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certain textile fabrics and pillows that were adopted recently by CBP means that imports of these products entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 9 December will benefit from lower duties.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

On 19 July 2024, the European Commission issued guidelines clarifying how suppliers and retailers should display energy label classes in visual advertising and promotional materials for energy-labelled products. This follows an October 2023 European Court of Justice ruling related to the energy labelling of ovens and range hoods. The ruling also impacts other products.

Making intelligent appliances intelligible was the focus of many exhibitors at Chicago’s recent Inspired Home Show.

Consumer aversion to domestic chemical usage informs a new generation of cleaning and dietary products.

CBP has reclassified certain non-slip pads as other articles of plastic under HTSUS 3926.90.99 (5.3 percent duty) rather than as other plastic sheets under HTSUS 3921.12.11 (4.2 percent duty), 3921.12.15 (6.5 percent duty) and 3921.12.19 (5.3 percent duty).

India has mandated the use of national standards and the standard mark for several categories of food contact product. These became effective on June 6, 2024.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has updated its mandatory requirements for flame mitigation devices that impede the propagation of flame into portable fuel containers. The updated requirements will apply from effective 27 July unless the CPSC receives significant adverse input by 30 May, in which case they will be withdrawn.

Hong Kong is a world-renowned sourcing centre for houseware products, including tableware, kitchenware and sanitary ware made of a vast variety of materials. Owing to the high production costs in Hong Kong, most Hong Kong manufacturers have relocated production to the mainland or other emerging economies, particularly those in Southeast Asia. High value-adding functions, such as sourcing, logistics and product development, are kept in Hong Kong.

Surging inflation has seen US consumers switch their spending to cheaper alternatives, according to exhibitors at Chicago’s Private Label Show.