CPSC & DOJ Action: Government secures injunctions against two California companies and three individuals to stop importation of dangerous children’s products.
October 19, 2015, CPSC news release
Complaints allege that the defendants were importing children’s products containing, among other things, lead, phthalates, and small parts. They agree to a settlement and to be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction “unless and until the CPSC determines that the firm’s practices have come into compliance with the law and with various remedial measures set out in the decrees.
Cheryl Falvey, former General Counsel at CPSC, offers testimony to a Senate Subcommittee on consumer product safety and the recall process
October 8, 2015, Testimony statement
Falvey examines the implications of a proposed rule to eliminate the option to engage in a voluntary recall without entering into a legally binding agreement which she concludes would impose “potentially significant delay in the voluntary recall process…” She also comments on the uncertainty as to the status of the retailer reporting program.
CPSC issues direct final rule for component part testing and lead in textile prints
October 15, 2015, Bureau Veritas
The CPSC has published in the Federal Register a direct final rule clarifying when component part testing can be used and clarifying which textile products have been determined not to exceed the allowable lead content limits under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Unless significant adverse comments are received by the CPSC by November 13, the rule becomes effective Dec. 14.
Directors say that Volkswagen delayed informing them of trickery
October 24, 2015, The New York Times
Board members’ statements shed new light on flaws in the management structure and lines of communication at the world’s largest automaker. Some members were left in the dark about company’s emission scandal for 2 weeks after top executives admitted the deception to American environmental officials. During this period the board was completing terms of a contract extension for Volkswagen’s CEO..
Compliance won’t suffice
October 21, 2015, Chemical Processing
Good corporate behavior now goes beyond just following federal regulations. A regulatory editor analyzes the question of whether raising the stewardship bar is a mandate or option. While certain “legal” drivers such as federal and state laws are the most visible influence on company practices, there are also “soft” drivers that compel good behavior, such as NGO attention focused on chemicals and social responsibility requirements impacting the supply chain.
Consumer Reports’ 2015 Annual auto reliability survey: new transmission technology problems emerge
October 20, 2015, Consumer Reports
Findings of a survey released before the Automotive Press Association in Detroit indicate an emerging trend of increased troubles with new transmission systems developed to improve fuel economy. The report takes into account data from more than 740,000 vehicles and identifies brands with the strongest and weakest results.
Brand trust key driver of product purchases
October 17, 2015, The Star
A Nielsen global sustainability report finds that two-thirds of Malaysian consumers say that they have purchased products which are made by a brand or company that they trust (65%) and that their purchased products are known for high standards of safety (64%).
Survive or succeed: It always comes back to the supply chain
October 21, 2015, ebnonlline
An executive analyzes the that planning has in a company’s success. From demand through production planning, manufacturing, inventory and logistics, a successful business must manage effectively. Hidden behind these obvious factors is the information across supply chain functions that businesses must control or face higher levels of risk.
Blogger: Fate of GMO labeling left with U.S. Senate
October 22, 2015, Food Product Design
A blogger assesses the likelihood of action by the Senate’s Agriculture Committee, where there is sympathy for preempting a patchwork of state laws mandating labels on genetically engineered foods, while also acknowledging a need for transparency for consumers “who want to know more about their food.”
