Trump Administration Formally Ends Biden’s War On Gas Stoves
February 12, 2025, Washington Free Beacon
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is formally ending a review that it initiated during the Biden administration to assess the potential health risks posed by gas-powered stovetops. In a statement to the Washington Free Beacon, Consumer Product Safety Commission acting chairman Peter Feldman said he considers the matter “concluded” and emphasized that the federal government should not interfere with consumer choice. Feldman’s comments effectively put an end to a years long process that critics feared would lead to a broad ban on gas stoves. “In electing President Trump, the American people spoke loudly that the United States has no business telling American families how to cook their meals,” Feldman told the Free Beacon.

When Ethics Meet Reality: Inside A Frank Discussion On Compliance’s Future (2025 LRN Report)
February 12, 2025, corporatecomplianceinsights
In a crowded room at LRN’s global headquarters in midtown Manhattan, corporate integrity leaders gathered for a masterclass discussion of the firm’s annual report on ethics and compliance program effectiveness. The timing couldn’t have been more relevant: As U.S. regulators signal retreat from traditional enforcement areas and companies grapple with evolving workplace expectations, LRN’s 2025 report suggests organizations must chart their own course through increasingly complex waters. Who doesn’t appreciate the acknowledgment of their efforts and wins, or like to impress others occasionally? It’s equally important to cultivate internal validation: a deeper sense of self-worth that is free from the wavering opinions of others and the momentary dopamine hit of a gold star. In this article, the author shares four strategies to balance your perspective and stay self-assured despite external pressures and challenging work environments.

Study: The growing challenge of e-commerce and product safety: CFA analysis of 2024 CPSC safety warnings
February 12, 2025, Consumer Federation of America
In a new analysis of 2024 safety data, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) highlighted what it calls an alarming rise in unilateral safety warnings issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CFA’s findings underscore the escalating challenge of ensuring product safety in the age of global trade and online shopping, with an urgent call for stronger action to protect U.S. consumers from unsafe products. In 2020, the Commission issued only three unilateral safety warnings. However, in 2024, the number spiked to 64, many linked to products manufactured overseas and sold online. Of the 64 warnings, 42 were from China, and 61 were sold online.

Stop Relying On Others For Validation At Work
January 15, 2025, Harvard Business Review  
Who doesn’t appreciate the acknowledgment of their efforts and wins, or like to impress others occasionally? It’s equally important to cultivate internal validation: a deeper sense of self-worth that is free from the wavering opinions of others and the momentary dopamine hit of a gold star. In this article, the author shares four strategies to balance your perspective and stay self-assured despite external pressures and challenging work environments.

European Commission Publishes Guidance On EU Batteries Regulation Removability Requirements
February 13, 2025, Cooley Productwise
The new European Commission (EC) guidance on the European Union Batteries Regulation 2023/1542 has been published. This guidance is relevant to anyone who places products containing batteries on the EU market. The new guidance sheds light on the challenging Article 11 requirement that portable batteries be ‘readily removable and replaceable by the end user at any time during the lifetime of the product’.

Study Finds: California Disclosure Law Prompting Shift Away From Toxic Compounds
February 12, 2025, The Hill
Manufacturers have been quietly abandoning the use of toxic ingredients in their products, in response to California’s strict chemical disclosure rules, a new study has found. By promoting increased transparency about the presence of harmful substances in consumer goods, the Golden State’s right-to-know law — called Proposition 65 — has helped shift markets toward safer items, according to the study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the Massachusetts-based Silent Spring Institute. 

CPSC: Stop Using Crasts Hair Dryer Brushes Due To Shock And Electrocution Hazards; No Recall Or Remedy Offered
February 13, 2025, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns consumers to stop using Crasts 5-in-1 High Power Multi-Functional Curler and Straightener hair dryer brushes immediately. These hair dryers lack an integrated immersion protection device, posing electrocution and shock hazards, and violating federal regulations. The seller, Guangzhou Crasts Hair Equipment Co. Ltd., China, has not responded to recall requests. 

Temu Says: We Take Product Safety Seriously
February 13, 2025, IT Web
Global online retailer Temu has refuted claims that it is selling dangerous and risky products on its site, exported to different parts of the world from China. This, after European consumer-advocacy group BEUC last week released a report following a 15-month investigation by its members into the Chinese multinational marketplace. The report exposes the alleged “shoddy safety” of certain products and holes in the safety of some materials sold through the e-tailer’s site. BEUC members in Denmark, Italy and the UK conducted the tests, focusing on different types of products, ranging from cosmetics to children’s toys.

United Nations Unit: Emerging Trends And Challenges In Consumer Product Safety
February 2025, unctad.org (United Nations Trade and Development.org)
With cross-border e-commerce booming and informal markets expanding, ensuring consumer safety is ever more urgent. As demand for sustainable and compliant products grows, regulatory gaps in developing countries remain a pressing challenge. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is at the forefront of global efforts to protect consumers, shaping policies that ensure safer products for all. This new UNCTAD publication examines the emerging trends and challenges in consumer product safety.

Analysis: The Impact Of Peter A. Feldman: CPSC’s New Acting Chairman
February 5, 2025, Husch Blackwell LLP (JD Supra)
Peter Feldman’s new role as Acting Chair signals a continued focus on enforcement efforts and adapting to evolving market challenges. We anticipate Mr. Feldman will focus on CPSC’s aggressive stance on e-commerce oversight, addressing product hazards that may be overlooked in online marketplaces. Additionally, we expect Mr. Feldman to maintain the agency’s current approach of using civil penalties and unilateral press releases to enforce compliance, signaling a continued commitment to robust consumer protection efforts. These developments will likely shape CPSC’s direction in the years ahead. Mr. Feldman also identified three key challenges for CPSC this year: (1) Modernizing CPSC’s Data Collection and Analysis Capabilities; (2) Addressing E-Commerce; and (3) Stakeholder Engagement.

EU Investigating Shein Over ‘Illegal’ Products
February 6, 2025, Yahoo!Finance
The EU told online fashion giant Shein to hand over information on risks linked to illegal products on its site, paving the way for a second probe into the Chinese-founded firm. The European Commission announced the request after confirming it was investigating the low-cost e-commerce platform for not abiding by the bloc’s consumer protection rules. “The Commission is requesting Shein to provide internal documents and more detailed information on risks linked to the presence of illegal content and goods on its marketplace,” it said. The EU’s regulator also asked for information on other issues, including the “transparency of its recommender systems” and protection of users’ personal data.

Theme of 2025 Directory
Compliance Plans: Reducing Company Risk And Building Credibility With Regulators
February 7, 2025, KRON TV 4 San Francisco
The 2025 ADK Product Safety and Recall Directory® has been made available to product safety professionals worldwide, as announced by its publisher, ADK Information Services, LLC. The theme for the 2025 directory is centered around compliance plans and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This edition highlights insights from 14 experienced product safety professionals, offering guidance on designing and implementing compliance plans for manufacturers, retailers, and importers. Since its inception in 2009, the ADK Product Safety & Recall Directory® has been published annually, with each edition focusing on a topic pertinent to the consumer product safety field.

Ten Signs Of A Toxic Boss — And How To Protect Yourself
February 6, 2025, Harvard Business Review
No one should be working for someone who doesn’t respect them, makes them feel undermined, or makes their work life hell. If you’re stuck working for a toxic boss, what can you do? While you cannot completely change a person or their behavior, there are things you can try within your sphere of control to manage a toxic boss and keep your mental well-being a priority. In this article, the author outlines the signs to watch out for to help you assess whether your boss is toxic, and offers strategies to try if you’re finding yourself in this impossibly difficult situation.

LG Is Sending Stickers To Buyers Of Recalled Stoves That Started 28 House Fires
February 6, 2025, MSN
LG has recalled 500,000 electric range stoves after the product was involved in at least 28 house fires. Customers who bought a recalled product can enter their model and serial numbers on the LG website. In return, they’ll receive a free sticker reminding them of the pre-existing safety features. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of LG Slide-In and Freestanding Electric Ranges after receiving “at least 86 reports of unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs.”

Gov. Evers Proposes $145M PFAS Plan, Igniting Political Debate In Wisconsin
February 5, 2025, Fox1online.com
Gov. Tony Evers is trying to expand his safe drinking water initiative by including funding and measures to combat PFAS in his upcoming biennial budget. The governor discussed his plans during several visits across the state recently. But the proposal is not sitting well with everyone.

Statement Of Commissioner Richard Trumka On Stack-On Gun Safes
February 6, 2025, cpsc
Commissioner Trumka’s statement says, “183,000 Stack-On biometric gun safes may fail to secure firearms, allowing unauthorized access. Despite CPSC staff’s assessment, Stack-On refused an acceptable recall, leaving consumers responsible for addressing the hazard. This issue spans many models and manufacturers, with today marking the fifth wave of warnings or recalls.

Bipartisan E-Bike Safety Legislation Reintroduced In Congress
February 4, 2025, The Sun
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), along with House Members Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) have reintroduced the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. The bipartisan bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to publish a final consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and other micromobility devices. The bill is being reintroduced in response to increasing incidents of fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.

European Commission Announces Actions For Safe And Sustainable E-Commerce Imports
February 6, 2025, The European Sting
The Commission is taking action to tackle risks stemming from low-value imports sold via non-EU online retailers and marketplaces hosting non-EU traders. These actions are part of the Communication on E-Commerce: ‘A Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce’, which the Commission is proposing. The Commission encourages actions, among others, in the areas of customs and trade, such as launching customs controls, consumer protection and the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts.

Veteran Recovering From Surgery After Glass Shower Door Explodes
February 2, 2025, wwnytv.com
A military veteran is recovering after a glass shower door exploded in a rental home. Kevin Caple reported that he had just finished a hot shower when the glass shower door shattered. “I was opening the shower door, and it moved maybe about an inch or two. Right as it was moving, it exploded, and everything came down on me,” Caple stated. The veteran’s foot and hand were cut, prompting him to call for assistance. Caple is seeking answers regarding how and why the glass door shattered. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 2012 to 2016, there were an estimated 2,300 emergency department visits in the United States related to shattering glass shower doors. In 2018, a tempered glass safety alert was issued, outlining mandatory safety standards for glass used in showers, bathtub enclosures, doors, storm doors, and sliding doors.

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.

Alexander Hoehn-Saric On His Resignation As CPSC Commission Chair
January 15, 2025, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Hoehn Saric’s statement reads, in part, “Today, I announced that I will step down as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, effective January 21, 2025. It has been a privilege to lead this agency for more than three years and I am proud of what we have accomplished. I have devoted much of my career to consumer protection issues, so it has been gratifying to see many of the issues I and others worked on culminate in new policies that will protect babies, children, seniors, and families from product hazards for years to come. Our newly elected Vice-Chairman, Peter Feldman, will become Acting Chairman. I look forward to working with Acting Chairman Feldman and my fellow Commissioners to address product hazards, reduce injuries and save lives.”

CPSC Issues Final Order On Amazon.Com Remediation Plans
January 17, 2025, cpsc.gov|
The Consumer Product Safety Commission unanimously issued a Decision and Order, concluding its administrative litigation with Amazon.com, Inc. The Decision and Order outlines steps Amazon must take to notify purchasers and the public about hazardous products for which the Commission determined Amazon was a distributor under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). This Order has an effective date of January 26, 2025. In July 2024, the Commission determined in a unanimous vote that Amazon was a “distributor” of certain products that are defective or fail to meet federal consumer product safety standards, and therefore bears legal responsibility for their recall. 

Statement of Alexander Hoehn-Saric

Statement of Peter A. Feldman and Douglas Dziak

Statement of Richard Trumka

Product Safety Professionals To Receive Designations At International Product Safety Conference
January 17, 2025, WBOY News
The Society of Product Safety Professionals (SPSP) will award its “Certified Product Safety Professional™” designation to three individuals. The candidates passed a university level program in product safety management at Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education. The individuals will receive their designations at the Annual Meeting and Training Symposium convened by the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) in Orlando, Florida on February 19, 2025. The program has been sponsored by SPSP since its founding in 2019. The program is designed under the authority of SPSP’s affiliate Consumer Product Safety Certification Services. 

What To Do When You Think Your Performance Review Is Wrong
March 7, 2017, Harvard Business Review
It’s understandable to be unhappy, even upset, when you don’t agree with your performance review. Proceeding carefully rather than acting rashly is the best approach — and the one most likely to earn you a more favorable appraisal in the future.

2024 – What A Year For Products Law! What’s Next In 2025?
January 16, 2025, Cooley Productwise
2024 was another huge year for products law. In the European Union, an unprecedented number of new laws completed the law-making process, as the 2019 – 2024 mandate of the European Commission came to an end. The UK also took its first legislative steps to reform the UK product safety framework. Here is a roundup of our highlights from 2024 and what to look out for in 2025.

New York And California’s Restrictions On PFAS In Apparel Takes Effect
January 14, 2025, Pillsbury-PFAS Observer (JD Supra)
New York and California have recently imposed sweeping prohibitions on the sale of apparel containing PFAS. These prohibitions have a broad scope and are effective and enforceable as of January 1, 2025. Clothing companies and their suppliers will be impacted by these state regulations. Now that California and New York’s laws have gone into effect, clothing manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have an enforceable legal obligation to account for the presence of PFAS in their products.

Consumer Reports: Why Buying A Bike Helmet Online Could Be Dangerous
January 16, 2025, Consumer Reports
Bike helmets are a carefully regulated product, with mandatory standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission requiring that they adequately protect your skull in case of a crash. A proliferation of third-party sellers means that bike helmets that don’t meet federal safety standards can be easily bought online from sites including eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Shein, Temu, and Walmart. in a recent spot-check, Consumer Reports’ product safety experts were able to easily find helmets available for sale online that didn’t come with the required labels and thus didn’t meet CPSC standards.

December 2024 Prop 65 Bounty Hunter Plaintiff Claims
January 16, 2025, Keller and Heckman (JD Supra)
In December of 2024, product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers were the targets of 394 new Notices of Violation (“Notices”) and amended Notices, alleging a violation of Prop. 65 for failure to provide a warning for their products. This was based on the alleged presence of the following chemicals in these products. Noteworthy trends and categories from Notices sent in December 2024 are excerpted and discussed below. A complete list of Notices sent in December 2024 can be found on the California Attorney General’s website. 

Dressers Sold At Walmart Recalled For Tip-Over Risk, STURDY Violation
January 16, 2025, Furniture Today
The 12-drawer Gikpal dresser, sold on Walmart.com through ONME Direct, is unstable if not anchored to the wall, CPSC said, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards “that can result in injuries or death to children.” The dressers violate performance and warning label requirements of the STURDY tip-over prevention act, CPSC said.

FTC Blog Outlines Factors For Companies To Consider About
January 10, 2025, Mintz (National Law Review)
The FTC staff in the Office of Technology and the Division of Advertising Practices in the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection released a blog outlining four factors that companies should consider when developing or deploying an AI-based product. These factors are not binding, but they underscore the FTC’s continued focus on enforcing the nation’s consumer protection laws as they relate to AI. The blog comes just under two weeks before current Republican Commissioner Andrew Ferguson will become the FTC Chair. However, under Ferguson, as we discuss below, the FTC will likely continue its same focus on AI consumer protection issues, though it may take a more modest approach.

California Is Years Behind In Implementing A Law To Make Homes More Fire Resistant
January 16, 2025, WNKY ABC News 40
California is years behind in implementing a 2020 law aiming to make it harder for homes to burn during a wildfire. It was slated to take effect in 2023, but the board tasked with developing the regulations has not finalized its guidelines. The law creates a new “ember-resistant” zone, dubbed “zone zero,” that bars things like brush, wooden fencing, furniture, sheds and mulch within 5 feet of homes. Some experts say having the requirement in place could have made a difference for some in the Los Angeles fires that have destroyed thousands of homes.

Apple Updates Airtag Warning Labels Under CPSC Pressure
December 29, 2025, NBC Right Now
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reached an agreement with Apple to enhance safety warnings on AirTags. This action aims to protect children from the dangers of battery ingestion. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to Apple, alleging that AirTags imported after March 19, 2024, did not comply with Reese’s Law. This law requires specific warning labels for products with button cell or coin batteries to prevent life-threatening ingestion by children. Apple has also updated the instructions in the Find My app. Now, every time a user changes an AirTag battery, they will see a warning about the hazards of button and coin cell batteries.

Commissioner Trumka’s Statement

Mexico: Three Million ‘Knockoff’ Household Products And Electronics Made In Asia Confiscated
December 27, 2024, Border Report
A sting operation conducted by the Mexican federal government in Ensenada, about 60 miles south of the border, resulted in the confiscation of three million Asian-made items. Mexican officials are calling it a record haul of ‘contraband’ products ranging from perfumes to toys to electronics to cleaning materials. It’s all part of Operación Limpieza, or Operation Cleaning, recently announced by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of the Economy, to rid the county of fake products.

When Your Team Bypasses You To Get Things Done
December 4, 2025, Harvard Business Review
Although the rigid, “command-and-control” style of leadership has largely been replaced by more collaborative approaches, structures and processes remain essential, particularly in organizations where a lack of alignment can impact far more than just personal credibility. By addressing employee bypassing behaviors with empathy, clarity, and consistency, leaders can strengthen accountability and cohesion while emphasizing the importance of organizational structure. Ultimately, this proactive leadership approach fosters a collaborative, empowered, and high-performing team that remains aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.

CPSC: Secure TIANQIU Alkaline Button Cell Battery Packs Due To Battery Ingestion Hazard
January 2, 2025, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately move TIANQIU AG4 and AG6 alkaline button cell batteries to a secure storage location away from children. The packaging is not child resistant as required by Reese’s Law. Reese’s Law and CPSC regulations that implement it establish performance and warning label requirements for consumer products with button/coin cell batteries to protect children from life threatening ingestion. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the importer, East Sun Wholesale Inc., of Hialeah, Florida. East Sun Wholesale has not agreed to recall these battery packs or offer a remedy to consumers. 

California Expands Proposition 65 Listing Of BPS As New Warning Requirements Take Effect
December 27, 2024, ArentFoxSchiff
On December 29, 2023, bisphenol S (BPS) was added to the California Proposition 65 list as a female reproductive toxicant. Therefore, thewarningrequirement for products presenting a “significant exposure” to BPS is about to go into effect one year later, on December 29, 2024. Since OEHHA has not yet established a safe harbor level for BPS, almost any detectable level of BPS in a product may be considered as presenting a “significant exposure.”

New California Law Makes Crystal Clear Which Electric Bikes Are Now ‘Illegal’
January 2, 2025, electrek
California has led the nation in electric bicycle adoption, helping more people switch from cars toward smaller and more efficient transportation alternatives. However, the proliferation of electric bicycles has also led to a major uptick in higher-power models that have flouted established e-bike laws. A new law that has come into effect has now further clarified which electric bicycles are street legal and which fall afoul of regulations. The legislation is meant to address the growing number of high-powered electric bikes, many of which use traditional electric bicycle components, but are capable of achieving higher speeds and power levels.

Does Current Ethics Training Enhance Organizational Integrity?
January 2025, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics
The world is changing rapidly, and old ways of leading will not take us where we need to go—especially due to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Therefore, traditional models of leadership development and ethics training are no longer sufficient to address the complexities and pressures of today’s business environment. As organizations increasingly prioritize ESG criteria, there is a pressing need to rethink how we approach ethics training. The core of this transformation lies not just in developing skills but also in fostering a deep, personal commitment to ethical behavior through self-awareness and conscious leadership. Today’s leaders can’t focus solely on what they do; they also need to question why they do it. 

Company Official Charged In 2022 Oil-Chemical Discharge Into Flint River
January 2, 2025, Gandernewsroom.com
The president of a chemical company has been charged in connection with the unauthorized discharge of oil that left a miles-long dark, oily sheen on the Flint River in Michigan more than two years ago. Rajinder Singh Minhas, 60, of Rochester, Michigan, was arrested and arraigned late last month on charges of falsely altering a public record, substantial endangerment to the public, discharge of injurious substance to waters of the state, false statements and omissions regarding air pollution control and other charges, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release.

Right-To-Repair Laws: The Trend Continues
December 27, 2024, Morrison Forester (JD Supra)
Interest in the “right-to-repair” movement continues to grow, as a number of states propose new legislation in this realm for consumer electronics, with five states successfully enacting such laws. But these laws are not uniform; they focus on different right-to-repair principles, protect different classes of consumers, and exempt products from different industries. Affected businesses must stay abreast of the intricacies of each jurisdiction’s law, including its scope, applicability, and enforcement mechanism, to avoid potential penalties for noncompliance.

Child Critically Injured: Woman Hurt In Maryland Blaze Sparked By Fire Pit
December 31, 2024, Laurel
A 9-year-old child and a woman were injured in a fire caused by an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit designed for making S’mores. Investigators determined the fire was accidental and caused by an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission had issued a warning earlier this month about similar products following multiple deaths and serious burn injuries. “Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, ethanol/bioethanol, and similar liquid fuels burn with flame temperatures over 1,600°F and can cause third-degree burns in less than one second,” CPSC officials said. 

As Winter Weather Impacts Millions, CPSC Issues Safety Tips To Help Families Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning And Fires
January 3, 2025, cpsc.gov
As winter weather impacts much of the country this week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to take steps to protect themselves from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fires. 

CPSC Approves New Safety Standard For Nursing Pillows
December 4, 2024, Morrison & Foerster (JD Supra)
On September 18, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously approved a new mandatory standard for nursing pillows designed to address risks presented by suffocation, entrapment, and fall hazards associated with these products. All nursing pillows manufactured for sale will need to meet the new requirements 180 days after their publication in the Federal Register. This new mandatory safety standard imposes a number of requirements, including testing, design, and labeling requirements. Under the new rules, nursing pillows with plush surfaces must be tested to ensure they won’t conform to an infant’s face or suffocate a sleeping child. In addition, the regulations require a prominent warning label on all nursing pillows warning consumers of the risk of injury if the product is not used properly.

The EU Is Pushing For Stricter E-Scooter Safety Standards
December 5, 2024, rideapart.com
For many people around the world, electric scooters and other small e-mobility devices have changed their lives. But as is always the case when it comes to all things mobility, a balance between safety and convenience always has to be struck. Up until now, rules and regulations surrounding the use of e-scooters have been inconsistent and confusing at best. This is where the ETSC, or the European Transport Safety Council steps in, as it now calls for the development of mandatory requirements for all e-scooters sold in the European Union. For starters, all e-scooters should include a speed limiter set at 20 kilometers per hour (around 12.4 miles per hour). Minimum braking and maximum acceleration parameters will also be set.

When You Have Two Bosses — And They Don’t Talk To Each Other
December 6, 2024, Harvard Business Review
There’s no question that managing up to multiple bosses isn’t easy. But the very things that make it challenging — navigating different communication styles, negotiating workloads, building consensus — are exactly the skills that will set you apart in your career if you play it right. Here are strategies for what to do when you’re caught between two leaders who don’t talk to each other: 1) Spot the sneaky signs of disconnection. 2) Get ahead of conflicts 3) Bring visibility to the decision-making process. 4) Be the bridge. 5) Make the costs clear.

UK Small Firms Brace For New EU Product Safety Rules, Call For Better Export Support
December 5, 2024, Direct Commerce
The EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation, which will come into effect on 13 December. According to Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the UK Federation of Small Businesses, “The EU’s upcoming General Product Safety Regulation will be a real barrier to international trade for some of our small firms looking to export to EU member states. Our latest research shows 37 per cent of current exporters rank information on specific issues, including product safety rules and customs as the most beneficial sources when entering or exploring entry to a new market.”

