March 7 decision time on product registration cards.

Commissioners will hold a decision meeting March 7 to determine the fate of the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIG) petition that CPSC mandate product registration cards for certain consumer products. (9) The registration cards, paid for by manufacturers, would provide a database for notification of possible recalls.

The Feb. 21 briefing was the first time CPSC used a new format designed by CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. He asked CPSC staff to invite members of the public who commented on the proposal in writing to participate at the briefing.

Present were Rachel Weintraub of CFA, Sally Greenberg of Consumers' Union, and Jennifer Thompson of USPIRG.

On the industry side, Rick Locker of the Toy Industry Association, (TIA), Chuck Samuels of AHAM (American Home Appliance Manufacturers), who was representing the National Association of Manufacturers' CPSC Coalition, and Morrison Cain of the International Mass Retailers Association were present. Two representatives of garment manufacturers, concerned about the proposal's impact on their industry, were also present.

Both sides made the usual arguments, but Chairman Stratton pressed the petitioners, CFA and USPIRG, to explain their complaints that they did not have enough time to prepare. They said they needed to bring in "consumers" who were victims of botched recalls, to demonstrate the strength of their case.

(Presumably they were referring to those who were injured or were parents of children who were injured by recalled products.)

How would having these "consumers" present at the briefing help CPSC make a decision, Stratton asked. He observed that CFA, USPIRG and Consumers' Union claim to represent consumers, so why would they need to bring in additional participants?

One observer commented that the poor oral presentations by the petitioners definitely weakened their case. They seemed to be apologizing and admitting that the petition outlined a regulation that was too broad and too costly to manage. But they also seemed to imply that CPSC ought to "fix it" to make it work.

Industry spokesmen focused on the unworkability of the plan, and said there was little overall benefit to consumers considering the cost to manufacturers.

The staff, again, has recommended that the Commission defer a decision on the petition while they work on their own recall effectiveness plan.

Better that the Commissioners make a straightforward decision to deny the petition, and get the matter over with. March 7 could be the day!

(9) See CPSC Monitor, "Product Registration Card Proposal on CPSC Agenda." Vol. 8, Issue 1, January 2003.