2025 ICPHSO Annual Meeting and Training Symposium

Changing consumer rights are impacting product recall implementation but are they also changing outcomes? Panellists will discuss how they are seeing approaches to recalls and consumer remedies change to meet new legislative expectations and the impact that they may or may not be seeing.

Join Crowell & Moring’s attorneys for an interactive session on tips and best practices for avoiding common pitfalls  in reporting and recalling at the CPSC.

There are numerous policy issues in relation to ESG and product safety, with the recent introduction of EU rules regulating packaging, including in relation to tethered caps on single use plastic drinks containers and also, manufacturing processes used in the manufacture of consumer products. The EU Packaging Directive stipulates among other requirements that, by the end of 2024, EU Member States should ensure that producer responsibility schemes are established for all packaging. The EU Packaging Directive also sets specific targets for recycling, the EU Batteries Regulation ensures that batteries placed on the EU market are sustainable and circular throughout their whole life cycle and the EU Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) was recently amended to restrict the intentional use of microplastics in consumer products. This amendment is designed to enhance transparency in relation to potentially harmful chemicals / substances contained in consumer products.

There are numerous policy issues in relation to ESG and product safety, with the recent introduction of EU rules regulating packaging, including in relation to tethered caps on single use plastic drinks containers and also, manufacturing processes used in the manufacture of consumer products. The EU Packaging Directive stipulates among other requirements that, by the end of 2024, EU Member States should ensure that producer responsibility schemes are established for all packaging. The EU Packaging Directive also sets specific targets for recycling, the EU Batteries Regulation ensures that batteries placed on the EU market are sustainable and circular throughout their whole life cycle and the EU Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) was recently amended to restrict the intentional use of microplastics in consumer products. This amendment is designed to enhance transparency in relation to potentially harmful chemicals / substances contained in consumer products.

Despite only applying to products sold in California, the testing and labeling requirements of Proposition 65 impact consumer products sold world-wide.  This session will be aimed at providing helpful information to individuals new to Prop65 as well to those who deal with it on a regular basis.  We will review the chemicals that are commonly named in suits across different product categories, discuss ways to prioritize your product portfolio for evaluation, and consider the limitations of limited chemical testing and use of settlement values adopted for different products.  We will also provide an update on new developments such as the increasing number of lawsuits involving PFAS and the proposed plans to alter the nature of the short form warning that is currently used by many companies.

Understanding the upcoming CPSC eFiling regulation is critical for when the requirement becomes mandatory. We will look at what is driving the CPSC's push for this transfer to digital filing of certificates and the impact on compliance, discuss the regulatory requirements and changes that have been implemented since last year along with upcoming compliance dates. By attending this session, participants will gain valuable insights into practical strategies and best practices in order to help navigate a successful launch of eFiling. We will also discuss how the voluntary period can help in preparation for the upcoming mandatory effective dates that are TBD.

Join Covington for a program highlighting the key trends in the use of independent monitors and third-party auditors to oversee the implementation of safety compliance improvement commitments in regulatory enforcement actions. We will also discuss the incentives for whistleblowers and the importance of internal quality audits in reducing enforcement risks.

Most often ideas or specifications of how to design toys come from product engineers but the accessibility to play with that toy may not be part of the equation.  But partnering with other stakeholders, like physical therapists, provides an opportunity for toys to be designed for as many children as possible to be able to play with it, no matter their abilities.  
Because of their knowledge of the body and the children receiving their services, physical therapists are a prime resource to provide parameters or specifications a child's physical disabilities. These parameters can then be used by design engineers to work to develop toys that can meet the needs of those children.

As with most inclusive design, it should be something that is easy for anyone to use.  Using iterative prototyping to find the best fit solution provides an end result will allow more children an opportunity to enjoy playing.