CPSC Extends Time to Issue a Proposed Rule Addressing Safety Risks of Cigarette Lighters
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a notice which extends the time it has to issue a proposed rule to address the possible unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with the mechanical malfunction of cigarette lighters.
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The CPSC states that it now has until December 31, 2007 to issue such a proposed rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).
(In April 2005, the CPSC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) under the CPSA that began a rulemaking proceeding addressing the safety risks of cigarette lighters. Under the CPSA, a proposed standard must be issued within 12 months of publication of the ANPR, unless the CPSC extends that period of time for good cause. See ITT's Online Archives or 04/14/05 news, 05041425, for BP summary of the ANPR and the various actions the CPSC may pursue.)
CPSC Needs Additional Time to Complete Lighter Testing
The CPSC states that it needs additional time to complete testing regarding the number of lighters currently conforming to the lighter voluntary standard (ASTM F-400, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Lighters).
(In September 2005, the CPSC issued a contract for the conformance testing of a representative sample of lighters sold in the U.S. to the requirements of the voluntary ASTM F-400 standard. The period of performance for this contract is about eight months. The lighter testing is currently underway and when completed will be used to determine the conformance of lighters currently sold in the U.S. market. )
CPSC's Possible Timeframe for Issuing Proposed and Final Rules
Following completion of testing, the CPSC staff plans to brief the CPSC in August 2006. The CPSC will then evaluate the need for continuing the rulemaking proceedings. If the CPSC decides to go forward with the rulemaking, a proposed rule could be issued in late 2007 and a final rule could be issued during fiscal year (FY) 2008.
CPSC - Rohit Khanna (301) 504-7546
CPSC Notice (FR Pub 04/10/06) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-5212.pdf