CPSC Takes Over Detention Notices

(Apparelnews.net)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will begin sending detention notices to importers found to have violated CPSC statutes.

Previously, detention notices were sent by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The two agencies recently held a joint webinar to explain the shift, which begins June 14.

Going forward, detention notices will be sent by a CPSC compliance investigator or field officer. The notices will include information about the violation, including a description of the violation and the corresponding statute, as well as CPSC contact information. The importer will have five days to resolve the initial detention with test results or other relevant information.

According to Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP, CPSC hopes to resolve these issues within 30 days. However, the law firm, which specializes in customs and export issues, cautions importers against waiting for the 30 days to pass.

According to a release from the law firm, “Goods will not be deemed excluded if CPSC fails to make a determination within 30 days. This is significant as the importer will not be able to file a protest on the 31st day as is the case when goods are detained by CBP.”

Additional information about the CPSC and the 2010 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is available at the CPSC’s website.