The BC Chamber of Commerce received a request to provide our members' input regarding the impact on exporters and BC companies of the United States' 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Because the deadline provided to us is the 21^st of January, in that short time we are hoping that the Member Chambers will be able to provide us with information about any concerns they may have heard from their memberships about the CPSIA since its effective date, November 12, 2008.

Please forward any such information to ahoy@bcchamber.org before January 21, 2009.  We appreciate any insight you can provide.

CPSIA Background

The CPSIA contains a general certification requirement that broadens the range of products that require certification beyond children's products to all consumer products entering the United States.

In practical terms, the CPSIA provision requires importers and US domestic manufacturers to provide a certificate that confirms their products comply with all rules, bans, standards or regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Act (which was superseded by the CPSIA) or any other law which is enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

More information on the CPSIA can be found at www.cpsc.gov and more information on federal export and import controls can be found at http://www.international.gc.ca/eicb/menu-en.asp

Early assessments by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) as well as initial industry reactions indicate that this requirement, as well as aspects of the enforcement process, could cause Canadian goods to be refused entry into the United States and possibly even to be destroyed if they are not accompanied by the required certificate.

Corinne Inman of Morpheus Graphics & Printing Solutions has been a Chamber Ambassador for the past 2 years.  She is an active member of the Ambassador team, and helps out at the door for the Chamber Business after Business events, and encourages the networking process in amongst the attendees. She is very helpful and always available to answer your questions.

Corinne is the owner of Morpheus Graphics & Printing Solutions, "Your One-Stop Business Solutions Headquarters!" located at 11-477 Martin Street.  Morpheus Graphics has been in business for just over 3-1/2 years, owned and operated by Corinne. Morpheus Graphics offers a wide range of promotional services including graphic design, printing, advertising specialties, apparel (including embroidery and silk screening), signs, business accessories and much more.

In her spare time Corinne enjoys watching movies and TV, when she isn't working on her own promotional materials and website.

Corinne has volunteered her time to organizations such as Penticton Community Centre, Shaw Cable, BC Seniors Games, Okanagan Fest-of-Ale, and Penticton Peach Festival.

Corinne was also proud to be selected as the 2006 Young Entrepreneur of the Year at The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards as well as Young Alumni of the year through Okanagan College in 2007.

Corinne is definitely an asset to our Ambassador team.