US House of Representatives introduces Shop Safe Act

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has commended the introduction of this act.

"It is far too easy to buy counterfeits across platforms. The Shop Safe Act helps ensure platforms consistently partner with brands to help keep counterfeits from being posted online for a consumer to purchase,” AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar said in a press release. "Of course, authentic brands will continue to play a key role in supporting the efforts of platforms—just as they do now—but we need the commitment and collaboration of platforms to counter the growth of counterfeits that put Americans at risk. One counterfeit is one too many."

“Consumer safety is a bipartisan issue. Every Member of Congress represents constituents who have unknowingly purchased and/or been harmed by counterfeits," said Jennifer Hanks, AAFA senior director of brand protection. “It is time to get the Shop Safe Act over the finish line."

The Shop Safe Act will require online platforms to engage in best practices for screening and vetting third-party sellers and goods, stop repeat counterfeiter sellers, and ensure that consumers have relevant information available to them with accountability for counterfeit goods.

This is companion legislation to S.2934, introduced in the US Senate by US Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). This and other policies, including the INFORM Consumers Act, which was approved last year, will help stem the influx of illicit products promoted and sold on platforms and safeguard consumers from the alarming dangers of counterfeits across industries, the release added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)