Title 16 published on 2012-01-01
The following are only the Rules published in the Federal Register after the published date of Title 16.
For a complete list of all Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices view the Rulemaking tab.
Title X of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act transferred rulemaking authority for a number of consumer financial protection laws to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). As a result, the Commission is rescinding the following rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act: “[Identity Theft] Definitions”; “Free Annual File Disclosures Rule”; “Prohibition Against Circumventing Treatment as a Nationwide Consumer Reporting Agency”; “Duration of Active Duty Alerts”; and “Appropriate Proof of Identity.” In addition, the Commission is rescinding two rules addressing mortgage advertising and mortgage assistance relief services under the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: “Mortgage Acts and Practices-Advertising Rule” and “Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule.” The Commission is also rescinding its rules governing “Disclosure Requirements for Depository Institutions Lacking Federal Deposit Insurance” under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act and its “Procedures for State Application for Exemption from the Provisions of the [Federal Debt Collection Practices] Act.” These rules have been republished by the CFPB.
Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) requires the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be “substantially the same as” applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission concludes that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. In this rule, the Commission is issuing a safety standard for portable bed rails in response to the CPSIA. 1 1 The Commission voted 4-0 to approve publication of this final rule.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) required the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) to publish, as a mandatory consumer product safety standard, the American National Standard for Four-Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles Equipment Configuration, and Performance Requirements, developed by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (American National Standard ANSI/SVIA 1-2007). We did so on November 14, 2008. 73 FR 67385. ANSI/SVIA later issued a 2010 edition of its standard. In accordance with the CPSIA, we are amending the Commission's mandatory ATV standard to reference the 2010 edition of the ANSI/SVIA standard. 1 1 The Commission voted 3-0-1 to approve publication of this rule. Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum and Commissioners Nancy A. Nord and Robert S. Adler voted for the rule. Commissioner Ann M. Northup abstained from voting. Commissioner Adler filed a statement concerning this action which may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html or obtained from the Commission's Office of the Secretary.
In accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) issued a final consumer product safety rule requiring manufacturers of durable infant or toddler products to establish a consumer registration program. The Commission is amending that rule to clarify and correct some of its requirements.
The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to Title 16
The Commission proposes several amendments to improve the Appliance Labeling Rule by streamlining requirements for manufacturers, increasing the availability of labels for consumers, and clarifying various aspects of the Rule. Specifically, the proposed amendments would eliminate duplicative reporting requirements for manufacturers, introduce a uniform method for attaching labels to appliances, place EnergyGuide labels on room air conditioner boxes instead of on the products themselves, improve current Web site disclosures, and revise ceiling fan labels. The proposed amendments also would clarify enforcement rules for data reporting, testing access, and Web site disclosures. The Commission requests comments on these proposed changes. In addition, as a part of the Commission's systematic review of its regulations and guides, the Commission seeks comments on the Rule's overall costs and benefits and its overall regulatory and economic impact.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) requires the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” “we,” or “us”) to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be “substantially the same as” applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission concludes that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The Commission is proposing a safety standard for infant swings in response to the direction under the CPSIA.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) systematically reviews all its rules and guides to ensure that they continue to achieve their intended purpose without unduly burdening commerce. As part of this systematic review, the Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of, and possible modifications to, the Rules and Regulations under the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 (“Wool Rules” or “Rules”). The Commission also seeks comment on how it should modify the Rules to implement the Wool Suit Fabric Labeling Fairness and International Standards Conforming Act, and on the costs and benefits of certain provisions of the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is proposing a rule to require child-resistant (“CR”) packaging for any over-the-counter or prescription product containing the equivalent of 0.08 milligrams or more of an imidazoline, a class of drugs that includes tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline, in a single package. Imidazolines are a family of drugs that are vasoconstrictors indicated for nasal congestion and/or ophthalmic irritation. Products containing imidazolines can cause serious adverse reactions, such as central nervous system (“CNS”) depression, decreased heart rate, and depressed ventilation in children treated with these drugs or who accidentally ingest them. Based on the scientific data, the Commission preliminarily finds that availability of 0.08 milligrams or more of an imidazoline in a single package, by reason of its packaging, is such that special packaging is required to protect children under 5 years old from serious personal injury or illness due to handling, using, or ingesting such a substance. We are taking this action under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (“PPPA”). 1 1 The Commission voted 4-0 to publish this notice in the Federal Register . Commissioner Robert S. Adler issued a statement, which can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html.
