CPSC approves decorative lights safety rule to remove unsafe products from market
September 29, 2015, Claims Journal
A new rule allows the regulatory agency to remove hazardous products from the market more effectively. Over 86% of American homes are decorated during holidays, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation. The new rule states that products will be deemed to present a substantial product safety hazard if they lack any of 3 readily observable UL588 voluntary standards.
Massachusetts: Chemical alternatives and hazards debated
September 30, 2015, Worcester Business Journal Online
Legislation that would require the disclosure, reduction, or replacement of toxic chemicals in consumers goods was panned by industry groups who said it “imposes a burden without improving safety.” Supporters of the bills “shared emotional testimony urging lawmakers to take action they said would protect the public.”
CPSC seeks extension of approval of collection of information on play yards
October 1, 2015, Federal Register
The agency has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request for extension of approval of an information collection program associated with the 2013 safety standard for play yards. The standard is intended to address hazards to children associated with the incorrect assembly of play yards and play yard accessories, including requirements on manufacturers relating to marking, labeling, and instructional literature for play yards.
U.S. states jumping into investigation of VW emissions deception
October 2, 2015, The New York Times
Attorneys general from at least 30 states and the District of Columbia are organizing a bipartisan coalition to undertake an investigation into the possibilities of consumer fraud and environmental violations by Volkswagon. Multistate inquiry taking shape unusually quickly after recent announcement by Volkswagon that it had installed software in 11 million diesel cars that was designed to trick emission testers, making it appear that the vehicles met pollution standards.
Maltese consumers know their rights, EU scoreboard shows
October 3, 2015, Malta Today
An EU-wide survey tracks situation and behavior of consumers showing a variety of insights into consumer purchasing and behavior patterns. The survey finds Malta had the highest percentage of correct answers to the question on faulty product guarantee. Germany and Malta are among the countries with the lowest prevalence of unfair practices, though they are judged as having much worse performance in retailers’ eyes.
Takata airbag recalls could expand to 7 more companies
September 28, 2015, NBC News
NHTSA sends letters to Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar-Land Rover, Suzuki, Tesla, Volvo trucks, Volkswagon, and Spartan motors. So far, 23.4 million driver and passenger air bag inflators have been recalled on 19.2 million U.S. vehicles sold by 11 different countries.
Poll: Chemical companies largely unprepared for labeling standards
October 2, 2015, Manufacturing.net
A new survey suggests that a majority of large chemical companies failed to implement international labeling standards by the June 1 deadline. The report, produced by a labeling software provider, states that only 45% of those polled indicated they were able to comply with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification.
China’s food safety law takes effect today: Are you ready?
October 1, 2015, The National Law Review
In April, china passed sweeping amendments to its food safety law in response to high-profile scandals and the need to harmonize with global food safety management practices. In recent months, regulators have published several important regulations and national food safety standards, described by regulatory attorneys with Keller and Heckman.
Deadline Alert: “30 under 30 rising supply chain stars” nominations due Oct. 1
September 29, 2015, Reuters/PR Wirenews
ThomasNet® and Institute for Supply Management® invite industry to submit nominations to their annual recognition program. Individuals can nominate young professionals whose “innovation, leadership initiative, and/or collaboration are benefiting their organizations, associations or the industry at large.” (to nominate: www.ThomasNet.com/30under30)
Carbon Trust launches supply chain certification
October 1, 2015, Environmental Leader
The Trust has put in place a framework to measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions across the supply chain, according to the organization. Seven companies have been awarded the new Carbon Trust standard for supply chain, based on a detailed hotspot analysis that identifies the most significant areas of carbon emissions, and develops a system to measure reduction of the emissions within their supply chain.
