CPSC Tightens Grip on Product Safety: Ending Chinese Goods Exemption
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is stepping up its efforts to protect American consumers from unsafe products, particularly those imported from China. Acting Chairman Peter Feldman recently shared insights into the challenges and upcoming changes in product safety regulations.
Feldman highlighted the difficulties in working with Chinese companies, stating that suing them for safety violations can be 'sometimes impossible'. He emphasized the importance of enforcement at ports and advised retailers to report potential safety issues to avoid civil penalties.
The CPSC aims to improve its targeting of high-risk shipments by ending the 'de minimis' exemption for Chinese goods. Feldman expects this change to increase the number of inspected items from 30,000 to 1 million daily, helping to clear low-risk shipments more efficiently. Additionally, the new 'e-file' requirement for imported products should speed up the entry process and reduce delays.
Feldman noted that recalls were on track to reach a record in 2024, with over 580 million units affected in the first nine months alone. Retailers' concerns about hefty fines for selling recalled products were addressed, with Feldman explaining that penalties are determined based on egregious conduct and evidence of delay or concealment.
The acting chairman expressed optimism that ending the de minimis exemption will help protect American families, especially children and infants, from unsafe products. However, he acknowledged limited success in working with online marketplaces for recalls due to outdated agency authority focused on traditional retail and domestic manufacturing.
The CPSC's initiatives, including ending the de minimis exemption and implementing the 'e-file' requirement, are expected to significantly enhance product safety and recall efficiency. Retailers and consumers alike can anticipate improved protection and faster resolution of safety issues.
