concern about the FDA Act and proposing solutions.

Many other groups and individuals are also making their voices heard on the issue, as evidenced by the many, many blog posts and web pages dedicated to the subject.

At the request the Staffer in charge of revisions on the draft HSMG President, Marie Gale and Donna Maria Coles Johnson of the Indie Beauty Network submitted a joint letter presenting what revisions should be made and why. That letter was emailed on October 31st. A copy will be posted here when it is finalized.

Here's what you can do

1. Understand the issues

It is extremely important to understand exactly what the issues are, so you can communicate realistically and effectively. We've compiled an in depth look at the FDA Globalization Act, what's happened so far and where it is now.

Also read the joint letter submitted by the HSMG and IBN as it provides clear and concise arguments in support of our position for an exemption for micro cosmetic businesses.

2. Familiarize yourself with the talking points

"Talking Points" are the key points to talk about on a particular issue. They're sort of a checklist of the things you could or might or should say when you are trying to tell someone about the issue. A list of talking points is a good thing, since it's so easy to think of the perfect thing to say 20 minutes after the conversation is ended or the letter is mailed.

In the case of the FDA Globalization Act, we've put together a list of talking points that you can use as a guide in writing or talking to your legislators.

3. Determine who you should write or contact

With the upcoming election, new members of Congress will be elected. It is unlikely that the bill will be introduced before the 111th Congress convenes in January with the new members in place. In the meantime, you should become familiar with the issues.

As of 2008, the key people to contact are as follows:

1. Chairmen of the committee(s) that have something to do with the bill
2. Your Representative (it's important to know if he/she is on the committee or not)

We've compiled a list of legislators to contact who are involved in the FDA Globalization Act of 2008, or who might have influence in the future.

4. Call, write, email or visit - make your opinion known!

Call, write, email or visit the Representative(s) you have identified as being important. Use the list of talking points as a guide.

5. Let people know what you've done

If you have a blog or a website, post your letters and commentary about how and why you wrote. Give others a link to this page so they can do the same.

Please send copies of your letters, or a summary of your conversations, to President@soapguild.org or mail paper copies to President, HSMG, PO Box 5103, Portland, OR 97208. Having copies of the letters that have been sent will help us in making our case with the legislators and committees.

That's it! Easy, peasy - you CAN make a difference.