CPSC Trends: Fines, Imports, and Retailer Reporting are Issues to Watch
March 2, 2015, Product Safety Letter
Chairman Kaye tells product safety conclave of support for pushing penalties higher. Some companies see existing levels as “costs of doing business” rather than punitive. $4.5 million record penalty last year likely to be surpassed with new authority under CPSIA up to $15 million.
CPSC Approves New Federal Standard for Frame Child Carriers
February 24, 2015, Reuters
New mandatory standard gets unanimous 5-0 commissioner vote. New regulation incorporates ASTM voluntary standard.
Child Poisonings From Laundry Detergent Packets Prompts Legislation
February 26, 2015, KSHB.com, NBC Action News
17 members of Congress have now filed legislation to make the cleaning product less attractive to children. Legislation in House drawn up in parallel to Senate proposals. Bills call for mandatory standards from CPSC
The Truth About Car Recalls
February 24, 2015, SFGate
NHTSA study reports 36 million cars on road have uncompleted recall work. Consumer Reports investigation sheds light on record 62 million recalled vehicles in 2014.
Victim’s Mother and Safety Advocates Call for Reforms in Auto Recalls
February 23, 2015, Reuters
Maryland State Legislature reviews package of reforms to speed up recalls, get better safety information to consumers, and assure purchasers a good deal on a new car.
Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act Hearings in Senate
February 25, 2015, The Hill
Senate committee to mark up bill that would direct the CPSC to issue new rules requiring safer, child-resistance packaging for liquid nicotine containers used for e-cigarettes.
New Law Boosts Consumer Rights, Ensures Fair Compensation in Oman
February 25, 2015, Times of Oman
Royal Decree issued by Public Authority for Consumer Protection. Making or selling defective products could result in fines and imprisionment.
What’s New With the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act?
February 20, 2015, Lexicology
Quarterly incident reports to be published at Health Canada’s website will not identify specific products, brands, or companies. Insight into agency’s risk assessment processes.
Recall Index: Major Trends in 2014 That Are Shaping the 2015 Recall Landscape
February 25, 2015, Reuters
Increased regulatory scrutiny and recall complexity is seen ahead. Report finds increased recall awareness among consumers in 2014.
Australia Questions China on the Safety of Berry Shipment
February 24, 2015, International Business Times
Focus on product that sickened 14 children diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Mixed berries reportedly sourced and packed in China.
Supply Chain Law: Year of the Recall!
February 25, 2015, Lexology
2014 vehicle recalls higher than 2011, 2012, and 2013 combined. Record FDA recalls. “Almost nothing taxes a supply chain morer than executing a recall.”
State Issues Definition of “in public”
February 25, 2015, Homer News
Defining “in public” surfaces as critical issue in regulation of commercial marijuana. Alaska Legislature and local governments involved in determining how to regulate the cultivation, processing, and sale of the drug.
