CPSC AND LABS DISCUSS CPSIA INTERPRETATIONS Concern among testing labs about need for consistent interpretation among them of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) led representatives of Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, and STR to seek feedback February 12 from CPSC staff on six issues.

CPSC TO AIM PHTHALATES ENFORCEMENT AT SMALL AND BATH TOYS CPSC February 12 said it initially will focus its phthalates enforcement efforts on bath toys and small plastic toys, especially made of polyvinyl chloride, intended for young children and that can be mouthed.

SMALL BUSINESSES GET CPSIA GUIDE CPSC’s February 6 guidance on the CPSIA for small businesses explains that someone can become a manufacturer simply by “adding ribbons to hair clips, knitting hats, or stringing beads into necklaces” if those items are sold or even donated.

CIVIL PENALTY COMMENTS URGE CPSC UNDERSTANDING Comments to CPSC on factors it should consider when assessing civil penalties show concern among regulated companies about the agency’s increased power to levy penalties under the CPSIA.

CPSC GIVES ENFORCEMENT POLICY FOR LEAD RULE CPSC February 6 explained how it intends to enforce the lead limits of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which come into effect February 10.

LEGISLATORS CONTINUE DEMANDING CPSC ACTIONS The public-discussion-by-letter between CPSC and Congress over the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) continued with a directive from four congressmen calling on the agency to set a clear timeline for its coming actions and to provide enforcement guidelines.

CPSC BRIEFS Briefs on lead, window coverings, FoIA, phthalates, testing/certification, outdoor stoves, camp stoves, halogen lamps, putting games, bike forks, sweatshirts, toy tools, skis, CPSC meetings.