California Bill Proposes Silica Safety Standards For Counter Manufacturers
December 5, 2024, Business Insurance
A bill introduced ahead of the 2025 legislative session in California aims to protect workers in stonecutting shops from exposure to respirable crystalline silica. S.B. 20 would require the use of wet methods to cut stone slab products for countertops and other projects. The bill would authorize the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health to issue immediate stop-work orders to companies cutting stone slabs using dry methods. The bill would also direct the Department of Public Health to adopt a training curriculum for safe fabrication activities and implement a process to certify that a person has completed the training.

Defense Insights As PFAS Consumer Product Claims Rise
November 26, 2024, Farella Brun + Martel (JD Supra)
The third wave of PFAS litigation has arrived. A few years ago, PFAS complaints based on violations of consumer protection statutes were in their nascency.  Recently, there has been a proliferation of lawsuits brought by consumers seeking damages for failure to disclose the presence of PFAS in various consumer products. To be prepared for these types of claims, consumer product companies should make sure they know the composition of their products and the potential sources of PFAS in their supply chains. They should also understand the latest scientific and technical issues involved in sampling and testing for PFAS. Manufacturers should also consider the risks of federal and state laws that require reporting as the data these reporting laws generate could be used by plaintiffs in future litigation.

New Colorado Law Will Take Effect January 1, 2025 To Keep Kids Safe
December 4, 2024, Colorado Department of Transportation
On June 4, 2024, Gov. Jared Polis signed a new bill that updates Colorado’s child restraint system law for the first time in 14 years. The updates reflect the latest research and recommendations on child passenger safety, ensuring that the laws keep pace with evolving best practices. Key Child Passenger Safety Law Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2025 The Colorado Department of Transportation will launch an awareness campaign in January to ensure that Coloradans are aware of the new updates to the laws. Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the U.S., according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

CPSC Reports Toy Hazard Injuries
December 4, 2024, Fountain Hills Times Independent
A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is highlighting the importance of safety when buying and playing with kids’ toys – even for older children. The commission’s Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report found there were 11 deaths, and an estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger. Consumers should not only “think safety” about what they buy for children but should also be vigilant about where gifts are purchased, especially online. As e-commerce retailing continues to grow year-over-year for holiday sales, Commission Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric is urging caution when turning to online retail outlets.  “Consumers expect the products they purchase online to be as safe as those they buy in brick-and-mortar stores,” Hoehn-Saric said. “While this is true when buying online directly from a manufacturer, purchasing from an online marketplace that services other sellers raises additional risks. Consumers need to educate themselves not only about what they buy, but where and from whom. It’s important not to sacrifice safety.” 

Tip-Overs In Consumer Report Tests
December 3, 2024, KSDK.com (YouTube video)
Each year, thousands of children are injured after pulling furniture down on themselves. Consumer Reports puts an easy, affordable fix to the test.

Johns Hopkins: Preventing Injuries And Staying Safe In Winter
December 4, 2024, Johns Hopkins University
As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, we brace for colder weather and shorter days that have more people spending time indoors. And while for many the season brings cozy holiday celebrations and the occasional snow day, winter can also bring risks for home fires, weather-related injuries, and car crashes. “In the injury prevention field, we believe that every injury should be preventable,” says Elise Omaki, senior research associate in Health Policy and Management and director of outreach at the Center for Injury Research and Policy. To help you prevent injuries this winter, Omaki and her colleagues explain common causes of injury and death in winter and offer tips to prevent them.

Toronto: Votes To Ban Lithium-Ion-Powered E-Bikes And Scooters In Winter Months
December 3, 2024, CBC
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) board of directors has approved a new seasonal ban on lithium-ion battery-powered micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. In a six-to-four vote, the board approved a staff recommendation to ban the devices onboard TTC subways, streetcars and buses as well as in stations and other facilities. The ban will be in place annually between Nov. 15 and April 15. Officials noted the ban wouldn’t apply to persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices to get around.

Bipartisan Panel Urges Congress To Toss Out Decades Of Trade Policy
November 19, 2024, Fox News
A federal China commission released its sprawling yearly report to Congress. For the first time the report recommends lawmakers end China’s favored trade status and the provision that allows goods under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is now directly advocating for Congress to end the Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) China has enjoyed since 2004. “In our hearing on the threats to American consumers this year we heard from administration and expert witnesses who were starkly clear: U.S. agencies do not know if the majority of packages coming from China include a baby toy painted with a toxic chemical—a counterfeit piece of clothing made with slave labor—or a pin head amount of fentanyl which is enough to kill the average citizen,” Commission Chair Robin Cleveland said. 

