Consumer Product Safety Commission – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co., Ltd., and Gree USA Sales, Ltd. containing a civil penalty in the amount of fifteen million four hundred fifty thousand dollars (US$15,450,000) within thirty (30) days of service of the Commission's final Order accepting the Settlement Agreement.\1\

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') amends the Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials to replace the testing procedures for glazing materials in certain architectural products with the testing procedures contained in the voluntary standard ANSI Z97.1-2015, American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials Used in BuildingsSafety Performance Specifications and Methods of Test.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission 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 Omnidirectional Citizens Band Base Station Antennas (16 CFR part 1204), approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0006. In the Federal Register of November 25, 2015 (80 FR 73736), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received no comments. Therefore, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for extension of approval of a collection of information relating to testing and recordkeeping requirements in the Safety Standard for Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers (16 CFR part 1205), approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0091. In the Federal Register of November 25, 2015 (80 FR 73735), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. One commenter, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (``OPEI'') stated that the estimated burden is underestimated as it is likely based on an outdated estimate of the U.S. market. According to OPEI data, accounting for 8 member manufacturers, 4.7 million walk-behind (gas) power lawn mowers were shipped in the U.S. during 2015. CPSC staff's estimate of the estimated reporting burden to industry to comply with the safety standard mainly is tied to the number of manufacturers and importers (25), number of production days in a year (130), and employee time per day per establishment required to conduct a reasonable testing program (3 hours) and preparation of product labels (1 hour). The information provided by OPEI's comment does not address the factors and assumptions leading to estimated burden hours for firms and the industry. The reported shipments of 4.7 million units in 2015 (by 8 OPEI members) would not lead us to conclude that estimated burden hours has been underestimated. In fact, the reported shipments in 2015 are lower than previous years in our possession (e.g., 6.5 million forecast for 2005). If OPEI has information related to the number of affected establishments, annual production days, and hours per production day required for testing and labeling, staff will review that information and revise the estimated information collection burden of the standard, as necessary. Accordingly, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for extension of approval of a collection of information associated with the Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Sizes 0 Through 6X (16 CFR part 1615); and the Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Sizes 7 Through 14 (16 CFR part 1616), approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041- 0027. In the Federal Register of November 25, 2015 (80 FR 73737), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received no comments. Therefore, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') is seeking information regarding the safety benefits of crib bumpers, whether safety hazards are associated with crib bumpers, existing safety standards that apply to crib bumpers, and potential performance requirements, testing, and other standards that may reduce the risk of injury, if any, associated with crib bumpers.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for extension of approval of a collection of information associated with the CPSC's Safety Standard for Automatic Residential Garage Door Operators (OMB No. 3041-0125). In the Federal Register of December 3, 2015 (80 FR 75664), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received no comments. Therefore, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

The Office of Personnel Management is issuing proposed regulations that introduce updated systems and regulatory definitions for managing human resources in the Federal Government. The rulemaking also proposes to reduce and clarify the reporting procedures that agencies are required to follow, creates a data-driven review process (HRStat); and describes workforce planning methods that agencies are required to follow. Additionally, the proposed regulation aligns Strategic Human Capital Management to the Government Performance and Results Act Modernization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-352). It also sets forth the new Human Capital Framework (HCF), which replaces the Human Capital Assessment Accountability Framework (HCAAF).

