Virtually every product sold to consumers in the United States is subject to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), its rules and regulations.
The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), which established the commission, is very short in length. The regulations, however, are extremely extensive. As time passes, the CPSC regulations have become ever-more stringent. Reporting requirements, as well as the penalties for failure to report, are becoming more onerous (and subject to public disclosure).
Guiding our clients through the maze of CPSC regulations (from reporting through recalls where required), to avoid the direct impact of violations (fines) and indirect impact on your business and its reputation is another service that RRS offers. We work with Washington DC attorneys and other professionals who specialize in CPSA compliance (and defense).
Recall coordination and assistance. The fear of any manufacturer (and seller) of a product is that a defect is discovered which could injure others and require a recall. We work with our clients on ensuring compliance with the law and assist in the development and implementation of an effective recall plan. Our goal is to help minimize the impact on the operations and finances of the company if it becomes necessary to do a recall. Recalls are not covered by insurance (unless a special policy is purchased) and often have a severe effect on claims. We work with our clients to prepare an acceptable, effective plan regardless of insurance coverage.
When you run into the problem of a defective product in the marketplace, it is essential that you know and understand your rights, your responsibilities, and your options. RRS helps our clients understand the issues related product recalls so that the client can undertake the most effective course of action given the circumstances.
Section 15 (b) Reporting. The CPSA/CPSC requires that manufacturers and sellers of products report accidents and illnesses, as well as settlements of claims, under certain circumstances. RRS stays abreast of these requirements, and is able to advise the client on its reporting requirements, the nature of such reporting, and how to minimize the effect of such reporting on its business (both in direct and indirect terms). Dealing with the CPSC is never an easy experience, but with RRS on your side, it can at least a little less painful.
Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests. RRS works with its clients to minimize the amount of information that the CPSC will provide to the public regarding the client, or its products. Sometimes, mandatory reporting occurs, which is privileged from further disclosure. RRS works to ensure that information provided to the CPSC is provided in a manner which will minimize the probability of public disclosure. This becomes essential as such information is routinely used by business competitors or the plaintiff’s bar in lawsuits. With the CPSC documents and records now scheduled to go online, the need for proper responses to requests for information (from the CPSC), and submissions to the CPSC, becomes more important than ever, and RRS is available to help you.
