Illinois legislation aims to reduce product liability

healyscanlonveugelergannon • October 24, 2014

Chicago products liability cases may be able to meet with a speedier resolution due to the recent introduction of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). As a direct result of the implementation of the CPSIA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission may be able to enforce with greater speed and authority certain measures and policies that help reinforce the rights of consumers at large.

Dangerous and defective products can threaten  consumer safety. In such cases, the CPSA investigates and finds a resolution to the case. With the introduction of the CPSIA and the positive changes it has brought about to the CPSA’s various statues, the commission currently has access to a number of regulatory and enforcement tools.

The changes brought about by the introduction of the CPSIA have increased the number of CPSC commissioners to five from three. Additionally, it also introduced provisions which address safety and manufacturing of children’s toys, third party testing and certification, lead and durable infant or toddler products among many other things. A publicly searchable database containing reports of harm caused by a product is also included within the provisions of the act.

The provisions under the CPSIA seem to address issues related to children’s products with some seriousness as it clearly states certain notable points. According to the terms, such products must meet children’s product safety rules, be tested by a laboratory certified by the CPSA, possess a children’s product certificate to prove the same and have tracking information regarding the product’s manufacturing and packaging affixed to the product at all times.

Source:  CPSC.gov, “ The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) ,” accessed on Oct. 17, 2014

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