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The article reports on the rash of legislation in the U.S. Congress related to the product safety of imports from China in the wake of scandals over tainted imported consumer products. The legislative response is described as an overreaction at best and at worst an attempt to curb free trade with protectionist measures.

The article discusses the legal liability of companies in a spate of consumer products from China that have been recalled or caused injury due to contamination or faulty production. U.S. governmental agencies typically hold U.S. importers responsible for ensuring the quality of foreign-made products. Lawsuits filed against Chinese manufacturers, and the ability to enforce verdicts against them is discussed. INSET: The China Syndrome.

The article examines consumer protection laws in China which become effective on March 15, 2104. Provisions of the laws on product returns, data protection and class actions by consumers are discussed. Concerns among international business enterprises operating in China that the laws will be more strictly enforced against them than Chinese companies are discussed.

The article reports on a new toy safety law signed by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2008 following a year of warnings on lead and hazardous plastics in children's items, especially those imported from China. Children's products sold in the U.S. are prohibited to contain more than a minuscule amount of lead or phthalates, effective 2009. It cites the need for manufacturers to submit all their products for independent testing and provide tracking numbers on the label.

The article discusses the effect of product recalls on U.S. consumers. The author suggests U.S. consumers are more conscious of a product's country of origin following recalls of products manufactured in China and developing countries. An online survey conducted by research firm Harris Interactive indicated that a majority of Americans doubt the safety of products such as medications, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements and foods offered by developing countries. The survey also indicated a majority of Americans felt stronger measures regarding import product safety should be implemented including banning unsafe products and setting higher fines and penalties.

The article focuses on the factors to consider by foreign apparel manufacturers and retailers who want to expand in China to ensure that their products meet the requirements of the GB 18401 National General Safety Technical Code. Decomposable aromatic amines in dyes are limited to 20 milligrams per kilogram. The use of formaldehyde is prohibited in the country since 2001 as the chemical was found to cause dermatitis and aspiratory inflammation. Hydrogen-ion concentration or pH value is limited to 4.0 and 7.5 for products with direct skin contact.

The article reports that the United Nations is planning on a total ban on mercury usage in product design. The decision, backed by India and China, comes after U.S. President Barack Obama's administration announced that it was in favour of an international ban or strict restriction on mercury. It is noted that around 6000 tons of mercury annually enter the environment.

The author scrutinizes the policy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on China's safety violations and the recall of most of its products. According to published reports, the CPSC staff is half the size it was during the 1980s and it has just 15 inspectors to oversee all imports. Acting chairwoman of the agency, Nancy Nord, asked the U.S. Congress not to pass legislation that would give the agency back some of its power, double its budget and return the work force to earlier levels.