Press Release

October 5, 2021
Media Contact: media@buysafeamerica.org
 

Pass Coalition Endorses new Inform Consumers Act, Applaud reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

 
Today, the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers (PASS), a coalition of third-party marketplaces and eCommerce platforms that have joined forces to educate policymakers about consumer protection and competition issues, endorsed the INFORM Consumers Act, introduced by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
 
This endorsement comes after months of negotiations with the House champions and Senate stakeholders, and represents the acknowledgment from all involved that any legislation designed to protect consumers from fraudulent goods must also protect the rights of micro-entrepreneurs and casual online sellers. “This legislation includes necessary protections for small sellers, and we applaud Rep. Schakowsky and Rep. Bilirakis for their leadership in this effort,” said Coalition Executive Director Chris Lamond.

“The INFORM Consumers Act is a prime example of hard work and collaboration resulting in a thoughtful and balanced policy. We look forward to working with Congress, the administration, and other stakeholders on this important legislation that will allow online marketplaces to flourish in a responsible and safe manner,” added Lamond.

About the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers
​The Coalition is a policy-oriented coalition of third-party marketplaces and eCommerce platforms that have joined forces to educate policymakers on the benefits of our eCommerce business models while also working collaboratively with policymakers to find thoughtful solutions to consumer protection, competition and economic development issues impacting eCommerce. Current Coalition members include eBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp and Poshmark. For more information, or to learn more about joining us, please visit www.protectsmallsellers.org

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The Buy Safe America Coalition represents a diverse group of responsible retailers, consumer groups, manufacturers, intellectual property advocates and law enforcement officials who support efforts at all levels of government to protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods.