Entries by BillJ

New FTC Policy Statement on Labeling

The FTC has announced a new enforcement policy statement designed to put retailers who import textile products on the same footing as those who source textiles domestically or from US importers. The Textile, Wool and Fur Labeling Acts require that garments be labeled with the fiber content, country of origin if imported and other requirements. The Acts allow for retailers to receive […]

Baby Steps: Six steps to improving product liability risk management

In a recent article by Sarah Fang of Saiber LLC titled, “Baby steps:  six steps to improving product liability risk management” Ms. Fang highlights the risks associated with the manufacture of products overseas.  In the article, Ms. Fang points out that in 2012 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ordered the recall of over 312 […]

What is the purpose of periodic testing? (Based on 16 CFR Part 1107)

The purpose of periodic testing is to ensure the compliance of continued production of a children’s product to all the product safety rules it was first certified for.  The CPSC defines periodic testing in their FAQ as, “The general principle set forth in the regulation is that you, as the manufacturer, must have a periodic […]

Conducting Undue Influence Training

Can I use a software program or website to conduct the training needed to satisfy the “undue influence” requirement within the Testing and Labeling Pertaining to Product Certification rule or does it have to be in person? Manufacturers are required under 16 CFR § 1107.24(b)(1) to make sure “that every appropriate staff member receive training […]

16CFR Part 1107 will be in effect soon

Here is the essence of what the final rule (16 CFR Part 1107, Testing and Labeling Pertaining to Product Certification Regarding Representative Samples for Periodic Testing of Children’s Products) says. In order to ensure continued compliance of children’s products produced, the Commission has taken the approach of requiring the manufacturer/importer of record to have knowledge […]

Standing Guard for Consumers: CPSC & CBP Working at U.S. Ports to Protect Families This Holiday Toy Shopping Season

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Standing Guard for Consumers: CPSC & CBP Working at U.S. Ports to Protect Families This Holiday Toy Shopping Season PORT ELIZABETH, N.J. – Today, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deputy Commissioner […]

Voices from Outside the Echo Chamber

  Voices from Outside the Echo Chamber by Nancy Nord A regulator’s job description should include a requirement to get out of Washington echo chamber, from time to time, to visit and talk with folks who have to live with our mandates. That is one of the best ways we have to gauge if regulations make […]

CSPC Draft Staff Briefing Outlines 11 Ideas to Reduce Testing Costs

The CPSC has released a Staff Briefing that will be discussed and voted on by the Commission on October 3, 2012 that outlines 11 areas the will help reduce the cost of testing and compliance for children’s product manufacturers and importers of record.  The aim at finding burden reducers during fiscal 2013, which begins October […]

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act celebrates 4th anniversary

Aug 14, 2012 2:30 PM Today is the anniversary of the national consumer product safety law that changed safety standards in the U.S. after an outbreak of recalls, injuries, and deaths linked to dangerous children’s products in 2007 and 2008. Under the law, which was supported by Consumer Reports, toys must be tested for safety […]