CPSC Accepts Provisional Consent Agreement With India Malaysia Imports, Inc., New York, New York

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced a provisional consent agreement that prohibits a New York City shop from importing and selling products that fail to meet the standards of the Flammable Fabrics Act.

The consent agreement involves India Malaysia Imports, Inc., 135 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, and an officer, Khema L. Mahtani. The company imported from Handicraft Centre in Bombay, India, in May 1971, about 210 full length gypsy type, print skirts. About 150 skirts were sold to unidentified persons by December 26, 1972, when sales were stopped because the skirts were determined not in compliance with the flammability standard for wearing apparel (CS 191-53).

Customers who may have purchased the garments should contact India Malaysia Imports, Inc., (212/777-2620) which, under the consent agreement, is required to recall the dresses to correct the deficiencies, destroy them or to return them to the supplier in a container marked to identify the goods for export only and "dangerously flammable wearing apparel -- not to be returned to the United States or its possessions."

The skirts are further described as "dye and dye printed" and layered from the waist to the ankles. The skirt has a printed and flowered design in a purple and maroon color. Each layer on the dress is edged with a silver metallic strip with maroon tassels. A sewn-in label is attached at the waist, identifying the garment at "100% cotton--Handwoven in India -- India Malaysia MP; Inc. -- New York." At the waist, each skirt has a draw string with round metallic ornaments on it and at the end of the string there are pink, green and yellow tassels.

A consent agreement does not constitute an admission that the company has violated a law but it provides for a settlement. Any violation of the consent agreement by the corporation or its controlling officer could result in the assessment of substantial civil penalties.

The complaint and consent order will be available for review for 60 days through April 5, 1976, during which time any interested person may submit comments to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.

After considering any comments, the Commission may accept the agreement or withdraw its provisional acceptance.

For additional information about the order contact the Bureau of Compliance, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.