Topic: General

EPA publishes formaldehyde in composite wood rule – Dec. 2017 compliance dates

By Will Troutman (US) on January 15, 2017 Posted in General, Recent legislation and regulations

EPA recently published its final rule restricting formaldehyde emissions from composite wood. The publication now triggers the rule’s effective date (Feb. 10, 2017) and the first compliance dates (December 12, 2017). The rule implements the formaldehyde standards found in Title VI of TSCA. EPA has expressly stated that the rule is “consistent, to the extent EPA deemed appropriate and practical … Continue reading

Clamshell compliance: California’s Rigid Plastic Packaging Container law

By Will Troutman (US) on December 1, 2016 Posted in General, Recent legislation and regulations

California remains on the forefront of sustainability and recycling requirements. A key restriction in California is the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Law, which targets hard plastic product packaging (namely “clamshells”). The law requires that product manufacturers reduce waste from covered packaging through several methods. The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, referred to as … Continue reading

New PCI requirements for retailers

By Susan Ross (US) on July 11, 2016 Posted in General, Recent legislation and regulations

For retailers that accept credit or debit cards and use service providers, a new version of the PCI Data Security Standards (PCI DSS v3.2) will impose new requirements as of November 1, 2016. The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council issued “clarifications” and “evolving requirements” in the new version. Clarifications are changes to ensure … Continue reading

MRSL: A new standard for chemical management

By Georgina Mawer, Guest Blogger on April 4, 2016 Posted in General, Green chemistry

We are pleased to welcome guest blogger and BLC Leather Technology Centre’s chemical and regulatory advisor, Georgina Mawer, to Consumer Products Law Blog. Georgina focus on product safety assessments, including guidance on chemical testing and analysis, as well as research and delivery of technical contract work. An experienced chemical analyst, her studies focused on forensic science. BLC is … Continue reading

FDA changes course, now seeking public comments on the definition of “natural” in food labeling

By Will Troutman (US) on January 13, 2016 Posted in General

Last month, after decades of relative inaction regarding the definition of the term “natural,” the Food and Drug Administration announced that it was accepting public comments on the use of the word, including whether it can be false or misleading on food labels. Among other questions, the FDA asks: Whether it is appropriate to define … Continue reading

California federal court remands injunctive relief when no Article III standing

By on April 9, 2015 Posted in General

A common battle in consumer class actions is whether the named plaintiff has standing to seek injunctive relief in connection with a false advertising or unfair competition claim. To satisfy Article III standing for injunctive relief in federal court, plaintiffs must show a realistic threat they will be harmed again by the same practice. On … Continue reading

Consumer products law blog featured in leadership series

By on April 6, 2015 Posted in General

The Consumer Products Law Blog was recently featured in the LexBlog Network’s Leadership Blog series. Learn how our blog network identifies and posts legal updates you need before you may even be aware of it. LXBN Leaders: The Philosophy Behind Norton Rose Fulbright’s Business-Driving Blog Network… Continue reading

GNC reaches agreement with NY over supplement testing

By Will Troutman (US) on April 2, 2015 Posted in General

In response to a NY Attorney General investigation into the composition of store-brand herbal supplements, GNC has committed to expand testing and authentication procedures beyond those currently required by the FDA. It remains to be seen whether this will begin a push for stricter controls over these types of products. A detailed discussion can be … Continue reading

The mysterious world of Prop 65, part 9: The naturally occurring exemption

By Will Troutman (US) on March 6, 2015 Posted in California Proposition 65, General

A hot topic of late is the so-called Proposition 65 “naturally occurring” exemption. This is due largely to the addition of pulegone to the Prop 65 list in April 2014. Pulegone is a naturally occurring chemical found in many essential oils, including peppermint oil. With warnings required on products containing pulegone that cause significant exposures … Continue reading

Making online terms and conditions stick

By Lauren Shoor (US) on March 2, 2015 Posted in Consumer class actions, General, Recent consumer products case law

