Consumer Product Safety Information Available via CPSC Online Database
Summary
SGS continuously monitors publicly available consumer product safety information in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia and other major economies.The CPSC is hoping that increased public awareness of potential hazards in the use of a given consumer product will contribute to greater levels of consumer safety.The Database will allow manufacturers to comment on reports submitted by consumers, providing for increased engagement with the public with a view toward manufacturers being able to improve their ability to address any potential safety hazards associated with their products.The CPSC also hopes to utilize the Database (http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr11/database.pdf) to share information with other government agencies, thus enabling a quicker and more rigorous enforcement of product safety regulations (http://www.hardlines.sgs.com/cpsia-hardlines-information-request).Manufacturers Raise ConcernsManufacturers and industry trade associations have some reservations about the Database, however.Manufacturers also fear that they could find their products unfairly suffering a loss of reputation.The Database’s Final Interpretive Rule requires the CPSC to notify retailers of a report of harm.Manufacturers point out that 10 business days is not very long to fully investigate and respond to allegations before a report of harm is made public on the Database.Consumer Industries Find New Challenge in Monitoring DatabaseManufacturers, retailers and private labellers of consumer goods will now be best advised to closely monitor the online Database, especially with regard to the reports of harm filed with the CPSC, which will be made publicly available through the Database.The CPSC hopes to enable companies to respond quickly to any reports of harm, with comments, questions and feedback encouraged so as to enable further product evaluation by CPSIA accredited labs (http://www.hardlines.sgs.com/consumerproducts/hot-regulatory-topics/cpsia-hardlines-information-request/sgs-cpsia-accredited-labs-hardlines.htm) and clarification with regard to any required remedial action.SGS continuously monitors publicly available consumer product safety information in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia and other major economies.