CPSC OFFICIALS’ STATEMENTS ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND THE RECALL PROCESS BEFORE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING:
>Kaye tells Subcommittee CPSC needs a recall process that is “even more focused on consumer protection”
October 8, 2015, Statement by CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye, cpsc.gov
U.S. agencies have struggled for decades with effectively reaching consumers about recalls, CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye tells the committee. He points to steps taken by the agency that include shortening the length of time it takes to alert the public to a recall and working with individual recalling companies to ensure monthly progress reports accurately reflect steps taken by the recalling company and ensuring the accuracy of their data.
>Buerkle to Subcommittee: Proposed rule making all corrective action plans legally binding is “startling departure.”
October 8, 2015, Statement by CPSC Commissioner Ann Marie Buerkle, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Buerkle tells the Senate committee that the proposed rule doesn’t take into account that the current framework around voluntary recalls was designed by the Commission in 1978 to allow for time savings in “not having to negotiate a legally binding consent order agreement,” meaning that “the hazard is remedied faster, and the consumer is protected earlier.”
“Interesting provisions, including third party “Product Safety Coordinator”
October 12, 2015, The Product Safety Letter on Linked In
Two California import companies agree to CPSC compliance programs, including retention of an outside “product safety coordinator,” and are enjoined from selling and importing toys and other children’s products until the programs are set up. The complaints and settlements also name company officers.
Boulder-based association coordinating national recall of up to 1.5 million bikes
October 8, 2015, Daily Camera
Thirteen companies representing 17 brands have joined together for this voluntary recall effort in North America, coordinated by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association. The program involves replacing a commonly used part on bikes with disc brakes over concerns that the quick release level can come into contact with the brakes during a ride, causing a crash.
Lumber Liquidators reaches $10 Million U.S. settlement over timber imports
October 8, 2015, Richmond Times Dispatch with Work It, Lynchburg
The Virginia-based flooring retailers said it has reached the settlement with the Justice Department, pleading guilty to charge that the company violated conservation laws by importing more timber than its permits allowed from eastern Russia and other jurisdictions. The settlement is unrelated to claims that the company sold Chinese-made products that contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde.
Volkswagon to recall 8.5 million vehicles in Europe over emission scandal
October 15, 2015, Guernsey Press
The German automaker said customer’s would be “contacted directly.” A statement at the company’s website said “This decision gives customers clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles.” In Germany, 2.4 million vehicles are involved; in the U.K nearly 1.2 million vehicles are affected.
EU data protection regulations: your responsibilities in the supply chain
October 14, 2015, itproportal.com
European law makers seek to bring the regulatory framework up-to-date in the rapidly changing technological field of handling, processing, and storing personal data. Controllers should select only suppliers who can demonstrate capability to manage and process data to appropriate security standards and principles.
UK Boards still have improvements to make when it comes to risk management
October 13, 2015, Continuity Central
While corporate boards are deepening their involvement in company strategy, there is still work to be done if companies are to meet the challenge set by the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code, according to a new survey by KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute. Nearly 40% of respondents cite room to improve communication and coordination among the full board and its committees on key strategic and operational areas such as strategy, CEO succession, talent, regulatory compliance and supply chain issues.
UL First dedicated standard to power bank industry
October 12, 2015, ASELabs
Product safety organization launches its first dedicated testing and certification services for portable USB chargers or portable back-up battery power, which are standalone devices that incorporate batteries for mobile powering of low voltage electronic leaders.
Singapore cleaning product manufacturers form product safety group
October 14, 2015, Chemical Watch
The Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s Energy and Chemicals Indusry Group has formed a new Cleaning Products and Material Protection (CAMP) Committee. The aim of the committee is to raise and maintain standards through voluntary initiatives, drawing on experts in risk assessment, sustainable product design, and the global regulatory landscape.
