In the News: September 22, 2014

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ACCC takes action against Woolworths over product safety
September 18, ABC Australia
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is taking action against one of the country’s largest retailers.  Read about the alleged violations and what the agency is doing about them…

Sustainability: More than Environment, Office Depot says
September 17, Sun-Sentinel
The term sustainability extends far beyond the environment say Office Depot.  Read about a recent conference and what your company thinks sustainability means across the business…

No European Cosmetics Concern over Exposure to Phthalates
September 18, Cosmetics Design Europe
The debate over phthalates in consumer products and household products continues.  Read a response by European experts to a recent US report on phthalates and the safety of cosmetics in Europe…

Government plans Consumer Protection Authority to Protect Consumers from Unfair Trade Practices
September 11, Economic Times
India is creating a new government agency known as the Consumer Protection Authority.  Read about the new agency, what it will be responsible for and what model they are using to create it here…

Sen. Schumer Moves to Ban some Flame Retardants
September 14, CNBC
Senator Schumer has proposed legislation that would require the CPSC to ban certain flame retardants.  Read about the proposal and what drove the Senator to make the proposal…

Buckyballs and the CPSC: Lessons for Manufacturers
August 28, Manufacturing and Business Technology
No matter what side of the debate you fall on, there are some lessons to be learned from the Buckyballs case.  Read some lessons you can take away as a manufacturer from the case here…

 

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Sustainability

In the News: September 15, 2014

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Stricter EU and US Toy Safety Regulations and Requirements Lead to Increased Surveillance
September 11, 4-Traders
Toy safety regulations have resulted in stricter standards and higher recall rates than 10 years ago.  Read a summary of recent recall rates and regulations that impact toy safety here…

5 Things Consumers Should Know About Dangerous Products
September 10, U.S. News
Recent announcements by the Consumer Product Safety Commission urge consumers to be vigilant about safety and recalled products.  Read five steps to avoid recall fatigue…

G.M.’s Board Is Seen as Slow in Reacting to Safety Crisis
September 7, New York Times
After the U.S. bailout of General Motors, the board was expected to take a new approach to what was happening at the company.  Read an article that discusses the board and where they missed the mark on safety…

Technology an Underused Tool in Emerging Market Supply Chains, Finds New Accenture Study
September 10, Reuters
In a recent study of 1000 global companies, less than half extensively use technology in their emerging markets supply chain.  Read about the study, and how technology can improve efficiency in your supply chain here…

New Safety Rules Weighed for Magnets
September 10, New York Times
On September 10, the CPSC Commissioners received a briefing on a final rule to address certain magnets.  Read about the briefing and the proposed rule here…

Trade Deal could Benefit Maine
September 5, Portland Press Herald
The United States and the European Union are currently negotiating a trade agreement known as TTIP which could have broad implications for industries impacted by product safety regulations.  Read what one state could gain as the debate surrounding the negotiations here…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: September 8, 2014

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Product Safety Law Needed, Expert says
September 3, ECNS
A chief engineer with China’s General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has said that China needs to pass a product safety law.  Read about the effort to pass a law that stresses product safety at the production level here…

CPSC may Ban Tiny Magnets that Killed a Child
September 3, USA Today
The Buckyballs case has settled and the CPSC has taken the next step by releasing a proposed rule to ban certain magnets.  Read about the rule and what the led the agency to take this action…

Product Safety: Don’t Wait
August 29, PPAI Publications
CPSIA has impacted many different industries since the law went into effect. Read how one association communicates with its member companies about the importance of product safety…

New CPSC Chair to Require “Clear Safety Justifications” for Rule Changes
August 28, Lexology
In a recent press briefing outlining his priorities, CPSC Chairman Eliot Kaye discussed how he will approach the job.  Read about what it will take to change a rule here…

Using Technology to Aid Regulatory Compliance
September 4, Pharmbiz
In India, companies are facing rising regulatory reporting requirements.  Read why companies who continue to document processes on paper are putting themselves at risk…

Blog: Is Apple’s Supply Chain a Risk to the Company?
September 3, Motley Fool
Apple is set to announce some new products, but delivery may be delayed.  Read about some supply chain risks that are impacting Apple and could impact your supply chain too…

Posted in Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Safety Rules, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain

In the News: September 1, 2014

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US Claims Dr. Reddy’s Broke Safety Packaging Rules for 4 years
August 28, In-Pharma
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking civil penalties from Dr. Reddy’s alleging that the company violated the Poison Prevention Packaging Act for four years.  Read the details of the case here…

Smugglers Plead Guilty for Selling Poisonous Toys to Kids
August 28, Epoch Times
The Federal Government announced the guilty plea of two individuals who imported and sold counterfeit toys that violated CPSC regulations.  Read about the New York case here…

