Government Legislation & Regulations

GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

HOW THE HOSIERY ASSOCIATION WORKS FOR YOU

The Hosiery Association (THA) has been the voice for sock and hosiery companies – manufacturers, importers, and suppliers – for over 107 years. During that time, we have built a reputation as a balanced and forward-thinking organization, focused on practical solutions with an eye on the innovation and future development. Through recent years of tremendous change and upheaval, THA has maintained that vision, building hosiery into one of America’s strongest apparel manufacturing sectors. And while building in the United States, THA has also looked overseas to strengthen the organization, recognizing that 95% of consumer growth is outside of U.S. borders. THA sees the combination of a strong U.S. base and growing presence overseas as being essential to the future health and growth of the organization and the industry.

Over the years, THA has brought this message effectively to Congress and the Administration. In particular, that the hosiery industry is willing and able to partner with the government to provide solutions which will help achieve political goals without jeopardizing the health of the industry. When the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was passed, THA immediately sought to highlight the inherent safety of socks and hosiery products, relying on provisions in the law to carve out certain exemptions from lead and labeling requirements. Through successful advocacy efforts on the Hill and with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), THA achieved a determination that children’s socks and hosiery were exempt from lead testing. In addition, following the precedent of the Federal Trade Commission, the CPSC found that socks and hosiery did not require additional labeling; the only product category to receive such an exemption. THA’s combined effort resulted in an estimated $300 million in savings for the industry.

THA is now working to secure additional exemptions for socks and hosiery from testing and certification requirements. If successful, it will mean additional savings for the industry, again in the millions of dollars. Such an effort can only be successful with the active participation of THA members. Indeed, more in the industry need to join THA in order to push for this much-needed regulatory relief.

However, advancing with CPSIA is only the tip of the iceberg, and THA’s public policy work is just beginning. One of the biggest challenges that lies ahead is increasing numbers of state-based laws regulating our industry. These laws are mostly taking the form of chemical controls. In the absence of a robust Federal system, individual states are devising their own – sometimes contradictory systems. Additionally, a similar phenomenon can be observed internationally where chemical controls and standards differ widely from country to country.

Working on these two fronts, ensuring harmonization between U.S. domestic and international laws, will be crucial to the continued success and growth of the industry. And this work cannot be accomplished by companies working alone.

Below are five key areas in which THA will currently focus its efforts:

1) Consumer Product Safety
2) Trade and Customs Issues
3) Chemical Controls - chemicals in hosiery products
4) Labeling and Claims (Federal Trade Commission - FTC)
5) Labor Issues

Only together through THA will the legwear business have a seat at the table and have the ability to proactively look out for the best interests of collective industry.

For further information on how your company can become involved, contact THA at 704.365.0913 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.