USA: Review of several Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) rules 

 

USA is revoking obsolete regulatory provisions and streamlines reporting requirements for bicycle helmets, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) aerosols, antennas, and coal/wood-burning appliances. Applicable safety requirements for these products remain unchanged and in effect. 

For instance for bicycle helmets, in 1995, the Commission adopted an interim mandatory Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets in 16 CFR part 1203, implementing the requirements of the Children’s Bicycle Helmet Safety Act of 1994. The interim standard made certain voluntary bicycle helmet standards mandatory and applied to helmets manufactured between 17 March 1995 and 10 March 1999. 

The Act also required the Commission to establish a permanent standard by reviewing the interim requirements and adopting a final rule. Accordingly, in 1998, the Commission issued the final Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets in 16 CFR part 1203, which applies to bicycle helmets manufactured after 10 March 1999. 

As the interim standard has not applied to the manufacture of bicycle helmets for more than twenty-seven years, Subpart D of part 1203 no longer serves a regulatory purpose. The amendment therefore removes Subpart D as obsolete, while leaving all other provisions of part 1203 unchanged. 

To find out more about the other affected product groups and product compliance in USA , please do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.