BackArticles and Speeches

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act: New Developments, Guidance, and Rulemaking

December 30, 2009
Stephen G. Morrison , John F. Kuppens

Reprinted with permission from For the Defense, a publication of DRI: Voice of the Defense Bar, December 2009

August 14, 2009, marked the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which means that a number of the CPSIA’s requirements became effective, including:

  • The allowable lead content limit in children’s products decreased from 600 parts per million to 300 parts per million (ppm);
  • The permissible limit for lead in paint decreased from 600 ppm to 90 ppm;
  • Civil penalties substantially increased to a maximum of $100,000 per violation and up to a maximum of $15 million for a related series of violations; and
  • Permanent distinguishing marks, also known as “tracking labels,” are required on children’s products and packaging.

Click here to read full article