Are Airbnb Hosts Regulated by the CPSC? Short-term Rental Properties may Require Compliance with Pool & Spa Safety Laws
August 21, Lexology
T he Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates the drains in public pools and spas.  Read how the emergence of technology and 3rd party rental web sites call into question what is a public accommodation and should be regulated by the pool and spa safety act…

Fanning the Flames with Fire Retardants
August 26, Huffington Post
In recent years, flame retardants in consumer products have become a controversial topic.  Read one view that outlines pending legislation and calls for reform at the federal level here…

Clarified: What Does a Food Recall Do?
August 25, CNN
The Food Safety Modernization Act gave the FDA authority to mandate a food recall.  Read about what happens during a food recall and how often the agency actually compels removal of products from the market…

7 Ways to Shore Up Supply Chain Security
August 28, Manufacturing.net
Your supply chain is the likely the riskiest component of your business.  Read seven tips to help you ensure a secure supply chain here…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: August 25, 2014

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China’s Toy Safety Drive Pays Off
August 16, People’s Daily
In 2008, toxic toys produced in China prompted recalls and called into question the manufacturing processes used in the country.  Read about a new toy standard recently put in place in China and the impact it could have on manufacturing…

Food Additives on the Rise as FDA Scrutiny Wanes
August 18, Washington Post
Additives in the United States food supply are on the rise.  Read about self certification and the problem it is causing with FDA oversight of food additives…

Blog:  How to Avoid Recall Fatigue
August 20, Business 2 Community
Recall effectiveness is an issue that concerns both regulators and manufacturers.  Read about recall fatigue and how it could impact how effective your recall is…

Demand Forecasting in a Supply Chain
August 18, Business Standard
In today’s dynamic market place, linking your supply chain with the demand for your product can pay off.  Read how forecasting can help you predict where supply meets demand…

Video: National Commission on Product Safety
August 23, CSPAN
CPSC Commissioner Robert Adler sat down with CSPAN for a discussion on product safety, history of the CPSC and current initiatives. Watch the video here…

House Members Call on CPSC to Act on CHAP Phthalate Safety Report
August 14, Lexology
The recently released report on phthalates requested by Congress in CPSIA has sparked interest by some members of Congress for immediate action.  Read what some members would like to see happen now…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: August 18, 2014

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The Effect of Product Liability Litigation on CPSC Regulatory Compliance
August 12, Claims Journal
Regulatory compliance and defending a product liability lawsuit can create a conflict for companies.  Read why these two business activities may require delicate navigation…

4 Keys to Supply Chain Success
August 14, Singapore Business Review
To maximize profitability in your supply chain operations, one professor suggests the “World Class Diamond Model.”  Read about the model and how it can help you optimize your supply chain…

U.S. Trade Deal Might Loosen Europe’s Chemical Safety Rules
August 13, Tribune
The United States and European Union regulate chemicals in consumer products differently. Read how a pending trade agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership could change that here…

Consumer Groups Put Pressure on Retailers to Drop Triclosan
August 13, Washington Post
Consumer groups are calling on major retailers to stop selling product containing triclosan, a chemical often found in anti-bacterial soaps and some toothpaste.  Read what the groups are arguing, and how the retailers are responding…

BPA-Free Plastic Containers May Be Just as Hazardous
August 11, Scientific American
BPA has been banned in baby bottles and absent from many other plastics since 2011.  Read about the alternative and concerns over the safety of BPS…

US Senator Introduces Auto Safety Bill
August 11, After Market News
The mounting auto recalls in 2014 has caused great concern with auto safety in Congress.  Read about a recently introduced bill and changes it could make to the way auto recalls are done here…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: August 11, 2014

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Zen Magnets Vows to Fight CPSC
August 5, Reuters
The recent high profile settlements with the CPSC involving magnets have not closed the book on the magnet controversy and warning labels.  Read about another magnet company vowing to take the CPSC head on…

Online Cot Vendors Penalised as ACCC Announces Major Review of Safety Standards
August 7, The Age
In the wake of two Ebay vendors being penalized in Australia for selling non-compliant products, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is examining the standards covering cots, strollers and bunk beds.  Read the details here…

Blog: How the Deaths of 75 Workers at a Chinese Factory Could Have Been ‘Easily Prevented’
August 6, The Nation
A recent explosion in a Chinese factory has sparked concern about worker safety in the supply chain.  Read about the incident and why one company doesn’t plan on changing it’s supply chain safety processes…

Poison Packaging is an Ongoing Process
August 4, Packaging World
The Poison Prevention Packaging Act administered (PPPA) by the CPSC is intended to prevent children from accessing potentially hazardous substances.  Read about new legislation that seeks to add liquid nicotine to the PPPA and how it is different than other items on the list…

Blog: How to Improve Your Food Safety
July 31, Huffington Post
Food-borne illness has been on the rise in recent years.  Read some ways to improve food safety, which include close examination of the supply chain…