The FTC is proposing to amend parts of its regulations. The proposed amendments would make changes to the FTC's investigatory procedures in the interest of fairness, efficiency, and openness in all FTC investigations. The amendments would also revise the Commission's rules governing reprimand, suspension, and disbarment of attorneys practicing before the Commission.
The Commission grants a thirty (30) day extension until February 2, 2012 for filing public comments in response to the Commission's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and request for public comment published on November 7, 2011 (“ANPR”).
In a November 28, 2011 Federal Register Notice, the Federal Trade Commission(“Commission”) published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPR”) on disclosure requirements for heating and cooling equipment. In response to a request, the Commission is extending the comment period from January 10, 2012 to February 6, 2012.
The Commission is issuing technical corrections to the Appliance Labeling Rule (16 CFR part 305). These corrections are necessary to ensure that amendatory language published on July 19, 2010 (75 FR 41696) and scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2012 is consistent with recently codified Rule amendments.
The Commission published a final rule on July 19, 2010 (75 FR 41696), adopting amendments to the Appliance Labeling Rule, 16 CFR part 305 (“Rule”) related to light bulb labeling. This document makes technical corrections to the final rule.
The Commission is adopting final amendments to its Trade Regulation Rule entitled “Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Business Opportunities” (“Business Opportunity Rule” or “Rule”). Among other things, the Business Opportunity Rule has been amended to broaden its scope to cover business opportunity sellers not covered by the interim Business Opportunity Rule, such as sellers of work-at-home opportunities, and to streamline and simplify the disclosures that sellers must provide to prospective purchasers. The final Rule is based upon the comments received in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPR”), an Initial Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“INPR”), a Revised Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“RNPR”), a public workshop, a Staff Report, and other information discussed herein. This document also contains the text of the final Rule and the Rule's Statement of Basis and Purpose (“SBP”), including a Regulatory Analysis.
The Commission seeks comment on disclosures to help consumers, distributors, contractors, and installers easily determine whether a specific furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump meets the applicable new Department of Energy efficiency standard for the regions where it will be installed. The Commission seeks comment on the content, location, and format of such disclosures. As part of this effort, the Commission staff will hold a public meeting with the Department of Energy to discuss possible disclosures.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) will hold a public hearing on December 6, 2011, as part of the congressionally mandated review of its Fur Products Name Guide. The hearing will allow interested parties to present views on whether the Commission should amend the Fur Products Name Guide.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is issuing a final rule that establishes protocols and standards with respect to certification and continued testing for children's products. The final rule also establishes requirements for labeling of consumer products to show that the product complies with the certification requirements under section 14(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (“CPSA”). The final rule implements section 14(a)(2) and (i) of the CPSA, as amended by section 102(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”).
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is issuing a final rule regarding the conditions and requirements for relying on testing or certification of either component parts of consumer products, or another party's finished product, or both, to demonstrate, in whole or in part, compliance of a consumer product with all applicable rules, bans, standards, and regulations to support a children's product certificate (“CPC”); as part of the standards and protocols for continued testing of children's products; or to meet the requirements of any other rule, ban, standard, guidance, policy, or protocol regarding consumer product testing that does not already directly address component part testing.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is proposing to amend its regulations on testing and labeling pertaining to product certification. The proposed rule would address the testing of representative samples to ensure continued compliance of children's products with all applicable rules, bans, standards, and regulations. The proposed rule also would establish a recordkeeping requirement associated with the testing of representative samples. We are taking this action to implement part of H.R. 2715 (Pub. L. 112-28). 1 1 The Commission voted 5-0 to publish this notice of proposed rulemaking, with changes, in the Federal Register . Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum, Commissioner Robert S. Adler, and Commissioner Thomas H. Moore issued a joint statement. Commissioner Nancy A. Nord issued a statement. The statements can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html .
The Commission systematically reviews all its rules and guides to ensure that they continue to achieve their intended purpose without unduly burdening commerce. As part of this systematic review, the Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of the FTC's Rules and Regulations pursuant to the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. The Commission specifically requests comment on whether it should: Modify the provision addressing generic fiber names so that the reference to the international standard for manufactured fibers reflects the updated standard; clarify the provisions addressing textile products containing elastic material and “trimmings”; address the use of multiple languages in making required disclosures; clarify disclosure requirements applicable to written advertising, including Internet advertising; clarify or revise the list of exclusions from the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act; add or clarify definitions of terms set forth in the Rules; and modify its consumer and business education materials and continue printing paper copies of these materials. In addition, the Commission seeks comment on: the benefits and costs of the requirement of the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act that, under certain circumstances, businesses use identification issued by the FTC; and the extent to which retailers obtain guarantees and continuing guarantees for textile products and whether the extent or manner of importation indicates that the guarantee provisions of the Act and Rules should be modified.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission” or “we”) has received a petition (PP 11-1) requesting that the Commission initiate rulemaking to require special packaging for torch fuel and lamp oil to make it impossible to see the product when it is in the container. We are announcing a reopening of the comment period for 30 days.
This final rule clarifies the process whereby the FTC will consider for approval a modification to a divestiture agreement, which agreement the Commission has either previously approved or incorporated by reference into a final order. As described fully below, the final rule delegates to certain senior staff at the Commission the authority, following notice to the Commissioners, to waive formal application to the Commission for approval of certain modifications, and to waive the otherwise required period for public comment; the delegation will streamline the process for approval of ministerial and other minor contract modifications that will not diminish the Commission's order.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC” or “we”) is revoking its interpretation of the term “unblockable drain” as used in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (“VGB Act”). 1 1 The Commission voted 3-2 to publish this revocation, with changes, in the Federal Register . Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum, Commissioners Robert Adler and Thomas Moore voted to publish the revocation. Commissioners Nancy Nord and Anne Northup voted against publication of this revocation. Chairman Tenenbaum, Commissioner Adler, Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Nord filed statements regarding the vote. The statements may be viewed at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html .
The FTC announces it is retaining the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule (“MTOR” or “Rule”). Based on previous Rule proceedings and after reviewing public comments received regarding the Rule's overall costs, benefits, and regulatory and economic impact, the Commission concludes that the Rule continues to benefit consumers and the Rule's benefits outweigh its costs. For clarity, the Commission is reorganizing the Rule by alphabetizing the definitions at the beginning of the Rule.
The FTC proposes amending the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule (“MTOR” or “Rule”) to respond to the development of new technologies and changed commercial practices. By doing so, the Commission seeks to accomplish four objectives: clarify that the Rule covers all Internet merchandise orders regardless of whether the buyer accesses the Internet through a telephone line, allow sellers to provide refunds and refund notices to buyers by any means at least as fast and reliable as first class mail, clarify sellers' obligations under the Rule for sales made using payment methods not specifically enumerated in the Rule, and require sellers to process any third party credit card refund within seven working days of a buyer's right to a refund vesting. Additionally, the FTC sets forth its interpretation of “demand drafts” as the functional equivalents of checks for purposes of the Rule.
