PRODUCT SAFETY LETTER View the entire issue in PDF format.

CPSC AND JAPAN SIGN MOU; DIET AMENDS PRODUCT SAFETY LAW CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and Japanese National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) President Makoto Misnono November 29 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation on product safety issues.

CONSENSUS ON SAFETY HARMONIZATION GROWS Whether it is industry seeking minimal regulatory variances nation to nation or regulators seeking to enhance their abilities to ensure the safety of products, the goal of closer international cooperation on product safety is gaining increased popularity.

USFA OUTLINES HEATING FIRE DATA The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) November 21 reported that there were an annual average of 49,100 residential heating fires from 2002 to 2004.

FDA EXPLAINS RULES FOR NOVELTY CONTACT LENSES The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) November 24 issued a guidance for industry explaining new laws by which all contact lenses – including novelty lenses – are deemed medical devices needing pre-market approval and requiring a prescription for dispensing to consumers.

RAPEX ON TARGET TO APPROACH 1,000 REPORTS IN 2006 The EU likely will see nearly 1,000 RAPEX reports by the end of the year.

CANADA’s MAGNET WARNING INCLUDES OLDER KIDS Health Canada November 22 pointed to a few incidents involving magnetic toys and children as old as 14 to stress that the risks are not necessarily limited to younger children.

IRELAND ADVISES AGAINST BUYING CHEAP MINI-MOTORCYCLES Ireland’s Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs November 26 warned consumers to be wary of buying inexpensive miniature motorcycles and similar vehicles as Christmas presents.

CALIFORNIA ADOPTS CONSUMER PRODUCT VOCs RULES The California Air Resources Board (CARB) November 17 adopted rules for reducing volatile organic compound (VOCs) in consumer products.

OHIO FINDS INJURIES RANK HIGH IN CHILD DEATHS The Ohio State Department of Health reported that accidental injuries were the leading cause of child deaths in the state in 2005.

TOYMAKER DECRIES INCLUSION ON WATCH LIST Goldberger Doll Company November 24 termed its product’s inclusion on a list of allegedly dangerous toys as “utterly outrageous … erroneous and defamatory.”

CPSC BRIEFS Briefs on chainsaws, CPSC meetings.

OTHER FEDERAL BRIEFS Briefs on safety seats, baby wipes.

STANDARDS & TESTING BRIEFS Briefs on amusement/gaming machines, AC adapters, electric candle warmers, carbon monoxide detectors, office furniture.

TRADE & INDUSTRY BRIEFS Briefs on candle products, knockoff toys.

FOREIGN & INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS Briefs on better regulation, toys, aspiration risks, hot water bottles, florescent bulbs, Chrismas lights (2 briefs), retractable leashes, space heaters, RAPEX.

STATE ACTIVITY BRIEF Briefs on toys (2 briefs), decorations, kitchen safety.