New York State Lawmakers Eye Limiting PFAS
November 21, 2024, Spectrum 1 News
State lawmakers want to strengthen laws prohibiting PFAS that have been found to poison ground and drinking water — and officials on both sides of the aisle are on board. The Legislature will consider a variety of proposals to prohibit use of these chemicals in the state, which have been found to disrupt the endocrine and immune systems, child development, hormones and fertility, according to The National Institute of Health. Officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation told lawmakers the man-made chemicals are present in each of the state’s superfund sites, or areas contaminated with hazardous materials, and most inactive landfills. The agency has found harmful levels of PFAS in over 400 inactive landfills across the state.

When You’re Told You’re Not Strategic Enough
October 25, 2024, Harvard business Review
Being told you’re not strategic enough can be frustrating. If your strategy isn’t seen and understood, it’s as if it doesn’t exist at all. By making your strategy visible and easy you can shift perceptions, align your team with long-term goals, and be recognized for your strategic approach. Crises and day-to-day pressures should not get in the way of your strategic thinking; instead, use these moments to demonstrate your foresight and ability to connect immediate actions to the bigger picture.  

Indiana Congressman Introduces National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act
November 21, 2024, Fox 59 News
An Indiana congressman introduced a new bill that aims to increase the safety of amusement park rides. According to U.S. Rep. André Carson, (D-Ind.) the National Amusement Park Safety Act would work to create safety standards for amusement park rides nationwide. This would increase the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ability to ensure that the safety standards are met, and to investigate accidents and tackle and correct defects. It would also increase safety training for roller operators and serve as a way of collecting accident and defect data across the United States. “Millions of Americans enjoy amusement park rides every year with the expectation that the rides are safe, and that safety incidents will be thoroughly investigated,” Rep. Carson said. “But there are too many gaps in our current policies that put people at risk.”

Why Cycling In The U.S. Urgently Needs Safety Measures
November 20, 2024, NetNewsLedger.com
Cycling in the U.S. has seen a significant rise in popularity as people embrace it for fitness, commuting and transportation. With this surge in cyclists, the number of accidents involving bikes has also increased. Unfortunately, the U.S. is not as equipped as it could be to keep cyclists safe. This has led to a troubling rise in cycling-related injuries and fatalities across the country. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2022, bicycles and bicycle accessories resulted in over 405,410 emergency department-treated injuries.

CPSC: Stop Using Tiergrade Digital Combination Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
November 21, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation associated with the use of Tiergrade combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The detectors can fail to alert consumers to the presence of hazardous carbon monoxide and smoke.  Consumers will not be properly warned of carbon monoxide or fire dangers if their combination smoke and CO detector is defective and fails to properly alert, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

EPA Extends Comment Deadline On Manufacture Of Certain PFAS During Fluorination Of HDPE And Other Plastic Containers
November 20, 2024, Bergeson & Campbell (National Law Review)
On November 20, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an extension to the comment period for the notice published September 30, 2024, seeking public comment on the manufacture of PFAS substances (PFAS) during the fluorination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other plastic containers to inform regulations as appropriate under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Comments are now due December 30, 2024.

Automakers Face Surge Of Recall Issues As Safety Takes Center Stage
November 23. 2024, The Pinnacle Gazette
The automotive industry is currently grappling with several significant recall announcements, putting safety at the forefront of consumer concerns. General Motors, Tesla, Ford, and others announce significant recalls due to serious safety concerns affecting thousands of vehicles.

Senators Hold Hearing On AI Fraud And Scams, Vow To Pass AI Bills In Coming Weeks
November 22, 2024, Mintz (National Law Review)
On November 19, the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security convened a hearing on “Protecting Consumers from Artificial Intelligence Enabled Fraud and Scams.” The Subcommittee heard from witnesses who testified about how AI technologies and tools enable fraud and scams, while Senators from both parties asked questions that highlighted the need for federal laws to crack down on such activity. The hearing comes as Senators try to pass AI legislation during the lame-duck session of Congress. Subcommittee Chair Hickenlooper (D-CO) specifically discussed five AI bills during the hearing, which he noted have all received bipartisan support and vowed to get “across the finish line and passed into law in the coming weeks.”

CPSC: 3 Million Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled In 3 Years; 18 Deaths Reported Since 2021
November 14, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 200,000 adult portable bed rails manufactured by Medical King, of Brooklyn, New York, due to entrapment and asphyxia hazards. This is the 9th recall of adult portable bed rails CPSC has issued since 2021. In total these recalls, along with two product warnings, impacted more than 3 million units and are associated with serious injuries from head, neck or chest entrapment and 18 reported deaths. “Those taking care of the elderly or individuals with mobility limitations or those with mental challenges shouldn’t have to worry that a critical piece of support equipment they rely on could lead to serious injuries or death,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric in the CPSC announcement release.

