North American consumers are accustomed to using search engines to browse through product information and refer to online reviews on popular websites before making purchases online. Hence, e-commerce businesses in North America often use search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies and place ads on online media to increase brand visibility and traffic flows.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed retailers and distributors of cookware that certain imported products may leach lead into food and that these should not be available on the US market. The agency will take appropriate action when violative products are found.

Changes to the tariff classification of certain textile fabrics and pillows that were adopted recently by CBP means that imports of these products entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 9 December will benefit from lower duties.

Earlier this summer, California greenlighted plans to add laundry detergents containing nonylphenol ethoxylates to its candidate chemicals list under the Safer Consumer Products Program based on their reported impacts on human health and the environment. As a result, domestic and foreign manufacturers of laundry detergents will be required to look for alternatives to this chemical if they want to continue serving the California market. Manufacturers have until 30 November to notify California authorities if they manufacture laundry detergents containing NPEs that are placed into the stream of commerce in California.