The Role of Standards in Consumer Product Safety Greg Thomas Executive Director Alliance International LLC

Independent Hardware, Home Center and Lumber Retailers across North America Home Hardware Stores Limited 1050 retail stores in Canada Warehouse and distribute over 60,000 products Retail Sales in 2008 = CA$4.85 Billion Do it Best Corp 4100 retail stores in the US and Internationally Warehouse and distribute over 70,000 products Retail Sales in 2008 = US$13 Billion

Alliance International LLC Home Improvement Product Categories Hand and Power Tools Builders Hardware and Fasteners Electrical Heating and Ventilation Holiday Decorations Home Décor Housewares and Gifts Lawn and Garden Lumber and Building Products Paint and Painting Supplies Plumbing Outdoor Living

Alliance International LLC How do Standards support Alliance International Retailers’ “responsibility” to create and manage effective Quality Assurance programs.

Independent Retailers rely on the a central buying office for quality assurance. Step #1 - Suppliers must confirm that products: Meet applicable Canadian and US standards and show that products have been tested by a recognized certifier, like CSA. Meet California Proposition 65 requirements. Meet Canadian bilingual packaging requirements Meet required liability insurance requirements Sign required indemnity agreements

Independent Retailers rely on the a central buying office for quality assurance. Step #2 – Suppliers, Products may be compared: Utilize OnSpeX services to compare products based specific protocols. Assists the buyer by making sure that competitive products are truly equal. Helps determine if design differences will effect product performance.

Product Standards Existing product standards are adequate for most of the Home Improvement product categories, i.e. Electrical Plumbing Building Products Heating and Ventilation Paint

Product Standards For other categories standards are not as clearly defined, i.e. Lawn and Garden chemicals Environmentally friendly products Regional Building Product codes Disabilities and handicapped

Opportunities for Consumer Product Safety Standards Product chemistry Disposal Packaging Instructions