PASS Coalition Hails INCLUSION of INFORM Act – Legislation that Protects Consumers and Small Sellers in the Online Marketplace Ecosystem –in 2023 Omnibus

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2022

​Washington, DC –  Today, the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers is thrilled to announce that Congress has passed its omnibus spending bill, which includes the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for (INFORM) Consumers Act.  The inclusion of INFORM in the omni was the culmination of a multi-year effort and we would like to thank Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) for their tireless advocacy on behalf of consumers and small businesses.  

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The INFORM Consumers Act demonstrates how marketplaces, retailers, law enforcement and consumer advocates can work together to create pragmatic, responsible and workable legislation to address the changing nature of the retail ecosystem.   “The exponential growth of online marketplaces highlights the necessity to safeguard small businesses and consumers from bad actors,” said Chris Lamond, Executive Director at the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers. “The INFORM Consumers Act exemplifies our esteem for consumer safety and power, as well as our goal to cultivate and encourage small sellers.”  Lamond added, “we are pleased that this pragmatic and bipartisan was included in Congress’ end of year priorities and hope that it can go to the President’s desk soon.”

The PASS Coalition was pleased to work to ensure that INFORM strikes the ideal balance between protecting a robust marketplace and admonishing criminals and those selling counterfeit items without imposing overly burdensome regulations that could be used to stifle the millions of entrepreneurs who use the PASS Coalition member companies to start a side hustle or earn some extra income to make ends meet. Online marketplaces are the epicenter of American commerce and consumerism, this targeted regulatory effort will greatly improve conditions for American families.

INFORM will bolster the ever-growing relationship between marketplaces, retailers, and law enforcement to ensure that criminals and illegitimate online businesses cannot hide online. Under this bill, PASS Coalition members will continue to work with law enforcement authorities and our retail partners to shield customers from knockoff, stolen, and harmful goods. PASS is pleased that this legislation also includes crucial protections for the small sellers who use our platforms to sell their unique and creative products.