The Commission proposes to amend the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (“COPPA Rule” or “Rule”), consistent with the requirements of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act to respond to changes in online technology, including in the mobile marketplace, and, where appropriate, to streamline the Rule. After extensive consideration of public input, the Commission proposes to modify certain of the Rule's definitions, and to update the requirements set forth in the notice, parental consent, confidentiality and security, and safe harbor provisions. In addition, the Commission proposes adding a new provision addressing data retention and deletion.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is amending its standard for the flammability of mattresses and mattress pads to revise the ignition source specification in that standard. 1 The ignition source cigarette specified for use in the mattress standard's performance tests is no longer produced. The Commission is requiring a standard reference material cigarette, which was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as the ignition source for testing to the mattress standard. 1 The Commission voted 5-0 to approve publication of this final rule. Commissioner Nancy A. Nord filed a statement concerning this action which may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/nord09132011.pdf or obtained from the Commission's Office of the Secretary.
The Federal Trade Commission published a final amended Telemarketing Sales Rule in the Federal Register on August 10, 2010 (75 FR 48458), with new provisions to address the telemarketing of debt relief services. This document makes technical corrections in that final rule.
Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) requires the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be “substantially the same as” applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission concludes that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The Commission is proposing a safety standard for play yards in response to the direction under Section 104(b) of the CPSIA.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) is establishing an internal procedure for delegating its authority to seek court orders to delay notification and prohibit disclosure of Commission compulsory process under the Right to Financial Privacy Act (RFPA), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), and the U.S. SAFE WEB Act (“SAFE WEB”). This procedure is intended to make the process for seeking such orders more administratively efficient.
The Federal Trade Commission (the Commission or “FTC” is amending its Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”) by updating the fees charged to entities accessing the National Do Not Call Registry (the Registry as required by the Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act of 2007.
As part of its systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission (“AFTC” or “Commission”) rules and guides, the FTC seeks public comment on a set of warranty-related Interpretations, Rules and Guides: its Interpretations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (“Interpretations” or “Rule 700”); its Rule Governing Disclosure of Written Consumer Product Warranty Terms and Conditions (“Rule 701”); its Rule Governing Pre-Sale Availability of Written Warranty Terms (“Rule 702”); its Rule Governing Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures (“Rule 703”); and its Guides for the Advertising of Warranties and Guarantees (“Guides”). The Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity and regulatory and economic impact of these Interpretations, Rules and Guides.
The FTC is amending its Rules of Practice for its adjudicative process, including those regarding the initiation of discovery, limitations on discovery, the Standard Protective Order, the admission of certain hearsay evidence, the video recording of proceedings, the designation of confidentiality on documents, the timing for oral argument on appeal, and a reference to the Equal Access to Justice Act.
As part of the Commission's systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of the FTC's rule for “Retail Food Store Advertising and Marketing Practices” (“Unavailability Rule” or “Rule”).
In accordance with section 104(d) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) issued a final consumer product safety rule requiring manufacturers of durable infant or toddler products to establish a consumer registration program. The Commission is proposing an amendment to clarify and correct some of the requirements of the rule.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) finds the successor drain cover standard, ANSI/APSP-16 2011, to be in the public interest, and incorporates the standard by reference into its regulations implementing the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
The Commission proposes to expand coverage of the Lighting Facts label to include all screw-based and GU-10 and GU-24 pin-based light bulbs. Under this proposal, manufacturers would have 2 1/2 years to conform their products and packaging to the labeling requirements. The Commission also proposes to require a specific test procedure (LM-79) for measuring light output for all light emitting diode (LED) bulbs covered by the Rule. Finally, the Commission is not proposing amendments for several other issues such as watt-equivalent standards, directional light disclosures, and lead content disclosures.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) is rescinding its Statements of General Policy or Interpretations Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”). Recent legislation transferred authority to issue interpretive guidance under the FCRA to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).
