The United States (US) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced that Bon-Ton will pay a civil penalty of $450,000 to resolve CPSC staff allegations that the firm knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that its children’s hooded jackets and sweatshirts were sold with drawstrings through the hood.
Per CPSC law, children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings, including jackets and sweatshirts, pose a strangulation hazard to children.
Additionally, the law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect that could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard or ban enforced by CPSC.
On February 18, March 10, and May 27, 2010, CPSC and three US importers announced recalls of children’s jackets and sweatshirts with drawstrings through the hood. Bon-Ton was a retailer of about 800 total jackets and sweatshirts in all three recalls.
In agreeing to the settlement, Bon-Ton denies CPSC staff allegations that it knowingly violated the law.
Compliance & Risks monitors and tracks global restrictions and bans on drawstrings in children's apparel. For more on these requirements, contact us!
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