Teach Soap

So even though I'm in Canada I've been noticing some compelling commentary re the SCA 2011.

It concerns me, both as someone who would like to export to the US someday and because I'd hate to think Canada would follow suit in this manner. I've not read the actual act but based on one savvy bloggers synopsis, well, the SCA seems beyond *extreme* to me.

What do you all think? Are you concerned for the future of your biz? Or do you think this thing will get shot down before it ever really gets legs?

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

It concerns me as well. I oppose it, but you can always read the most current, up to date info on it here> http://personalcaretruth.com/ This is one web site that I trust, unlike EWG.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

So I wonder if Obama's speech last night will have any impact on the SCA 2011 ...Will be interesting to see if a gov't really can pare its regulations down to "no more regulation than the health, safety and security of the American people require."

Watching closely...

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I soap therefore I am.

I have heard and read that businesses making under 2 million are exempt from registering and paying fees. Why do you guys think it would be such a bad thing for us? This the the latest I read on it http://newhope360.com/beauty-cosmetics- ... e-industry

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

I don't know how many Canucks are paying close attention, but I like to keep an eye on this stuff for sure. What concerns me is pressure from what I'll call "extremists" like the EWG (who do put forth interesting information but I'm wary of groups that don't take economic realities into consideration and this one seems like one of those). My understanding is they had a hand in pushing for this Act?

I'm not super versed in the details of the Act and I suspect the "spirit" of it makes sense. However, it's one thing to want safer cosmetics/toiletries. It's another to create rules and regs few can afford to follow save for the cosmetic giants.

I still don't really understand how small biz soapers are impacted by SCA but my concern is if there will be extensive requirements for burdensome/expensive testing. Some bloggers feel it's waaaay over the top and will put them out of business. And will the burden of proof (of safety) be on the soaper or the suppliers or both? For example, how will they be able to regulate contaminants? i.e. stuff not listed in ingredients or product descriptions. (Not saying they shouldn't regulate them but ...)

And fragrance oils can contain dozens and dozens of chemicals ... regulating those is going to be tough. Not impossible and it should be regulated to an extent, but I'm not convinced gov't representatives actually know what they're up against

Also, what does it mean if you don't have to register? That you don't have to abide by the new legislation? I'm still not clear on how it works (not on paper but in reality which I'm not sure legislators have thought all the way through ... ).

I'm actually all for tougher laws around things like disclosure and ingredient hot lists (which we have in Canada). But it's the mechanics of it I worry about a little.

Edit: Here's an example of why some folks are so concerned. I don't share all this blogger's opinions but there are some compelling points for discussion to be sure: http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/07/sa ... tion-fees/

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

Karri, I think I have seen a lot of your posts on pages I have read trying to keep up, like you blogs. I agree it is important for us to watch, try to understand and be involved if we can. I just think that small business like ours will come out okay if this passes, may be wishful thinking

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

No no! Not a fool! A curious soaper! Which is KEY!

And yes, I hope you're right and that it's not wishful thinking

Here in Canada we have reasonable and fair regulations for the manufacture of cosmetics (of which soap is included in this country). And it's definitely stricter than in the U.S, though I believe there are holes. That said, there is a lot to understand in terms of labelling and notification processes. Not unreasonable and basically it's a matter of due diligence to protect the consumer and the soaper too.

That said, I'd venture to say that Health Canada is probably challenged on the enforcement side of things. I can go into a store and always find soaps that aren't labelled properly or whatever. I was in one health food store where they had all manner of handmade local soaps with terrible labeling and such; I even found one on the shelf with DOS. I suppose any product can go bad but I would be willing to bet the owners of the store have no idea what to look for when buying soap wholesale. They just do it and throw it on the shelf and no one notices if the product is problematic.

So the American gov't needs to be careful of biting off more than it can chew in terms of legislation that can't reasonably or fairly be enforced. Obama himself said last night that it's time to retrench the burdensome legislation that is a hindrance to growth and innovation... this at a time when America is starving for just that.

I wish I was an expert on all this because it's very interesting to me ... but I try to learn and understand as much as I can. Which is why a forum like this is a positive thing.

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

Just noticed your signature "I soap therefore I am" too funny!

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Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

Hehe. My husband liked it too. He knows how obsessed I am with soaping...

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I soap therefore I am.