New CPSC "Office of Education, Global Outreach, Small Business Ombudsman"
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved the creation of an Office of Education, Global Outreach, and Small Business Ombudsman.
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Office Will Conduct Outreach to Manufacturers, Foreign Governments, Etc.
This new office will coordinate and carry out education and outreach activities to domestic and international stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, resellers, small businesses, foreign governments, and consumers. As part of its broad mission, the office will work with manufacturers in building safety into their products, address the questions and concerns of the regulated community, and facilitate the transfer of information on regulatory requirements and best manufacturing practices across industries.
Recall information. As for distributors and retailers, this new office will be tasked in part with ensuring that information about recalls is distributed to these stakeholders in a timely manner. Retailers and distributors will also be informed about how to respond quickly to safety alerts issued by CPSC affecting products they sell.
Help to small businesses. The Small Business Ombudsman position within the office will develop and provide information and guidance specifically tailored to small businesses and small batch manufacturers as well as actively share within the agency information gained from manufacturers, retailers, and distributors.
International outreach. Finally, the new office will serve as a coordinated business unit charged with carrying out and enhancing CPSC’s outreach to the international community. By working with foreign regulatory bodies, CPSC can help them develop effective product surveillance strategies, product testing methods, and voluntary and mandatory product safety standards.
This new office is not yet operational, but once its mission is finalized and it is staffed, CPSC will inform the public and stakeholders.
Commissioner statements on the office are available here.