Consumer Product Safety Commission – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission) announces that it has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for extension of approval of a collection of information associated with the Commission's safety standard for electrically operated toys and children's articles.

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission) announces that it has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for extension of approval of a collection of information associated with the Commission's safety standard for walk- behind power lawn mowers.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally accepted Settlement Agreement with Maran, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $50,000.00.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with Kohl's Department Stores, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $425,000.00.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with TGH International Trading, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $31,500.00.

In the Federal Register of December 29, 2003 (68 FR 74878), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'') published a notice of proposed rulemaking under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (``FHSA'') to reduce the unreasonable risk of injury associated with bath seats. On August 14, 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (``CPSIA'') was enacted. Section 104(b) of the CPSIA requires the Commission to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products, which are to be ``substantially the same as'' applicable voluntary standards (or more stringent requirements if they would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product). Elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, the Commission is proposing a safety standard for infant bath seats in response to section 104(b) of the CPSIA. The rulemaking initiated under the FHSA is superseded by section 104(b) of the CPSIA. Accordingly, the Commission has terminated the infant bath seat rulemaking initiated under the FHSA.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') is proposing to revoke certain regulations pertaining to baby-bouncers, walker-jumpers, baby-walkers, and similar products. CPSC is taking this action because the regulations, which originally were issued in 1971, are outdated and do not provide the degree of safety that is provided by currently manufactured baby-walkers that comply with a more effective voluntary standard. This action also will eliminate confusion about whether manufacturers should certify that their products comply with these regulations or with a new mandatory safety standard for baby-walkers proposed elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.

In the Federal Register of July 12, 2006, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') issued a proposed rule that would identify and explain related factors, other than those specified by statute, which the Commission may consider in evaluating the appropriateness and amount of a civil penalty under the Consumer Product Safety Act (``CPSA''). The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (``CPSIA''), Public Law 110-314, 122 Stat. 3016, supersedes the proposed rule by amending the CPSA, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (``FHSA''), and the Flammable Fabrics Act (``FFA'') to require the Commission to consider additional factors and to issue a rule providing its interpretation of all statutory factors pertaining to civil penalties. Consequently, the Commission is withdrawing the July 12, 2006 proposed rule.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'') is announcing the availability of a document titled, ``Statement of Policy: Interpretation and Enforcement of Section 103(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act'' (``Statement of Policy''). Section 103(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (``CPSIA'') requires manufacturers of children's products to mark their products so that certain identifying information is ascertainable by the manufacturer and the consumer. The Statement of Policy clarifies the Commission's interpretation of certain aspects of the statutory requirement and provides guidance on how the Commission intends to enforce the requirement.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') is proposing to issue regulations establishing requirements for the periodic audit of third party conformity assessment bodies as a condition for their continuing accreditation. The proposed rule would implement section 14(d) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (``CPSA''), as amended by section 102(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (``CPSIA'').

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission) will conduct a public hearing to receive views from all interested parties about its agenda and priorities for Commission attention during fiscal year 2011, which begins October 1, 2010, and about its current strategic plan. Participation by members of the public is invited. Written comments and oral presentations concerning the Commission's agenda and priorities for fiscal year 2011 and the strategic plan will become part of the public record.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with Raymond Geddes & Co., containing a civil penalty of $40,000.00.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with Family Dollar Stores, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $75,000.00.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $50,000.00.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with A&A Global Industries, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $40,000.00.

It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements which it provisionally accepts under the Consumer Product Safety Act in the Federal Register in accordance with the terms of 16 CFR 1118.20(e). Published below is a provisionally-accepted Settlement Agreement with Dollar General Corporation, containing a civil penalty of $100,000.00.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) requests comments on a proposed request for an extension of approval of a collection of information from manufacturers and importers of walk- behind power lawn mowers. This collection of information consists of testing and recordkeeping requirements in certification regulations implementing the Safety Standard for Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers (16 CFR Part 1205). The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of approval of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) requests comments on a proposed request for an extension of approval of a collection of information from manufacturers and importers of disposable and novelty cigarette lighters. This collection of information consists of testing and recordkeeping requirements in certification regulations implementing the Safety Standard for Cigarette Lighters (16 CFR Part 1210). The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of approval of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission requests comments on a proposed extension of approval of a collection of information from manufacturers and importers of citizens band base station antennas. The collection of information is in regulations implementing the Safety Standard for Omnidirectional Citizens Band Base Station Antennas (16 CFR Part 1204). These regulations establish testing and recordkeeping requirements for manufacturers and importers of antennas subject to the standard. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of approval of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') is announcing its decision to stay enforcement of section 101 (a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (``CPSIA'') with regard to certain parts of bicycles, jogger strollers, and bicycle trailers designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger. The Commission is staying enforcement of the specified lead level as it pertains to certain parts of these products, specifically components made with metal alloys, including steel containing up to 0.35 percent lead, aluminum with up to 0.4 percent lead, and copper with up to 4.0 percent lead.

In the Federal Register of April 16, 2009 (74 FR 17637), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) published a notice in accordance with provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), to announce the CPSC's intention to seek extension of approval of collections of information in regulations implementing two flammability standards for carpets and rugs. The regulations are codified at 16 CFR Parts 1630 and 1631, and prescribe requirements for testing and recordkeeping by persons and firms issuing guaranties of products subject to the Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs and the Standard for the Surface Flammability of Small Carpets and Rugs.

In the Federal Register of April 16, 2009, 74 FR 17636, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) published a notice in accordance with provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) to announce the CPSC's intention to seek extension of approval of collections of information in the flammability standards for children's sleepwear and implementing regulations.