Fireworks Industry Dealing with Too Many Agencies Says Association Leader
July 4, 2015, Newsmax
In interview with Politico, Director of American Pyrotechnics Association says “I have never seen as many rule making initiatives as I have with this administration.” She blames this in part because “the industry has to deal with too many federal agencies’ rules, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and multiple divisions of the Dept. of Transportation.”

South Korea Extends Compliance Period for New Substance Registration
July 2, 2015, Reuters
Under Korea’s Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH), manufacturers or importers that handle new chemicals in volumes above 0.1 tonne/year are required to perform a hazard assessment and notify the authorities prior to import or manufacturer. A global testing and advisory firm notes that a leniency period for notification will run until Nov. 21, 2015. The country’s Toxic Chemical Control Act states that companies failing to comply with the regulations could face substantial fines or imprisonment.

Personal Care Product Council Statement On Trade Promotion Authority Legislation Signed Into Law
June 29, 2015, 4-Traders
Congress praised for passing legislation. Agreements with Pacific and Atlantic trade partners will “provide new opportunities for enhancing the global beauty trade…and help American cosmetics and personal care products companies deal with technical regulatory trade barriers that impede our industry’s ability to provide safe, innovative products in a timely fashion to consumers around the world,” according to a statement issued by the council.

Compliance and Global Consumer Product Safety Issues at University Accredited Course
June 8, 2015, einpresswire
Domestic and international product safety leaders will share insights, case studies in managing product safety in complex regulatory environment at Saint Louis University course, Sept. 28-Oct 2. Risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and chemicals at state, federal, and global level analyzed. Current and former regulators join industry authorities in looking at how to best manage company compliance programs.

E-bike Lobbyists Assess Progress as State Assemblies Wind Down
July 1, 2015, SportsOneSource
Legislation that would update vehicle and traffic laws for e-bikes remains alive in California, but has floundered in new York, where advocates are now focused on broadening support ahead of another push next year. Electric bike legislation has advanced in Nebraska, Montana, and one chamber of the legislature in South Carolina, according to advocates Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and PeopleForBikes.

The Expanding Role of HACCP
June 29, 2015, Food Safety News
The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system that refers to the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards during a product’s life cycle was first developed as part of the U.S. space program in the late 1950’s. Today, it’s almost a necessity for doing business with food, an FDA senior advisor says.

China Safety Technical Code for Infants and Children’s Textile Products
June 28, 2015, 4-Traders
A new mandatory standard for infants and children’s textile production published by the Chinese consumer product regulatory authority (AQSIQ) will go into effect June 1, 2016. The compulsory standard covers technical requirements for fabric, filling, and attached components. Products imported into China that do not comply with the new standard are prohibited.

NHTSA sees FCA Penalties Over Recall, Safety Shortcomings
July 2, 2015, Automotive News
Agency accuses Fiat Chrysler of violating U.S. laws governing recalls based on how the company ran 23 recalls affecting more than 11 million vehicles since 2013. Automaker could “face more than $700 million in fines and be required to buy back or replace vehicles if regulators determine it fell short of legal obligations,” article claims.

Most Significant U.S. Criminal Food Safety Case Ever Nears Conclusion
June 30, 2015, Food Safety News
Review of a federal case that dates back to 2008 when onset of Salmonella cases broke out over a 7-month period, affecting up to 20,000 people across U.S. A trial ended when the jury found Peanut Corporation of America Chairman and his brother guilty of 97 federal counts. Sentencing expected in near future.

Victoria Mars Advocates “Better Lives Through Better Business” at Consumer Goods Forum
July 1, 2015, einpresswire
The Mars company chairman stresses “mutuality” in driving business growth. Says that “quality, efficiency, responsibility, and freedom” are critical to success through relationships with employees, customers, consumers, and supply chain.

U.S. Sues Black & Decker Coffee Pot Maker for Failure to Report Safety Hazard
June 19, 2015, Reuters
Suit in Wisconsin Federal Court alleges that Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc failed to timely report that the plastic handles on carafes of its Black & Decker SpaceMaker coffee pots could detach suddenly, posing burn and laceration hazards to consumers. The Department of Justice claims the company waited until April 2012 to tell the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about the problem, despite having received hundreds of consumer complaints since early 2009.

Local Regulation of Consumer Products
June 18, 2015, Buffalo Law Journal
In New York and across the country the issue of restricting toxic chemicals in toys and children’s products is being discussed in towns and counties. The legal and regulatory implications are far reaching.

