CPSC Clarifies Recall Notice Content

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a final rule regarding how mandatory recall notices are to be handled under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The rule addresses the comments the commission received when the rule was initially proposed. The guidelines and requirements apply to manufacturers (including importers), retailers and distributors of covered consumer products.

The rule states:

• A recall notice should be written in simple, jargon-free language designed for, and readily understood by, the targeted consumers.
• Recall notices must be issues in at least two forms such as website postings, e-mail, RSS feeds, radio and television transmissions, press releases, newspapers and magazines, advertisements and service bulletins.
• Recall notices must include: (a) the word “recall” in the heading and text; (b) a clear description that allows consumer to identify the specific product and distinguish it from similar products; (c) high resolution and quality color photographs of the affected product; (d) a clear and concise statement of the actions being taken concerning the product; and (e) the identity of each manufacturer (including importer) and significant retailer of the product as well as its country of manufacture.
• Before a firm may publish, broadcast or otherwise disseminate a recall notice, the CPSC must review and agree in writing to all aspects of the notice.

Read the full ruling at http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr10/noticesguide.html.

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