Section 101(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (“CPSIA”) provides that, as of August 14, 2011, children's products may not contain more than 100 parts per million (“ppm”) of lead unless the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) determines that such a limit is not technologically feasible. The determination can only be made after notice and a hearing and after analyzing the public health protections associated with substantially reducing lead in children's products. On February 16, 2011, we conducted a public hearing to receive views from all interested parties about the technological feasibility of meeting the 100 ppm lead content limit for children's products and associated public health considerations. Through this document, we announce that children's products must meet the statutory 100 ppm lead content limit on August 14, 2011, unless otherwise excluded under CPSC regulations. 1 1 The Commission voted 3-2 to publish this notice, without changes, in the Federal Register . Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum, Commissioners Thomas Moore and Robert Adler voted to publish the notice. Commissioners Nancy Nord and Anne Northup voted against publication of the notice. Chairman Tenenbaum and Commissioners Nord and Northup filed statements regarding the vote. The statements may be viewed at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission” or “we”) has received a petition (PP 11-1) requesting that the Commission initiate rulemaking to require special packaging for torch fuel and lamp oil to make it impossible to see the product when it is in the container. We invite written comments concerning the petition.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) required the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) to publish, as a mandatory consumer product safety standard, the American National Standard for Four-Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles Equipment Configuration, and Performance Requirements, developed by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (American National Standard ANSI/SVIA 1-2007). We did so on November 14, 2008. 73 FR 67385. ANSI/SVIA has since issued a 2010 edition of its standard. In accordance with the CPSIA, we propose to amend the Commission's mandatory ATV standard to reference the 2010 edition of the ANSI/SVIA standard. 1 1 The Commission voted 4-0-1 to approve publication of this notice of proposed rulemaking. Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum and Commissioners Thomas H. Moore, Nancy A. Nord and Robert S. Adler voted for the proposed rule. Commissioner Ann M. Northup abstained from voting.
Pursuant to the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Omnibus Appropriations Act), as clarified by the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act), the Commission issues this Final Rule and Statement of Basis and Purpose (SBP) relating to unfair or deceptive acts and practices that may occur with regard to mortgage advertising. This Final Rule, among other things: Prohibits any misrepresentation in any commercial communication regarding any term of any mortgage credit product; and imposes certain recordkeeping requirements.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is amending its child-resistant packaging requirements to exempt powder formulations of two oral prescription drugs, colesevelam hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate. Colesevelam hydrochloride, currently marketed as Welchol ®, is available in a powder formulation and is indicated to reduce elevated LDL cholesterol levels and improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sevelamer carbonate, currently marketed as Renvela ®, is also available as a powder formulation and is indicated for the control of elevated serum phosphorus in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis. The rule exempts these prescription drug products on the basis that child-resistant packaging is not needed to protect young children from serious injury or illness from powder formulations of colesevelam hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate because the products are not acutely toxic, lack adverse human experience associated with acute ingestion, and, in powder form, are not likely to be ingested in large quantities by children under 5 years of age.
The Federal Trade Commission (“Commission” or “FTC”) is amending the Hart-Scott-Rodino (“HSR”) Premerger Notification Rules (the “Rules”), the Premerger Notification and Report Form (the “Form”) and associated Instructions in order to streamline the Form and capture new information that will help the FTC and the Antitrust Division, Department of Justice (together the “Agencies”) conduct their initial review of a proposed transaction's competitive impact. The FTC is making substantive and ministerial revisions, deletions and additions to streamline the Form and make it easier to prepare while focusing the Form on those categories of information the Agencies consider necessary for their initial review. The FTC is also amending certain Rules and parts of the Form and Instructions, as well as adding Items 4(d), 6(c)(ii) and 7(d), in order to capture additional information that would significantly assist the Agencies in their initial review. Finally, minor changes are being made to address minor omissions from the FTC's 2005 rulemaking involving unincorporated entities and to remove the reference to the 2001 transition period.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”), authorizes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) to specify, by rule, for any consumer product or class of consumer products, characteristics whose existence or absence shall be deemed a substantial product hazard under certain circumstances. We are issuing a final rule to determine that children's upper outerwear garments in sizes 2T to 12 or the equivalent, which have neck or hood drawstrings, and in sizes 2T to 16 or the equivalent, which have waist or bottom drawstrings that do not meet specified criteria, present substantial product hazards.
