CPSC Reports on its 2009 Achievements
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued its 2009 Performance and Accountability Report, stating that the agency met or exceeded most of its 2009 Performance Plan goals, highlights of which include:
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CPSIA rules and activities. CPSC implemented significant portions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) by completing 37 rules and related rulemaking activities or official Commission actions such as: limiting lead in children's products, requiring warning labels for toy and game advertisements, developing lab accreditation and third-party testing requirements, and issuing guidance documents.
More CPSC investigators at ports. CPSC expanded its Import Surveillance Division to 14 full-time personnel stationed at key U.S. ports of entry. The port investigators continued to work with CPSC compliance officers, research analysts, attorneys, and support staff, as well as staff from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
CBP's targeting center. CPSC updated and submitted to CBP both data and operational Memorandums of Understanding to enhance information sharing. It will also participate in CBP's Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center and has initiated an Importer Self Assessment Product Safety pilot program with CBP's Office of International Trade.
Presence in China. CPSC is establishing its first overseas presence at the U.S. embassy in Beijing and hired a product safety specialist who will likely begin work in December 2009. This enables CPSC to promote compliance with U.S. product safety requirements among Asian (especially Chinese) exporters and to coordinate with product safety regulators in the region.
Work on incident database, etc. The agency continued development of the Consumer Product Safety Risk Management System (CPSRMS), which includes a publicly searchable database of consumer product incident reports and related IT modernization.
Chinese drywall. CPSC launched an investigation into Chinese drywall, an emerging hazard representing a major unplanned effort. Staff is actively investigating the situation and collaborating with other federal and state agencies.
Compliance activities. In 2009, CPSC conducted numerous compliance activities, including:
454 field inspections. Staff conducted 454 inspections of manufacturing facilities, importers, distributors, or retailers to gain first-hand knowledge of a particular product or product type to determine whether it complies with federal regulations or contains a defect that could create a substantial product hazard.
715 products screened for lead. CPSC screened and collected 715 children's products to determine compliance with the CPSIA lead content and lead in paint limits.
1,600 samples lab-tested. Cooperation with CBP resulted in the collection of 1,600 samples after field screening for various CPSC violations.
465 recalls. CPSC obtained 465 voluntary recalls involving about 230 million product units.
$9.8 million in civil penalties. In addition, CPSC obtained $9.8 million in civil penalties for failure to report possible product hazards in a timely manner and for selling banned fireworks.
CPSC to Address Certain Unmet Goals in 2010
Due to the lack of resources, CPSC did not meet certain goals, including the following CPSIA-related goals, which the agency plans to address in 2010:
Voluntary labeling for CPSIA certification. CPSIA requires that the CPSC initiate a process by which a manufacturer or private labeler may label a consumer product as complying with the CPSIA certification requirements. This project was delayed and resources were redirected to address other CPSIA work. Staff anticipates completing this plan for Commission consideration in 2010.
Study on phthalate substitutes. The agency must prepare for the appointment of a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel to study the effects on children's health of phthalates and common substitutes or alternate plasticizers to phthalates from all sources, including personal care products, and make recommendations to CPSC. Staff completed five of the six required toxicity reviews but will complete the sixth in 2010.
(See report for non-CPSIA goals, many of which were deferred for lack of resources.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/16/08 news, 08121620, for BP summary of CPSC's 2008 Performance and Accountability Report.)
CPSC 2009 Performance and Accountability Report (dated November 2009) available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/reports/2009par.pdf