These quick updates were provided to PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group during its August 2025 meeting by Rick Brenner, Product Safety Advisors, and Karolyn Helda, QIMA:
- While there is uncertainty about whether CPSC will survive as an independent agency or be folded into HHS, or whether it has one commissioner or none, the CPSA has not changed, and the agency is as prolific as ever – and maybe more so – in enforcing it. Companies should continue adhering to robust product testing and safety measures as usual.
- The Walmart water bottle recall may be regarded as a potential “canary in the coal mine” for similar (foreseeable) product issues. Some bottle suppliers are adding labels instructing users to fill with water only to address the issue.
- The EU Commission adopted amendments to the EU Battery Regulation on July 18 (as part of an omnibus simplification package) that pushes out the enforcement of due diligence requirements for batteries until August 2027.
- A tentative agreement has been reached on the EU Toy Regulation, but the next steps are as yet unknown.
- Companies operating in Canada will have to report type and tonnage of plastic resins to the Federal Plastics Registry by September 29, 2026. This applies to importers in Canada, but not to U.S. companies exporting to Canada. A guidance document is expected soon.
- The U.S. EPA has published draft risk evaluations for BBP and DIBP, two phthalates, and opened a comment period (through October 6, 2025).
- The ASTM PFAS committee has started work on a total organic fluorine standard for PFAS, which may lead to a much-needed comprehensive screening test.
- A lawsuit has been filed in federal court challenging the packaging EPR program in Oregon.