On January 15, 2010, the Board and the Commission published final rules to implement the risk-based pricing provisions in section 311 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act), which amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The final rules generally require a creditor to provide a risk-based pricing notice to a consumer when the creditor uses a consumer report to grant or extend credit to the consumer on material terms that are materially less favorable than the most favorable terms available to a substantial proportion of consumers from or through that creditor. The Board and the Commission are amending their respective risk-based pricing rules to require disclosure of credit scores and information relating to credit scores in risk-based pricing notices if a credit score of the consumer is used in setting the material terms of credit. These final rules reflect the new requirements in section 615(h) of the FCRA that were added by section 1100F of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
As part of the Commission=s systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of the FTC's Rule on Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods as Amended (“Care Labeling Rule” or “Rule”). The Commission also requests comment on whether it should modify the Rule's provision permitting the use of care symbols or modify the Rule to address either the disclosure of care instructions in languages other than English or the practice of professional wetcleaning.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) authorizes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) to specify, by rule, for any consumer product or class of consumer products, characteristics whose existence or absence shall be deemed a substantial product hazard under certain circumstances. We are issuing a final rule to determine that any hand-supported hair dryer without integral immersion protection presents a substantial product hazard.
The Federal Trade Commission publishes a notice and request for public comment concerning proposed self-regulatory guidelines submitted by Aristotle International, Inc. (Aristotle) under the safe harbor provision of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) gives notice that it is postponing any amendments to its Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles (“Fuel Economy Guide” or “Guide”) pending completion of ongoing review by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) of current fuel economy labeling requirements and the Commission's accelerated regulatory review of its own Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule (“Alternative Fuels Rule”).
The Commission seeks public comment on its Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles (``Alternative Fuels Rule'' or ``Rule''). As part of its systematic review of all FTC rules and guides, the Commission requests public comment on the overall costs, benefits, necessity, and regulatory and economic impact of the Alternative Fuels Rule. The Commission also seeks comment on whether to merge its alternative fueled vehicle (AFV) labels with fuel economy labels proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); add new definitions for AFVs contained in recent legislation; and change labeling requirements for used AFVs.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,″ “Commission,″ or “we″) is amending its bicycle regulations. The amendments make minor changes to the existing regulations to reflect new technologies, designs, and features in bicycles by clarifying that certain provisions or testing requirements do not apply to specific bicycles or bicycle parts. The amendments also clarify several ambiguous and confusing provisions. The final rule also corrects typographical errors and removes an outdated reference.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) issues this notice amending the terms under which it will accept certifications for children's products based on third party conformity assessment body (laboratory) testing to the flammability regulations at 16 CFR part 1610 that occurred before the Commission's acceptance of the accreditation of the third party conformity assessment body. 1 We are taking this action in response to a request from certain members of the clothing textile industry to reduce unnecessary retesting of clothing textiles that have been tested already and found to be in compliance with CPSC regulations. 1 The Commission voted 4-0-1 to publish this revision to the notice of requirements for clothing textiles. Commissioners Nancy A. Nord and Anne M. Northup each issued a statement, and the statements can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) requires the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC”) to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be “substantially the same as” applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission concludes that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The Commission is issuing a safety standard for toddler beds in response to the CPSIA. The safety standard addresses entrapment in bed end structures, entrapment between the guardrail and side rail, entrapment in the mattress support system, and component failures of the bed support system and guardrails. The standard also addresses corner post extensions that can catch items worn by a child.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) is issuing a notice of requirements that provides the criteria and process for Commission acceptance of accreditation of third party conformity assessment bodies for testing pursuant to the CPSC regulation relating to toddler beds. The Commission is issuing this notice of requirements pursuant to section 14(a)(3)(B)(vi) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) (15 U.S.C. 2063(a)(3)(B)(vi)).
The Commission extends the effective date for its new light bulb labeling requirements to January 1, 2012, to provide manufacturers with additional compliance time. In addition, the Commission exempts from the new label requirements incandescent bulbs that will not be produced after January 1, 2013, due to Federal efficiency standards.
Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) requires the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. These standards are to be “substantially the same as” applicable voluntary standards or more stringent than the voluntary standard if the Commission concludes that more stringent requirements would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product. The Commission is proposing a more stringent safety standard for portable bed rails that will further reduce the risk of injury associated with these products. 1 1 The Commission voted 5-0 to approve publication of this notice of proposed rulemaking. Commissioner Nancy Nord filed a statement concerning this action which may be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/statements.html or obtained from the Commission's Office of the Secretary.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“Commission,” “CPSC,” or “we”) is terminating a proceeding initiated for portable bed rails under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (“FHSA”), which the Commission began with publication of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (“ANPR”) on October 3, 2000, 65 FR 58968. On August 14, 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (“CPSIA”) was enacted. Section 104(b) of the CPSIA requires the Commission to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products, which are to be “substantially the same as” applicable voluntary standards (or more stringent requirements if they would further reduce the risk of injury associated with the product). Elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register , we are proposing a safety standard for portable bed rails in response to section 104(b) of the CPSIA. The proposed portable bed rail standard includes provisions that address the risks of injury identified in the ANPR.
The Commission issues final amendments to its Rule for Automotive Fuel Ratings, Certification and Posting (“Fuel Rating Rule” or “Rule”) by allowing an alternative octane rating method and making other miscellaneous revisions. The Commission declines to issue final ethanol labeling amendments at this time.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is amending the criteria and process for Commission acceptance of accreditation of third party conformity assessment bodies for testing to the lead paint ban regulations. We are taking this action to require CPSC and/or ASTM published test methods to be referenced by a third party conformity assessment body in the scope of its accreditation.
On January 15, 2010, the Board and the Commission published final rules to implement the risk-based pricing provisions in section 311 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act), which amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The final rules generally require a creditor to provide a risk-based pricing notice to a consumer when the creditor uses a consumer report to grant or extend credit to the consumer on material terms that are materially less favorable than the most favorable terms available to a substantial proportion of consumers from or through that creditor. The Board and the Commission propose to amend their respective risk-based pricing rules to require disclosure of credit scores and information relating to credit scores in risk-based pricing notices if a credit score of the consumer is used in setting the material terms of credit. These proposed amendments reflect the new requirements in section 615(h) of the FCRA that were added by section 1100F of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
In December 2010, Congress passed the Truth in Fur Labeling Act (TFLA), which amends the Fur Products Labeling Act (Fur Act) by: (1) Eliminating the Commission's discretion to exempt fur products of relatively small quantity or value from disclosure requirements; and (2) providing that the Fur Act will not apply to certain fur products obtained through trapping or hunting and sold in face to face transactions. TFLA also directs the Commission to review and allow comment on the Fur Products Name Guide (Name Guide). Accordingly, the Commission publishes this Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) and request for comment. In addition to seeking comment on the Name Guide, the Commission, as part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, requests comment on all of its Fur Act regulations (Fur Rules or Rules).
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC,” “Commission,” or “we”) is proposing to amend its child-resistant packaging requirements to exempt powder formulations of two oral prescription drugs, colesevelam hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate. Colesevelam hydrochloride, currently marketed as Welchol®, is available in a new powder formulation and is indicated to reduce elevated LDL cholesterol levels and improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sevelamer carbonate, currently marketed as Renvela®, is available as a new powder formulation and is indicated for the control of elevated serum phosphorus in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis. The proposed rule would exempt these prescription drug products on the basis that child-resistant packaging is not needed to protect young children from serious injury or illness from powder formulations of colesevelam hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate because the products are not acutely toxic, lack adverse human experience associated with acute ingestion, and in powder form, are not likely to be ingested in large quantities by children under 5 years of age.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) is adopting final amendments to its Appliance Labeling Rule, to implement section 325 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The amendments establish labeling requirements for televisions.