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Consider Consequences of Regulations
June 20, 2015, Science2.0
Because of their historical designation some “independent” agencies have been exempt from requirements to analyze their impacts before issuing new requirements. Under a new proposal, independent regulatory agencies, including the CPSC, would follow the same principles as other agencies have long followed.

Facing Consumer Pressure, Companies Start to Seek Safe Alternatives to BPA
June 15, 2015, The New York Times
Figuring out which canned foods and plastics contain the controversial chemical known as BPA can be nearly impossible. But determining whether newer alternatives are any safer may be even more difficult.

CPSC Approves New Safety Rule for Seasonal and Decorative Lights
June 15, 2015, CPSC News Release
The new rule, which CPSC to remove hazardous products from the market more effectively, but does not require manufacturers to do additional testing or paperwork, was unanimously approved (5-0) by the Commission and published May 4, 2015.

Spin Master Ordered to Pay $435K in First Trial Over Toy Bead Drug Poisoning
June 19, 2015 Claims Journal
First verdict over recalled Aqua Dots game awarded to family of child who swallowed beads in 2007. Chinese company blamed by defendants for secretly spraying chemical that metabolizes into GHB.

Air Bag Recall VINs Now Online in Searchable Database
June 17, 2015, UPI
The vehicle identification numbers for all of the estimated 34 million vehicles recalled for defective air bags manufactured by Takata have been added to a searchable database on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website. Up until now it hasn’t been clear exactly which vehicles in the unprecedented recall needed to have parts in the air bag mechanism replaced.

New ASTM Standard Addresses Increased Use of Infant Inclined Sleep Products
May 26, 2015, ASTM News Release
The standard will establish safety performance requirements, test methods and labeling requirements to minimize potential hazards to infants in inclined sleep products.

Study Finds a way to Prevent Fires in Next-Generation Lithium Batteries
June 17, 2015, EurekAlert Science News
Researchers discovered that adding two chemicals to the electrolyte of a lithium metal battery prevents the formation of dendrites – “fingers” of lithium that pierce the barrier between the battery’s halves, causing it to short out, overheat and sometimes burst into flame.

Damaging Trans Fat to be Banished From U.S. Diet
June 17, 2015 SFGate
The agency officially declared trans fat unsafe for human consumption, even in small amounts. The decision came two years after the FDA first proposed removing trans fat from the list of foods considered safe.

Upcoming National Fight Over Labeling as Vermont passes First GMO State Law
June 15, 2015, St. Louis Post Dispatch & CNN
Industry-backed national bill would require FDA determination if it believes it necessary to protect consumer health and safety. Under the new-“first such law in the nation”- Vermont requires that food offered for retail sale that is entirely or partially produced with genetic engineering must be labeled as such by July 2016.

Defective Goalie Mask Cage: Is There a Way to Improve the Recall System?
June 12, 2015, CBC News
Can the product recall system be redesigned? The challenge of reaching consumers with important recall notices faces every manufacturer or retailer for a variety of reasons. A case study in Canada shows why it’s hard to assure that, in today’s world of constant and instant communication, that everyone who needs to know about a recall does.

Consumer Products Specialty Group Gets Federal Award on Chemicals Program
June 10, 2015, Reuters
Recognition program aimed at identifying alternative chemistries and chemicals for use in consumer and institutional products through a labeling initiative. Consumer Specialty Products Association, whose members make products for home, lawn and garden, pets, as well as cleaning products and polishes for use throughout the home and institutions, says its program “helps increase ingredient communication transparency for users of consumer and institutional products.”

Saudi Shoura Members Push for Consumer Protection Body
June 9, 2015, Menafn Arab News
Consumer protection bureau proposed to regulate business practices and product safety. If individuals fail to alert consumers about the danger of using a specific product and direct harm is caused as a result penalties as high as three years plus financial liability would apply.

Philippine Product Safety Standard Followed
June 9, 2010, Sun-Star
Regional report that no retailer has so far violated the product standard policy set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), according to a monitoring conducted from January to May this year. Certification scheme involves household appliances, lamps and lightning products, wiring devices, wires and cables, mechanical and construction materials, and chemical and consumer products.

