The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a final rule establishing a mandatory consumer product safety standard for toddler beds that adopts the voluntary ASTM F 1821-09 standard, but with certain modifications to strengthen the standard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a proposed rule to establish a mandatory consumer product safety standard for children’s portable bed rails. The proposed standard is substantially the same as the voluntary standard ASTM F 2085-10a, “Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Portable Bed Rails,” with certain modifications to strengthen the standard.

On March 31, 2011, Senator Brown (D) and two co-sponsors¹ introduced S. 708, the Trade Enforcement Priorities Act of 2011, a bill to give the federal government more authority to address trade barriers that undermine U.S. workers and domestic manufacturing by reinstating “Super 301” authority.

The FCC agreed to let WAND Decatur, Ill., move down the dial by one channel position to 17, which the station said would let its DTV signal reach more viewers while causing less interference. No one opposed WAND’s request to move, said a Media Bureau order released Wednesday. It required the broadcaster to submit to the agency within 45 days Form 301, specifying the new channel.

The National Marine Fisheries Service seeks information to assist it in identifying any nations whose vessels are engaged in fishing in waters beyond any national jurisdiction that target or incidentally catch sharks. Identified nations that are not positively certified could have its fish or fish product imports subject to sanctions.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the fourth meeting of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) on phthalates and phthalate substitutes on March 30-31, 2011. The panel, which is required by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), is studying phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children’s toys and child care articles. Its findings will be used to inform a future CPSC rulemaking on the topic.

This notice is a reminder that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is requesting comments from the public by April 14, 2011 to assist in its review of the Lacey Act Declaration requirements for imported plants and plant products. Once this review is completed, APHIS will submit a report to Congress detailing its results and is authorized to issue certain regulations.

The Federal Trade Commission is giving advance notice that it will propose amendments to its Fur Rules (16 CFR 301) to reflect the March 18 elimination of the fur-content labeling and disclosure exemption for "apparel with fur" that contains relatively small quantities or values of fur. The FTC is also requesting comments on its Fur Act regulations (Fur Rules) and Fur Products Name Guide by May 16, 2011.

March 14 FCC Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council meeting, 9 a.m., Commission Meeting Room -- 202-418-1096

March 14 Panel on wireless tax overhaul, 12:30 p.m., U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, SVC 209-08 -- RSVP to wirelesstaxevent@gmail.com