Because the interaction between online retailers and their customers is limited, online retailers have little choice but to present terms and conditions of sale on their websites. These online terms and conditions present concepts important to online retailers, including arbitration and choice of law provisions. The way in which online retailers present these terms and … Continue reading

Highlights from CPSC Day at ICPHSO 2015, part 2

By Will Troutman (US) on February 27, 2015 Posted in Consumer Product Safety Commission, General

CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye was the keynote speaker for CPSC Day, and he did not disappoint. Chairman Kaye’s speech focused on providing the consumer products industry with a sense of his priorities for the coming years, which I have listed below. Pressure to increase civil penalty amounts Chairman Kaye’s most notable comment was that he is directing … Continue reading

Highlights from CPSC Day at ICPHSO 2015

By Will Troutman (US) on February 25, 2015 Posted in Consumer Product Safety Commission, General

We are here at the ICPHSO conference in Orlando for CPSC day. Key speakers from CPSC include Chairman Elliot Kaye, the Team Lead for Fast Track Recalls, the Director of Regulatory Enforcement, and the Director of Field Investigations. Here are highlights from the morning sessions on CPSC recalls and reporting, enforcement, and import issues. Recalls … Continue reading

Update: ARB issues extension procedure for Consumer Products Survey

By Will Troutman (US) on February 19, 2015 Posted in General, Recent legislation and regulations

Recognizing the heavy lift involved in responding to the 2013 Consumer Products Survey, today the California Air Resources Board published procedures for obtaining extensions of the March 2, 2015 deadline. Formulators As a matter of course, formulator response dates are extended to April 1, 2015. Responsible Parties Responsible Parties, however, will need to provide a … Continue reading

DC Circuit Court puts limits on FTC’s advertising substantiation requirements

By on February 11, 2015 Posted in General

Recently, a three-judge panel reversed an FTC order requiring POM Wonderful to substantiate certain health-related advertising claims by using two randomized, well-controlled human clinical trials. This new ruling indicates that FTC’s ability to impose substantiation requirements is not boundless and courts may intervene if they believe the standards are too strict. The full article DC Circuit … Continue reading

Ski resorts and outdoor industries may face increasing liability

By on February 9, 2015 Posted in General, Recent consumer products case law

When a business’s consumers are skiers and snowboarders, knowing the potential liability for negligence is critical. Ski resort operators often encounter claims of unsafe terrain and failure to warn. Equipment manufacturers and sellers often run into product liability and personal injury claims regarding faulty bindings, skis, or other equipment. Outdoor Sports Liability Protections Early personal … Continue reading

UPDATE: California AG appeals foie gras ruling

By on February 5, 2015 Posted in General, Recent consumer products case law

In the wake of the federal court’s decision enjoining California’s foie gras ban, many restaurant owners rejoiced, making the delicacy immediately available. But restaurant owners may not want to throw out their creative menu techniques just yet. Following the court’s decision, the California Attorney General has filed a notice of appeal. The ball is in … Continue reading

Welcome to Norton Rose Fulbright’s Consumer products law blog

By Will Troutman (US) on September 18, 2014 Posted in General

We are excited to announce the launch of the consumer products law blog, which will concentrate on legal issues impacting the consumer products industry. The blog will cover a wide range of consumer products topics, including: Product safety and regulatory compliance issues Consumer product recalls Defense of enforcement proceedings Consumer class actions and other litigation … Continue reading

Health alert – Skin-lightening or acne creams from Mexico may contain mercury

By on September 4, 2014 Posted in California Proposition 65, General

The California Department of Public Health has issued a public health alert warning that skin-lightening or acne creams from Mexico (used for fading freckles, blemishes and age spots, as well as treating acne) have caused multiple cases of mercury poisoning in California. The poisoning cases include several children and babies exposed to the mercury via … Continue reading