Risk Assessment, Chemicals, Compliance, and Global Product Safety Issues at Saint Louis University Course
June 8, 2015, EINpresswire
Advance Product Safety Management course being held on campus Sept. 28-Oct. 2. It is the only course of its kind at the university level and carries certification and networking opportunities among peers in product safety field. Course includes an instructor panel of 16 authorities with national and international product safety credentials

Track And Trace Technology: One Cure For The Common Recall
June 12, 2015, Manufacturing.net
When appropriately used, track and trace technology significantly reduces the risk of a recall. Technology can include built-in controls to provide manufacturers with visibility into qualified suppliers and the ability to specify incoming inspection requirements.

Product Liability, Recall Covers May See Rise in Claims
June 11, 2015, Business Standard
Commercial liability policy for products and premises covers all costs that include defense costs. According to one underwriter, “with the increase in product standards, there will be an increase in these covers and also claims under these insurance policies.”

4 Ways Retailers Can Improve Supply Chain Management
June 8, 2015, PC Advisor
Retailers and suppliers are under more pressure than ever before to meet delivery deadlines. Four suggestions to stay ahead of the curve include use of tracking software, source tagging and RFID tracking, join a procurement network, and make sure marketing and supply chain are in sync.

Lumber Liquidators CEO Resigns ‘Unexpectedly’
May 21, 2015, USA Today
Lynch steps down following weeks of struggle over safety concerns. CFO will also step down. Founder will serve as acting CEO of company beset with turmoil following CBS 60 Minute report on high levels of formaldehyde in Chinese-made laminate flooring.

Samsung Washing Machines: Bruce Billson Asks ACCC to Review ‘Ineffective’ Recall
May 22, 2015, Camden Advertiser
83,000 Australian homes still waiting for remedy in recall of faulty washing machines linked to house fires. Consumers waiting for service to fix water leakage fault causing electrical fires despite 2 year old recall.

Flawed Takata Air Bags in 34 Million Vehicles Lead to Biggest Recall in History
May 19, 2015, The Washington Post
Nationwide recall expected to cost billions while potentially “over whelming automakers, parts suppliers, and dealerships already struggling to find enough safe replacement parts.” Canada refuses to follow suit.

CPSC Seeks Comments on Amendment to Safety Standard on Architectural Glazing Materials
May, 2015 Federal Register
The proposed amendment will clarify certain test procedures specified in the standard. The agency wants to replace testing procedures for certain architectural products with testing procedures contained in the voluntary standard.

Report to Board of Directors of General Motors Company Regarding Ignition Switch Recalls
May 29, 2014, Jenner & Block
Last year’s report on the automaker’s missteps in handling faulty ignition switches explains how the hazard caused a break-down of the functioning of the vehicles leading to accidents, injuries, and deaths.  Reading the report provides  lessons for product safety professionals in all industries, and lays out a detailed history of how a safety system of reviews and controls failed at every critical step due to human factors and the company’s culture.

Bill Would Put Brakes on Off-highway Recreational Vehicle Safety Standards
May 21, 2015, The Examiner
Senate Committee approves legislation that would ban CPSC acting on regulations of off-road recreation vehicles until a study by the National Academy of Sciences is completed. Bill would also ban CPSC from requiring manufacturers to give dealers or consumers  performance or technical data.

India to Get Own Version of Class Action Lawsuits
May 21, 2015, The Times of India
Indian version will not allow individuals to sue on behalf of a larger group, but will empower an authority to make rulings applicable to larger groups. Will incorporate a product liability clause to recall products that are unsafe and hazardous.

China Releases Harshest Food Safety Law in History
May 13, 2015, China Briefing
First update to food laws since 2009 will have significant inpact on domestic and foreign firms doing business in China. Crack down on food scandals that have been plaguing country in recent years.

Recall Multiplier Effect Plagues Manufacturers, Attacking Multiple Industries
May 20, 2015, Market Wired
Q1 2015 Stericycle Recall Index finds recalls multiplied throughout the supply chain with implications beyond first quarter. In food units, a 40% increase to over 19 million units recalled. Consumer products show 57 CPSC recalls down 7% from prior quarter.

CPSC Encourages State and Local Governments To Apply for Pool Safely Grants To Combat Drownings and Drain Entrapments
May 21, 2015, iStockAnalyst
Agency expects to award $1 million in 1-year grants in FY’16. Program aims to make drowning and drain entrapment a critical public safety priority.

