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August 22, 2011
On August 12, 2011, H.R. 2715 was signed into law, providing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) and making other amendments. Changes to the CPSIA include: Per Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, "This law strikes a careful balance. Among other things, it gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission the flexibility it needs to regulate based on 'risk' and not on arbitrary standards. "These changes will significantly reduce the burdens imposed on struggling businesses while maintaining strong protections for our children."
CBP Releases Simplified Entry Process Fact Sheet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released a Fact Sheet detailing some of the key considerations, challenges and models of the Simplified Entry, Summary, and Financial Processes project which is currently in the data collection and analysis stage. According to the Fact Sheet, "Commissioner Bersin recognized that import entry and financial requirements are misaligned with industry, resulting in a lack of uniformity, increased cost, and inefficient trade facilitation and enforcement. To address these problems, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) established a workgroup to examine how import processes may be simplified to maximize efficiencies and reduce the cost to both U.S. businesses and the government." Current changes under consideration include: The Workgroup is comprised of members from both government and industry, including importers, brokers, carriers, and association representatives. Their final proposal will be presented in October 2011. After approval, pilot programs are expected to roll out in FY 2012.
EPA Amends TSCA Reporting Requirements
The Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule enables the collection and publication of information on the manufacturing, processing and use of commercial chemical substances and mixtures. It is collected from both manufacturers and importers, and is used to inform the EPA regarding the potential exposure of people or the environment to regulated chemical substances. According to the notice, "EPA is amending this rule to require submission of information that will better address Agency and public information needs, improve the usability and reliability of the reported data, and ensure that data are available in a timely manner. EPA is requiring electronic reporting of CDR information and modifying reporting requirements, including certain circumstances that trigger reporting, the specific data to be reported, the reporting standard for processing and use information, and CBI reporting procedures." The final rule is effective September 15, 2011. Companies will be required to begin following the new reporting requirements during the next data submission period which occurs February 1,2012 to June 30, 2012.
The full text of the Federal Register notice can be accessed online at:
Tons News, for current and past issues of Tons News by E-mail request from tonsnews@tonslogistics.com or call (310) 338-0337. ________________________________________ Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility.
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