Advocacy Day 2017

Sara WagnerIndustry Advocacy & NewsLeave a Comment

As you most likely saw on our social media pages, the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild hosted our very first Advocacy Day on April 5th, 2017. Dozens of Handcrafters including HSCG Board Members and two HSCG staff members participated in this incredible effort to educate members and staff of both Congress and the Senate on the businesses of handcrafted soap … Read More

Legislation: Update on Advocacy Efforts

Sara WagnerIndustry Advocacy & NewsLeave a Comment

On April 20th, Senators Diane Feinstein (CA) and Susan Collins (ME) introduced S. 1014, The Personal Care Products Safety Act. The bill was drafted to update The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and was intending to give the FDA more funding and oversight over the cosmetic industry. As many of you know, the HSCG has been involved in … Read More

FDA Responds to PO Box Petition

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & News19 Comments

In August of 2012, the HSCG wrote a Citizen Petition to the FDA – Department of Health & Human Services, regarding the use of a PO Box in the place of a street address on a cosmetic label.  We did this mainly for the safety of the small businesses that make up the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry as many … Read More

Legal News: Soap Loaf Trademark

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & NewsLeave a Comment

Last week it came to our attention that a private handcrafted soap company had successfully trademarked the term “soap loaf”. This word mark was published for opposition by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 5, 3013. The owner has been enforcing the mark on various sites (e.g. eBay) and having handcrafted soapmakers and suppliers that use the term … Read More

Share Your Voice: US Labeling

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & News7 Comments

The HSMG has submitted a petition that needs your voice. In mid-2012, the HSMG submitted a citizen’s petition to the US FDA requesting a change in the law to make a PO box acceptable on cosmetic product labels in lieu of a street address.  The FDA confirmed receipt in August and has been collecting public comments on the petition prior … Read More

Label on!

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Last week, the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild welcomed author, past HSMG President, and savvy labeler Marie Gale into our twitter chat room to share some of her vast experience labeling soaps and cosmetics for sale in the US. Read on for highlights of our discussion. [View the story “Soap and Cosmetic Labeling #HSMGchat ” on Storify] Soap and Cosmetic Labeling #HSMGchat … Read More

Come Chat with Us!

Executive DirectorMembership & BenefitsLeave a Comment

We’re having a tweet party and you’re invited!  Come to HSMG’s twitter chat debut on Wednesday, August 22 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern.  Resident labeling expert Marie Gale, author of Soap and Cosmetic Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English, will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions about labeling. How does it work? … Read More

Members of Congress Hear From The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & News1 Comment

During the week of February 8th, I visited our nation’s capital for scheduled meetings with  several Republican and Democratic lawmakers representing Districts from New York to California.  I was joined by HSMG member and supporter, Debbie May of Wholesale Supplies Plus. Led by our Washington, D.C. advocates Mary Anne Walsh and Rick Limardo, over the course of two days we met … Read More

Legislative Update: Major Changes Coming in the U.S. House of Representatives

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & NewsLeave a Comment

Now almost two weeks after the November 2, 2010 election, some of the dust is starting to settle and we are beginning to see how the Congressional landscape is going to change. With Republicans winning more than 60 seats in the House of Representatives, the Democratic led House will move to the minority in January 2011, and the Republicans will … Read More

From the President – DC Advocacy Trip Follow-up – Safe Cosmetics Act

HSMG ConferenceIndustry Advocacy & News12 Comments

Yesterday I met with legislative staffers in the offices of Reps. Jan Schakowsky, (D-Il), Ed Markey, (D-Ma) and Tammy Baldwin, (D-Wi), the original co-sponsors of H.R. 5786 The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010.  I was joined by Anne-Marie Faiola of Bramble Berry in Bellingham, Wa, Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale in Portland, Or, Lela Barker of Bella Lucce in Irmo, … Read More