Laws and Regulations

The California state Senate voted Tuesday to ban bisphenol A, also known as BPA, from baby bottles and sippy cups sold statewide.

The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act heads back to the state Assembly for a vote on Senate amendments later this year.

"Today's action by the Senate is further proof that the interests of California's children can have a voice in Sacramento," said Renee Sharp, head of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group's California office.

Martha Dina Argüello, executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, said Tuesday's vote "is part of reasserting California's leadership on environmental health protections."

As I follow up on the many conversations that were started at the recent PPAI North American Leadership Conference and the PPAI Product Safety Summit, my belief that the rate of change in our industry is accelerating continues to be confirmed.

On Friday, President Obama signed H.R. 2715 into law, which amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). Introduced by Rep. Mary Bono Mack, the bill was passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives on August 1.

This week, I attended the PPAI North American Leadership Conference and inaugural PPAI Product Safety Summit, where it became evident the promotional products industry has arrived at a critical industry tipping point.

Product Safety Summit co-chairs Gene Geiger and Rick Brenner spoke with Promo Marketing about yesterday's event and product safety laws in this podcast.

A quick look at CPSIA reform, the lead limit change, and the upcoming Product Safety Summit.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted to require manufacturers to perform third-party testing for phthalates in children's toys and care articles, to make sure they meet phthalate limits set by the federal government.

Used as plastic softeners, phthalates might pose long-term risks to the development of the reproductive system and endocrine functions that regulate metabolism and hormone activity. Phthalates have been found in household and children's items such as soft-plastic toys and baby lotions.

Manufacturers now have until December 31, 2011 to comply with the third-party testing rule.

Late Monday, the Senate approved a bill that would give the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) more authority and discretion in enforcing laws such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).

Governor Cuomo has proposed to bring a ban over the sale of children's products treated with Tris. Scientists have linked the chemical with cancer. It is believed that if the chemicals come in contact with children, it could trigger cancer.

It has come to light that the proposed ban will come for the first time in 2013. The chemical is used in large quantity in the production of toys, car seats, crib mattresses, and strollers. However in 1977, a ban was imposed upon the use of Tris on clothes. The ban was imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Corporate America's expectations for supply chain transparency and control continue to grow as companies work to manage growing risk in light of the evolving product safety and compliance environment.