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for extension of approval of a collection of information relating to certain children's articles known as baby- bouncers and walker-jumpers, approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0019. In the Federal Register of October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65218), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received no comments. Therefore, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for extension of approval of a collection of information for Third Party Testing of Children's Products, approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0159. In the Federal Register of November 16, 2015 (80 FR 70762), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received one comment, which is addressed in this notice. By publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') published a direct final rule (``DFR'') and notice of proposed rulemaking (``NPR'') in the same issue of the Federal Register on October 14, 2015, clarifying when component part testing can be used and clarifying which textile products have been determined not to exceed the allowable lead content limits. Because the comment period deadline for the DFR was stated incorrectly on regulations.gov, the Commission is reopening the comment period to accept comments submitted by January 13, 2016, and is delaying the effective date of the DFR to February 12, 2016.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission,'' or ``CPSC'') is issuing a final rule determining that unfinished and untreated trunk wood does not contain heavy elements that would exceed the limits specified in the Commission's toy standard, ASTM F963-11. Based on this determination, unfinished and untreated trunk wood in toys does not require third party testing for the heavy element limits in ASTM F963.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') on October 26, 2015 published a notice announcing that, on December 9, 2015, there will be an opportunity for interested persons to present oral comments on a petition received for rulemaking under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (``FHSA'') regarding additive organohalogen flame retardants. The Commission also will provide for presentations to be made remotely.

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 extension of approval of a collection of information under the safety standard for automatic residential garage door operators, approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0125. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'').

On September 8, 2015, the federal departments and agencies subject to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (referred to as the ``Common Rule'') published a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NPR'') amending the Common Rule. Separately, on September 24, 2015, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``CPSC'' or ``Commission'') proposed to adopt the Common Rule NPR by amending the Commission's regulations. The comment period for the Common Rule NPR is being extended; therefore, CPSC is extending the comment period for its proposed rule, accordingly.

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 extension of approval of a collection of information relating to testing and recordkeeping requirements in the Safety Standard for Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers (16 CFR part 1205), approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041- 0091. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension 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 extension of approval of a collection of information associated with the Commission's Safety Standard for Omnidirectional Citizens Band Base Station Antennas (16 CFR part 1204), approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0006. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'').

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') published a direct final rule (``DFR'') and notice of proposed rulemaking (``NPR'') in the same issue of the Federal Register on October 14, 2015, clarifying when component part testing can be used and clarifying which textile products have been determined not to exceed the allowable lead content limits. The DFR and the NPR invited the public to submit written comments by November 13, 2015. In response to a request for an extension, the Commission is reopening the comment period on the NPR to December 14, 2015.

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 extension of approval of a collection of information for Third Party Testing of Children's Products, approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0159. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension 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 extension of approval of a collection of information relating to certain children's articles known as baby-bouncers and walker-jumpers, approved previously under OMB Control No. 3041-0019. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'').

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') on August 19, 2015 published a notice that the Commission received a petition for rulemaking under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (``FHSA'') regarding additive organohalogen flame retardants. The notice invited the public to submit written comments concerning the petition by October 19, 2015. The Commission has received two requests to extend the comment period. In response to these requests, the Commission is extending the comment period to January 19, 2016. Additionally, the Commission announces that there will be an opportunity for interested persons to present oral comments on the petition.

The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, Section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (``CPSIA'') requires the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be ``substantially the same as'' applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission determines that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The Commission is proposing a safety standard for children's folding chairs and stools in response to the direction under Section 104(b) of the CPSIA. In addition, the Commission is proposing an amendment to 16 CFR part 1112 to include 16 CFR part 1232 in the list of notice of requirements (``NORs'') issued by the Commission and an amendment to 16 CFR part 1130 to identify children's folding stools as a durable infant or toddler product.

In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'') of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission'' or ``CPSC'') announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') a request for extension of approval of a collection of information associated with notification requirements for coal and wood burning appliances (OMB No. 3041-0040). In the Federal Register of July 30, 2015 (80 FR 45509), the CPSC published a notice to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received no comments. Therefore, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information, without change.

The Consumer Product Safety Act (``CPSA'') requires third party testing and certification of children's products that are subject to children's product safety rules. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (``Commission,'' or ``CPSC'') has previously issued regulations related to this requirement: A regulation that allows parties to test and certify component parts of products under certain circumstances; and a regulation determining that certain materials or products do not require lead content testing. The Commission is issuing a direct final rule clarifying when component part testing can be used and clarifying which textile products have been determined not to exceed the allowable lead content limits.