California May Require Warnings on Products Containing Chemical BPA
May 8, 2015, Town Hall, Reuters News
Plastic drinking bottles might soon be required to carry a label disclosing that the compound can cause productive harm to women. Environmental group says it is an “important step” forward. Industry group says it stirs up “needless fear about safe products.”

EU Court Says it is Possible to ‘Infer’ a Device is Defective
March 25, 2015, Lexology
The Court of Justice of the EU has delivered a preliminary ruling on defective medical devices that could result in new costs for manufacturers. It finds that where a medical device has a potential defect based on quality control checks, it is possible to classify all products of the same model as defective “without the need for showing that product is defective in each individual case.”

Judge Orders Denver’s Zen Magnets to Cease Sale of Tiny Magnetic Balls
May 14, 2015, The Denver Post
A Federal judge has ordered the company to stop selling 917,000 balls acquired shortly before the New Jersey manufacturer of the products agreed to recall the magnets. Industry observer reports that judge suggests sale of units is basis of marketing campaign based on defying a CPSC order.

Does Your Company Comply with Dangerous Goods Transport Regs?
May 15, 2015, Supply Chain Brain
Whether by air, sea, or land, almost every industry is involved in transporting materials classified as hazardous, including batteries, airbags, paint, lubricants and adhesives, nail polish, and numerous electronic products. Improper labeling cost one manufacturer $180.000.

Scientific Debate Heats up Over Safety of Grease-Resistant Chemicals
May 8, 2015, Lexocology
Group of scientists calls for limits on use of certain water and grease-resistant chemicals in industrial and consumer products.  They say the substances are ‘very persistent” once released in the environment, and that animal studies link the substances to human health hazards.

LIST: 10 Largest Product Safety Recalls Ever
May 12, 2015, RTV6-ABC
Hearing about today’s recalls may bring visions of large volume events, but for a look at some of the largest recalls ever, here’s a list compiled by an ABC affiliate.

Bill Seeks to Bolster Consumer Rights
May 15, 2015, Sun Star
The Philippines’ Senate has a bill up for consideration that will address current concerns of consumers and markets. The proposed law would “close down any establishment caught in the act of selling, distributing, manufacturing, producing, displaying, or importing hazardous and defective products.”

Auto Safety: Past Is Prologue
May 13, 2015, Huffington Post
Michael Lemov has a new book out on the history of the auto safety movement. In his book, Car Safety Wars: One Hundred Years of Technology, Politics, and Death, Lemov traces a history that will appeal to those interested in automobiles, the consumer safety movement, or the mechanisms of democratic government.

Lumber Liquidators Pulls Chinese-made Laminates on Safety Concerns
May 7, 2015, The Wall Street Journal
Company acting amid allegations that the product contains levels of formaldehyde in excess of California emission standards. Former FBI director Louis Freeh is being brought on to examine the company’s sourcing procedures as LL says it is further reviewing its supplier’s certification and labeling processes.

Lowe’s To Eliminate Toxic Phthalates In Flooring By End Of 2015, According To Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families
May 7, 2015, Reuters
The retailer is the latest to pledge to eliminate toxic phthalates by the end of 2015, joining The Home Depot. Recent Lowe’s report showed 48% of their flooring samples contained toxic phthalates.

Turf Concerns Muddied by Faulty Reporting and Sloppy Advocacy
May 4, 2015, The Product Safety Letter
CPSC Chairman Kaye is dissatisfied with the broad federal approach to acute and chronicle chemical hazards and has reached out to other agencies to discuss such issues. Part of the problem is reflected by limitations in report findings that can make it hard to reach solid conclusions, but the CPSC is not shy about defending its stances where necessary.

Laundry Detergent Packets Require Packaging Safeguards: Consumer Reports
May 5, 2015, About Lawsuits
Consumer Reports recognizes as “positive changes” the current ASTM standards for child-resistant outer packaging, such as plastic containers or tubs to hold the pods. But it says other stricter protections are needed, especially since many children gain access to loose pods that have been removed from their original storage container or tub.

A Flame Retardant that Came With its Own Threat to Health
May 4, 2015, The New York Times
Studies show that many flame retardant chemicals loom as potential health menaces. Is this a struggle between worthy goals of equal merit? The case study of the chemical Tris in children’s pajamas and furniture demonstrates that with new chemicals ”scientists have struggled to keep pace with studying their health risks.”