Kids In Danger Closing At End Of Year
November 13, 2024, KID
Kids In Danger (KID), a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by fighting for product safety, has made the difficult decision to close its doors by the end of 2024. According to an announcement release, “many things contributed to the decision including the difficulty of fundraising, which has always been difficult, but has become harder over the past few years.” The release continued, “Among KID’s victories are the landmark 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act including the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, Reese’s Law and the STURDY Act.”

Why Employees Quit
November-December 2024, Harvard Business Review Magazine
The so-called war for talent is still raging. But in that fight, employers continue to rely on the same hiring and retention strategies they’ve been using for decades. Why? Because they’ve been so focused on challenges such as poaching by industry rivals, competing in tight labor markets, and responding to relentless cost-cutting pressures, they haven’t addressed a more fundamental problem. That is the widespread failure to provide sustainable work experiences. To stick around and give their best, people need meaningful work, managers and colleagues who value and trust them and opportunities to advance in their careers, the authors say.

EU: Transport Safety Group Pushes To Slow E-Scooters/Unify Rules
November 13, 2024, Forbes
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) pushed to lower speeds and increase standards for stability and stopping power for electric scooters. The ETSC recommended a universal set of rules to limit top speeds to 20 km/h (12.4 mph), replacing a patchwork of nation-by-nation regulations. It has also proposed limiting cars, trucks and vans in urban areas to 30 km/h (19mph) or less to lower the fatality risk for scooter riders, but also to benefit pedestrians and cyclists. The ETSC also recommended Europe’s governments enforce a minimum age of 16, mandatory helmets and a ban on passengers and riding after the consumption of drugs or alcohol.

PFAS Questions Every Company Needs To Ask Now
November 13, 2024, SheppardMullin (National Law Review)
2025 will be a landmark year in the regulation of PFAS. Addressing problems in this category has been a federal priority since 2021, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) published its “PFAS Roadmap” outlining a program of research, control and cleanup. Most recently, the EPA adopted new reporting requirements covering all PFAS used in products since 2011, which are expected to affect 130,000 businesses. In 2025, EPA data-gathering programs will go into effect to determine where, when, and how PFAS have been and are currently being used. Thousands of facilities will also be required to submit reports on PFAS for the first time. 

U.S. Product Recalls On Track To Reach Six-Year High In 2024
November 14, 2024, PR Newswire
According to the latest Sedgwick U.S. Recall Index report, year-to-date (YTD) in 2024 there have been 2,454 product recalls across five key industries. This is closely aligned with the 2,459 recalls recorded through the first three quarters of 2023—a year that ultimately set a five-year annual high for total recalls. Should the pace of recalls continue in the fourth quarter of 2024, the U.S. will reach a six-year high by year-end. The report points out that the Consumer Product Safety Commission continued its aggressive enforcement activity during the third quarter. While the agency has increasingly leveraged unilateral press releases in past quarters, it took a step further in Q3 by issuing a unilateral recall announcement after the seller of a defective product did not cooperate in CPSC efforts to implement a recall. Other activity from the CPSC suggests this stricter enforcement and oversight is more than a passing trend.

CPSC: Stop Using Ifanze Area Rugs; Violations Of The Federal Regulations For Rug Flammability; No Recall Or Remedy Offered
November 14, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using iFanze Area Rugs because they pose a fire hazard. The rugs fail to comply with federal safety regulation for rug flammability. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the importer, Asell Internation Inc., of Industry, California, but the firm has not been responsive to CPSC’s request for a recall of this product.

Comment Period For Proposed Rule To Establish Safety Standards For Water Beads Extended
November 13, 2024, SBA Office of Advocacy
On September 9, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published a proposed rule to establish a safety standard for water bead toys and toys containing water beads. To address the risk of injury and death, the proposed rule adds performance and labeling requirements for water bead toys and toys containing water beads. The comment period for the proposed rule is extended to December 8, 2024.

What To Consider Before Purchasing E-Bikes For Children
November 14, 2024, Oakdale Leader
Parents may wonder if they should let their children ride e-bikes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children between the ages of nine and 12 should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 miles per hour, including e-bikes. Parents may not realize that e-bikes are quite heavy, with some weighing in at 60 pounds. That can make e-bikes challenging for small kids to maneuver. When considering e-bikes, prospective riders must take note of the following safety guidelines. Slower is better; Wear a helmet; Do not ride with a passenger; Follow the rules of the road; and Charge e-bikes while present.

Michigan’s PFAS Drinking-Water Limits Hang In Balance Of Supreme Court Case
November 13, 2024, Bridge Michigan
The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could decide whether Michigan’s PFAS drinking-water standards remain in place. Chemical giant 3M sued in hopes of voiding the standards, arguing the state failed to adequately consider costs to businesses. State lawyers contend they weren’t required to do so and revoking the standards would put Michiganders at risk.