PRODUCT SAFETY LETTER View the entire issue in PDF format.

HOUSE HEARING ON LEAD IN TOYS HITS BROAD CPSC ISSUES A two-day House hearing on lead in children’s products, as expected, focused as much on broad CPSC issues as it did on the lead issue.

STAFF DISCUSS LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS Discussion September 17 between Commissioner Thomas Moore’s staff and visitors from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) provided further insight into possible legislative changes to CPSC powers.

CPSC GIVES TIPS TO IMPORTERS FOR AVOIDING SAFETY PROBLEMS Given the continued attention to the safety of imported products, especially from China, PSL is providing tips CPSC Compliance Director Gib Mullan gave at a recent U.S.-China product safety summit.

AUSTRALIANS REVIEW PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE Differing usage of the term precautionary principle has led to some confusion about the effects of regulations based on the concept, according to a September 17 report from the Australia Productivity Commission.

NHTSA MAKES AGREEMENT WITH CHINESE The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – which regulates some consumer products like child safety seats – recently signed its own memorandum of cooperation with a Chinese counterpart.

MASS. PROPOSES JEWELRY-LEAD BAN; CONN. GIVES RECALL TIPS The Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services is proposing a ban of toy jewelry containing excessive lead, including internet and catalog sales.

CPSC BRIEFS Briefs on bicycles, CPSC meetings.

OTHER FEDERAL BRIEFS Briefs on bike carriers, safety seats, mold.

CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFS Briefs on CPSC powers, hoses, counterfeits.

STANDARDS & TESTING BRIEFS Briefs on roofing, outlet boxes, wiring, chimneys, A/V equipment, candles, fuel cans.

FOREIGN & INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS Briefs on toys, injuries, fireworks, bikes, vehicle A/V gear, bunk beds, slides, RAPEX.