Child Resistant Packaging: One of the Noblest Assignments
May 6, 2015, Packaging World
The role of testing in C-R packaging is critical because there is no requirement for 100% effectiveness. Panels of children are part of the testing protocol. Still, can end users have confidence in supplier-conducted testing, rather than objective third parties?

Window Covering Industry Launches “Best for Kids” Safety Program
New program expected to help consumers and retailers easily identify products for homes with young children through use of a third-party certification.

Owner of Chinese Drywall Maker Wants Out of Suit
May 7, 2015, Associated Press, Naples Daily News
Majority owner of company making defective Chinese drywall says it doesn’t run the drywall manufacturer and should be dropped from their pending law suit involving consumers in Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

US Senate Environment Committee Approves TSCA Reform Bill
May 4, 2015, Lexology
Bipartisan bill passes committee with 15-5 vote. One change from current Toxic Substances Control Act  “would require EPA to make an affirmative determination that a new chemical does not present an unreasonable risk of injury under its intended conditions of use before it can be manufactured, imported, or possessed in the U.S.”

Revised Food Safety Law In China Signals Many Changes And Some Surprises
May 3, 2015, Forbes
New law has the “potential to materially strengthen regulation of food companies in China.” Among changes are the addition of shipping and storage to law’s coverage, and measures to strengthen regulations for health food (dietary supplements) and infant formula design and manufacturing.

Conflicts and Silos Are Holding Back the Supply Chain, Say 68% of Industry Execs
May 7, 2015, Manufacturing Logistics
Poll finds that two-thirds of company leaders say that tighter integration between network design, demand and supply is being hampered by disjointed tools and planning processes along with conflicting business objectives.

CPSC: Black & Decker Agrees to $1.575 Million Civil Penalty, Internal Compliance Program, for Failure to Report Defective Lawnmowers
April 29, 2015, Reuters, CPSC News Release
Settles matter of cordless electric lawnmowers that started spontaneously and continued operation after consumers released handle. Case was subject to maximum penalty of $1.825 million.

The Uphill Battle to Better Regulate Formaldehyde
May 3, 2015, The New York Times
Strange political bedfellows join in pressuring White House and EPA to ease testing requirements in new regulations. Republicans and Democrats, along with special interests, urge caution in government’s first ever effort to regulate formaldehyde inside most American homes.

Lumber Liquidators Braces for Criminal Charges
April 30, 2015, CNN Money
Justice Department seeks charges against the company under Lacy Act, which bars imports of illegally logged wood. Charge is on top of allegations that some LL imported flooring may contain toxic chemicals.

As Woes Mount, Lumber Liquidators Swings to 1Q loss
April 29, 2015, USA Today
Rising costs include legal and professional fees and a regulatory accrual, as shares sink to 3 year low. Heavy spending on promotions aimed at offsetting the fallout from CBS 60 Minutes report and on home testing kits for customers.

Trek Issues a Voluntary Safety Recall Notice Due to Safety Fears
April 27, 2015, Lexology
Nearly 1 million units potentially involved in U.S., Canada, and EU. Involves all units from model years 2000-2015 equipped with front disc brakes and a black or silver quick release lever on front wheel hub.

Blue Bell recalls products around the globe, China on the list
April 30, 2015, Shanghai Daily
Over 40.5 tons of product have been shipped to China since Feb. 2014. Distributors in that country have been notified and are removing products from the market.

Baby Cloths From China Stopped at Border
April 24, 2015, Buffalo News
Customs and Border Protection and CPSC target a shipment that testing confirmed “contained excessive and violative levels of lead on component parts of the clothing.”

Senate Committee Advances Chemical Safety Reforms
April 28, 2015, Huffington Post
Legislation advanced aimed at updating the nations’ 39 year old law governing chemical safety. Bill, called “an honest, balanced approach built on compromise,” draws bipartisan support.

California Drought: Supply Chain Disruption That Isn’t Easily Avoided
April 29, 2015, ZD Net
The latest water shortage in California is a reminder that natural disruptions are omnipresent within our supply chains.

8 Trends Boosting Supply Chain Efficiency
April 30, 2015, Enterprise Apps Today
Logistics is key area of focus. Top criteria include more intelligent order management systems, global supply chain compliance, and mobile apps in the warehouse.

US and UK Trade Groups Form Footwear Alliance
April 27, 2015, Just-Style
Aim is to enhance cooperation of footwear firms in the two countries in order to share marketplace data and regulatory insights.