US consumer laws affect sporting goods

The US Congress has passed legislation that will have far-reaching implications for manufacturers of sporting goods containing soft plastics (e.g. swimming goggles) and lead (e.g. sinkers) and which imposes more stringent requirements for manufacturers to conduct third party safety testing.

The new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 broadens the definition of children’s products to include all products used by children younger than 12, which means that the safety measures for objects children may place in their mouths, also applies to sports and outdoor goods.

Certain phthalates (chemical substance to make plastic more pliable) have been banned outright and others banned for use in products children may insert in their mouths. Violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act, as well as the Flammable Fabrics Act and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, are liable to penalties of up to $15-m. Read more on the SGMA website.