Commissioner Peter A. Feldman Becomes Acting CPSC Chairman
January 22, 2025, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Commissioner Peter A. Feldman has been named Acting Chairman of the agency effective immediately. The Commission elected Feldman to serve as Vice Chairman on January 13, 2025. In accordance with CPSC’s statute, he assumed the role of Acting Chairman when Alex Hoehn-Saric stepped down as Chair on January 21. “I am excited to take on this new role at the Commission, and I am grateful for the support of my fellow Commissioners,” said Feldman. “American families should have confidence that CPSC is hard at work for them. Those who violate the law or import dangerous goods from abroad should be on notice: this Commission is focused and resolved to enforce our statutes.” Feldman has served on the Commission since October 5, 2018. During his tenure, he has focused attention on the flood of Chinese consumer goods that violate federal law and has worked to strengthen the agency’s ability to address the challenges of the modern marketplace.
Acting Chair Feldman Announces Senior Staff
Fitbit To Pay $12.25 Million Civil Penalty For Failure To Report Serious Burn Hazard With Ionic Smartwatches
January 23, 2025, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing that Fitbit LLC, of San Francisco, California, has agreed to pay a $12.25 million civil penalty. The settlement has been provisionally accepted by CPSC. It resolves CPSC’s charges that Fitbit knowingly failed to immediately report to CPSC, as required by law, that its Ionic Smartwatches contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard and created an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death to consumers. In addition to the $12.25 million civil penalty, the settlement agreement requires Fitbit to maintain internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), including enhancements made to its compliance program.
Commissioner Hoehn-Saric’s Statement
Commissioner Trumka’s Statement
When To Give Feedback In A Group And When To Do It One-On-One
August 2015, Harvard Business Review
If you’re like most leaders, you’re probably reluctant to give an individual feedback in a team meeting. You’ve probably learned to praise in public and criticize in private. You may be concerned that if you give feedback in a group setting, you’ll put that person on the spot, get him or her defensive, make everyone else in the room uncomfortable, and strain the team’s working relationships. That’s why leaders tend to focus on the risks of giving feedback in a team, but miss the risks of inappropriately giving feedback one-on-one.
Maine DEP Proposes CUU (Currently Unavoidable Use) Procedures For PFAS In Products Law
January 2025, dlapiper.com
Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently published a proposed rule prescribing procedures and criteria for determining Currently Unavoidable Uses (CUU) of intentionally added PFAS in products subject to Maine’s PFAS in Products law. It also proposes a broader implementation of the state law’s sales prohibitions and notification requirements. We discuss how this could affect manufacturers and stakeholders. Stakeholders are encouraged to be aware of the upcoming sale and distribution restrictions and statutory exemptions as they evaluate CUU proposal options.
Major Change Coming For Amazon Customers: Here’s What To Know
January 24, 2025, PennLive Patriot-News
Amazon is the world’s biggest retailer but up till now they have not been required to report any recalls or defects on any of the products they sell. That changed last weekend. Amazon began posting recall notices and product safety alerts on its website the same day that they are issued by the CPSC. Those who purchased a recalled or defective item will be notified by email and the information about the recall will be posted to each buyer’s orders page.The company will also keep recall notices on its website for a period of five years.
ICPHSO Announces New Board Members For 2025
January 22, 2025, ICPHSO
ICPHSO (International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization) announced in advance of its 2025 Annual Meet and Training Symposium in Orlando, Florida, the election of new Board Members to lead the organization. ICPHSO is comprised of consumer product health and safety professionals from around the world. The ICPHSO Board of Directors determines basic policies, sets goals and objectives, elects officers, and approves the budget in accordance with the bylaws of the organization.
There’s A Chill In The Air: Stay Warm Safely Be Cautious When Using Generators, Furnaces And Space Heaters
January 23, 2025, cpsc.gov
It’s chilly out there! The Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to take safety precautions while keeping their homes warm this winter. Two hazards of special concern are fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which have been linked to home heating equipment used during the colder winter months, including space heaters, furnaces and fireplaces. CPSC estimates that portable heaters, including electric space heaters, are involved in an average of 1,600 fires per year, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually from 2019 to 2021.
CPSC: Stop Using Babypark Sling Carriers Due To Fall Hazard; No Recall Or Remedy Offered
January 23, 2025, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using Babypark sling carriers because they lack structural integrity and can fail to retain infants in the carriers, posing a fall hazard in violation of federal safety requirements. The sling carriers also do not have required warnings and instructions. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the seller, Shenzhen Huideming Electronics, of China, but the firm has not agreed to recall these sling carriers or offer a remedy to consumers.
Safety First: The EU’s General Product Safety Regulation Is Now In Force
January 22, 2025, Farrer & Company
The new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) marks a significant change to the product safety regime across the EU. As of December 13, 2024, all businesses selling products into the EU and Northern Ireland are required to comply with its new product safety rules, even if those businesses are not physically based in the EU. The GPSR repeals and replaces the EU’s existing product safety framework – the General Product Safety Directive 2021 (GPSD). The GPSD is over 20 years old, and there have been significant developments (i.e. new technologies) and changes to the market (i.e. online marketplace selling) since it was originally enacted into law. The GPSR is therefore aimed at filling those gaps by bringing product safety rules up to date.
Lead Poisoning Is Still A Major Problem — Here’s How It Impacts Our Health
January 24, 2025, Discover
Government bans have reduced lead exposure, the heavy metal can still be found in consumer goods as well as water pipes and paint in older houses. Scientists have found that lead poisoning can be detrimental to physical and mental health. Studies have also found it’s a persisting problem in many U.S. cities.In a 2021 research review in Toxics, researchers examined epidemiological studies on how lead impacted people during various life stages. Children ages two to four years old with high lead levels had decreased motor skills and language development. They also displayed depression, aggression, and sleep problems.
Insights: Are E-Bike/E-Scooter Batteries A Health And Safety Risk?
January 2025, Clyde & Company
The rise in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires has led to calls for stronger regulations and better safety practices. In 2023, the London Fire Brigade responded to a fire every two days caused by these devices, according to the BBC. These fires have become a major fire risk in London, leading to legal action against manufacturers and increased scrutiny from government agencies and insurers. While efforts focus on preventing domestic fires, these incidents also pose risks for businesses involved in waste management and recycling, as well as employers whose staff commutes on such bikes and stores them at work.
UK Issues Progress Update Issued On Review Of Furniture Fire Safety Regulations
January 24,2025, Fire Safety Matters
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has provided a progress update on the Government’s review of the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture. While the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 have “contributed significantly” to protecting consumers for more than three decades, asserts the Government, they are now deemed to be “out of step” with modern approaches to product safety and are increasingly a potential barrier to innovation and the circular economy. Since 1988, evidence has also emerged of the risks associated with the chemical flame retardants used to pass flammability tests. The Government’s policy paper addresses six core themes within the furniture fire safety policy space, while in parallel setting out the Government’s intentions for the implementation of a new regulatory approach.
