Largest Fine for FHSA Violation Imposed

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) has recently announced settlement of a million-dollar fine, the largest ever, as penalty for a violation of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). The announcement was made after Reebok International, Ltd agreed to pay the fine for giving away bracelets, which were found to contain lead. A four-year old American boy died after swallowing the pendant on the bracelet.

"This civil penalty sends a clear message that the CPSC will not allow companies to put children's safety at risk," CPSC chair Nancy Nord said in a statement. "Preventing dangerous metal jewelry from reaching the hands of children is a priority for our agency," the chair added.

Meanwhile, Reebok said in a statement that it has already introduced tough, mandatory product-checks since the 2006 worldwide recall of the promotional product. Chief executive Paul Harrington said the company had implemented strict, mandatory policies and procedures to ensure all gift-with-purchase and promotional items and premium products associated with the brand will meet or exceed the highest quality and safety standards as required by law.

CPSP said it is working with the Toy Industry Association to undertake plans for a certification program mandating uniform testing, factory auditing, and risk assessment analysis of each product.

The proposal will require toy makers to have an accredited laboratory test a random toy selection with frequency dependent on the factory’s quality control rates. A federal legislation is pending that will authorize the CPSC to create such a program or designate a body to carry out the task.