Dozens Call on Maine to Regulate Chemicals found in Plastic Household Products
July 29, Bangor Daily News
Following the release of the Chemical Hazard Advisory Panel report, dozens of stakeholders have called on Maine to take action on phthalates.  Read what they are concerned about, and what they want done by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection here…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Supply Chain

In the News: August 4, 2014

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Consumer Body Crackdown on Dodgy Goods
July 29, Business World
Ireland’s National Consumer Agency investigated nearly 500 product complaints last year according to a recently released agency annual report.  Read an overview of the report and what the agency has worked on over the last year here…

New Defective Drywall Lawsuit adds Chinese State Commission Overseeing 117 Companies there
July 31, The Republic
Defective drywall from China has created numerous problems in homes and has had the attention of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for several years.  Last week, another lawsuit was filed bringing renewed scrutiny to the drywall…

Robust FDA Oversight Needed to Ensure Consumer Safety, Confidence in Mobile Health App Market
July 30, Medical News Today
According to some, mobile health apps are going to revolutionize healthcare.  Read some concerns about the safety and confidence in those apps  and the role the FDA should play here…

Walmart and Target Team up with Cosmetic Suppliers to Improve Sustainability Performance
July 30, Cosmetics Design
An unlikely partnership between two major retailers seeks to increase sustainability in their suppliers.  Read about the steps they are taking here…

Blog: Centers of Excellence Drive Supply Chain Transformation
July 28, EBN On-Line
According to a 2013 report issued by Deloitte, supply chain executives realize that to be successful with an increasingly complicated supply chain, they need to take a strategic view.  Read about the Centers of Excellence and how it aims to help executives maximize operational performance…

Leading Retailers Handle Major Recalls with Help from Groupcast
July 24, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Communicating with your customers is key during a product recall.  Read about a company that specializes in notification during a product recall…

Posted in Global Developments, Innovation, Product Liability, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: July 28, 2014

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Government Proposes Changes in BIS to Ensure Product Quality, Withdrawal of Substandard Goods
July 22, Economic Times
The Indian government has proposed major changes to consumer protection laws in the country.  Read about the changes and the impact it could have on companies doing business there…

Blog:  Walmart’s Supply Chain Sustainability Lessons
July 22, EBN On-line
Walmart is the largest retailer in the world with one of the most recognized brands.  Read why one observer attributes Walmart’s great success on the company’s sustainable supply chain…

After Two-Year Fight, Consumer Agency Orders Recall of Buckyballs
July 17, New York Times
One of the most controversial recall negotiations in recent history has reached the recall and remedy phase of the process.  Read about the details of the recall and what makes this case unique…

Laying Down the Law Against Counterfeiters
July 17, EBN On-line
Manufacturers have been concerned about counterfeiters for many years.  Read why some recent cases may point to some relief for those who have had problems with counterfeiter products entering the stream of commerce…

No New Danger Seen from Chemical in Toys, Committee Says
July 18, NBC News
The Chemical Hazard Advisory Panel recently submitted their report on phthalates to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Read about the report and what it means for products that use phthalates…

California Supreme Court Considers Component Parts Doctrine
July 19, Mondaq
The California Supreme Court is set to review whether the manufacturer of component parts has liability if the completed product using its parts has a defect.  Read about the case and the impact it could have on product liability cases…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: July 21, 2014

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Blog:  OpenFDA Provides Ready Access to Recall Data
July 16, FDA Voice
The FDA has joined the CPSC in offering access to data on recalled products.  Read about the new FDA release, and plans to further build out data releases from the agency…

Amid New Revelations about GM, Senators seek Jail Time for Product Safety Cover-ups
July 16, Miami Herald
GM returned to the hill last week to continue answering questions about the safety issues in their vehicles.  Read about the outcome of the hearing including new legislation that would make it a crime for a corporate officer to conceal product safety issues…

The Pros and Cons of the Consumer Protection Act
July 11, New Hampshire Business Review
According to one lawyer, the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act is one of the most litigated statutes in the state and continues to evolve.  Read about the Act, what it sets out to do and how it might impact companies that do business there…

House Approves Amendment Banning Changes to Voluntary Recall Rules
July 16, Sports One Source
The CPSC is considering changes to the Voluntary Recall Rule which has some stakeholders concerned.  The U.S. House shares those concerns and passed an amendment to CPSC funding that would ban the agency from changing the rule-read the details here…

Blog: 6 Ways Collaboration can Boost Sustainability
July 16, Greenbiz.com
Sustainability within your supply chain can be an asset for your company and products.  Read some ways collaboration can help sustainability in your supply chain…

USDA Proposes Rule to Enhance Consumer Protection; Ensure Retailers Can Track Sources of Ground Meats
July 16, Food Consumer
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing new traceability rules that will help increase the timeliness of recalls.  Read about the proposed rules and their intended impact here…

Posted in Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain, Sustainability