CPSC UNANIMOUS VOTES IN 3 RECENT ACTIONS:
>CPSC makes the right move: Eliminates need to certify compliance with flammability standards for “inherently safe” adult clothing
March 7, 2016, jdsupra.com
The Consumer Product Safety Commission by unanimous vote of the Commissioners is eliminating the requirement that some manufacturers and importers issue certificates of compliance for fabrics that have already been determined to meet applicable flammability standards. By deciding to exercise its enforcement discretion, one Commissioner estimated that about $250 million a year will be eliminated in certificate preparation costs. The proposal was pushed by Commissioner Joe Mohorovic, who noted that the action would eliminate the need for 26.6 million certificates of compliance each year.
>CPSC amends mandatory safety standard for architectural glazing materials
March 11, 2016, cpsc.gov
With a 5-0 vote, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is amending the agency’s mandatory standard for architectural glazing materials by replacing CPSC’s testing procedures with the more up-to-date procedures used in ANZI Z97.1-2015 consensus standards. The new testing procedures go into effect 30 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.
>CPSC approves new federal standard for portable hook-on chairs
March 11, 2016, cpsc.gov
A new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of portable hook-on chairs and prevent deaths and injuries to young children has been approved with a unanimous vote of the Commissioners on March 8. The new federal standard incorporates by reference the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (AST F1235-15) without modification.
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CPSC Chairman seeking “double digit” million dollar penalties: Highlights from the 2016 ICPHSO symposium
March 9, 2016, Lexology
During his keynote address at the International Product Health and Safety Organization annual conference in Washington, D.C. (Feb. 29-March 3), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot Kaye said that he would like to see “double digit” civil penalties (i.e., $10 million and up) based on some of the “fact patterns” he has been seeing. To date the largest civil penalty on record is $4.3 million, while the top penalty approved by Congress in the CPSIA in 2008 was raised to $15 million from $1.85 million.
Upcoming trial could open window into product testing
March 1, 2016, bna.com
A toy maker is claiming it suffered more than $100 million in damages from product recalls and injury litigation because two test labs negligently performed toxicity testing on toy beads. Toy maker Spin Master says the proper protocol is to require test animals to ingest the beads materials, but in this case the beads were soaked in corn oil and the animals were doused in the oil. A judge steered the suit toward a possible trial date later this year in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.
Factsheet: Main elements of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
February 29, 2016, Europa.eu
With CETA, European countries will receive the “best treatment” offered to a trading partner, thus “leveling the playing field” on the Canadian market for EU companies. CETA will not change EU standards and regulations relating to product safety, food safety, and consumer protection, while all imports from Canada will have to satisfy all EU product rules and regulations.
PRBA praises DOT safety alert on hoverboards with non-compliant lithium batteries
March 9, 2016, azocleantech.com
The Rechargeable Battery Association has actively supported the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for issuing a safety alert on hoverboard shipments and intercepting 32 cargo containers of the two-wheel scooters with lithium batteries improperly prepared for shipment. The alert exposes “a well known fact regarding low-priced lithium batteries: transport, safety and customs agencies in certain regions of the world are not taking the necessary steps to enforce national and international lithium battery regulations,” according to PRBA’s director.
Children’s Products: An analysis of small parts regulation and choking hazards
January 26, 2016, jdsupra.com
An overview of important information for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and importers regarding the identification and prevention of potential choking hazards in children’s products for all age groups. The author examines the small parts regulation and exemptions, labeling requirements for children ages 3-6, and reporting requirements.
Poor timing, product keep Chinese auto brands from entering U.S.
March 7, 2016, southbendtribune.com
Chinese auto brands face dealer and consumer criticism so that predictions 10 years ago that Chinese companies were gearing up to sell low cost vehicles in the U.S. have not materialized. A J.D. Powers executive said that they came to the realization that their product “wasn’t ready for U.S. consumers who are very, very discerning” and that a premature launch “would jeopardize any future plans to be successful in this market.” They are now eyeing a start up target date of 2020.
New Zealand: New product recalls website welcomed
March 9, 2016, scoop.co/nz
The country’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs agency is harmonizing on-line recall information now distributed by four different agencies with various products responsibilities into a single portal. According to CCA minister Paul Goldsmith, “portal allows businesses to distribute recall information more effectively which can reduce the cost of undertaking a recall.”
