CPSC & China Sign MOU to Improve Safety of Certain Imported Consumer Products
On April 21, 2004, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in ensuring the quality, safety, and proper labeling of certain consumer products.
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The CPSC chairman stated that the goal of this new agreement is to facilitate information sharing regarding U.S. mandatory and voluntary consumer safety standards with Chinese officials and help educate Chinese manufacturers and importers about their obligation to produce safe products bound for the U.S.
The scope of consumer products covered by the MOU are as follows:
Clothing & textiles;
Toys;
Hazardous products such as cigarette and multipurpose lighters;
Home appliances;
Hazardous chemical consumer products; and
Bicycle helmets
MOU Outlines Information Sharing & Training of Laboratory/Inspection Personnel
A CPSC press release states that because of the number of products under CPSC's jurisdiction that are manufactured in China, the agency has taken a particularly proactive approach in working with China on consumer product safety issues.
CPSC states that by formalizing a working relationship between the two governments, the CPSC and AQSIQ have committed to the exchange of scientific, technical, and regulatory information to help ensure the quality, safety, and proper labeling of consumer products. In addition, the information exchange includes the training of laboratory and inspection personnel in China.
The MOU, which became effective on April 21, 2004, will continue in effect for a period of three years from such date, unless extended or one participant notifies the other of its intention to terminate the MOU sooner.
CPSC Press Release (04-124, dated 04/21/04) available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04124.html
CPSC/AQSIQ MOU (signed 04/21/04) available athttp://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04124mou.html