Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Feb. 16 the following voluntary recalls:

Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Feb. 9-10 the following voluntary recalls:

Ann Marie Buerkle was named acting chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Feb. 9. Buerkle, a Republican, takes over from Elliot Kaye, who will remain on the commission. CPSC remains split three Democrats to two Republicans, though a Democrat, Marietta Robinson, will see her term end in October. “While we are experiencing a change in leadership, CPSC’s mission remains the same and I look forward to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders in my new position,” Buerkle said. “The work we do at CPSC is so important and we are a far better agency when we collaborate and recognize the contributions of everyone who wants to help us advance our mission.” Buerkle has voiced her opposition to import user fees to fund development of CPSC’s Risk Assessment Methodology targeting system (see 1602260050). She also unsuccessfully proposed requiring only two data elements in CPSC’s ACE e-filing alpha pilot, rather than the five data elements favored by the four other CPSC commissioners (see 1508130016).

Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Feb. 8 the following voluntary recalls:

Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Feb. 2 the following voluntary recalls:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is proposing changes to its Federal Hazardous Substances Act regulations on fireworks, it said (here). Proposed amendments to the regulations, some of which codify existing requirements, include a ban on some lead compounds in fireworks, a requirement that bases remain attached to devices, and new test procedures for side ignition. The proposal would also allow trace amounts of prohibited fireworks. Testing has advanced so that previously undetectable amounts of a chemical can now be detected, which can make it “difficult and burdensome to demonstrate the absence of prohibited chemicals in any amount,” CPSC said. Comments are due April 18.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will not follow a recent executive order setting limits on the amount of regulations issued by federal agencies, CPSC Chairman Eliot Kaye said in a Feb. 2 statement (here). Though CPSC is an independent agency and is not bound by the executive order, which requires the repeal of two regulations for every one issued (see 1701300037), the commission will not look to the order for guidance either, he said. “While we have looked to follow in spirit EOs that advance sound public policy and do not conflict with our critical public health and safety mission, this EO clearly fails on both accounts,” Kaye said. “To voluntarily follow it would lead to poor public policy decisions by ignoring the many necessary benefits provided by consumer protections that save lives and protect all of America’s families. It would also be counter to our safety mission, as it would cruelly and unfairly have us pit vulnerable populations against each other when it comes to making safety decisions.” Kaye will be replaced as CPSC chairman this year, he recently said (see 1701270043).

Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Feb. 1 the following voluntary recalls:

Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Jan. 31 the following voluntary recalls:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is updating its safety standard for toys to incorporate the latest ASTM industry standard, it said in a direct final rule (here). The revised standard, ASTM F963-16, “contains clarifications, corrections, and new requirements that will increase safety, reduce testing burden, or enhance clarity and utility of the standard,” CPSC said. It also aligns more closely with European toy safety standards, the commission said. Among other changes, toy chests are added to the standard, and labeling requirements are updated for battery-operated and magnetic toys. New requirements are also set for ride-on toys, and various test procedures are amended. Though the standard was already mandatory, CPSC’s direct final rule adopts the revised standard in its regulations. The direct final rule takes effect April 30, 2017, unless the commission receives adverse comment by March 6.