Ensuring child safety: SmarterX's response to Reese's Law

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, innovations in battery technology have revolutionized countless consumer products, offering smaller sizes and increased power densities. However, with these advancements come potential risks, particularly concerning the safety of children. The ingestion of small, coin or button cell batteries poses a significant danger to young children and has tragically led to fatal incidents. Recognizing this threat, Reese's Law was enacted in August 2022, with key provisions set to take effect starting in March 2024. This legislation aims to enhance child safety by imposing stringent requirements, primarily focusing on making these batteries harder to access.

At SmarterX, we understand the critical importance of complying with Reese's Law to ensure the safety of consumers, especially children. Manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers are faced with the task of meeting the new regulatory standards set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), necessitating the gathering and sharing of product-level data within their supply chains. With our expertise and commitment to product safety, SmarterX is poised to assist businesses in navigating these challenges effectively.

Key provisions impacting suppliers and retailers

The implementation of Reese's Law brings forth several crucial provisions that directly impact suppliers and retailers:

• Child-resistant packaging requirements: Manufacturers and importers are required to adhere to child-resistant packaging standards for button cell or coin batteries. While these requirements were initially applicable to batteries other than zinc-air variants, the law now extends to include zinc-air batteries manufactured or imported after March 8, 2024.
• Compliance with UL 4200A-2023 Standards: Products containing or designed to use button cell or coin batteries must comply with UL 4200A-2023 performance standards, labeling requirements, and certification. This mandate, effective after the CPSC's enforcement discretion date of March 19, 2024, necessitates CPSC-accepted third-party testing for certification, particularly for children's products.
• Labeling Requirements: Starting September 21, 2024, packages containing button cell or coin batteries must adhere to specific labeling requirements outlined in 16 CFR part 1263.

SmarterX's role in ensuring compliance

As the deadline for compliance approaches, SmarterX is committed to supporting suppliers and retailers in meeting the requirements outlined by Reese's Law. Through our tailored solutions and proactive approach, we offer:

• Streamlined Registration Process: SmarterX is enhancing its registration process to accommodate the upload of necessary compliance certificates, such as the Children's Product Certificate (CPC) or General Certificate of Conformity (GCC), for products containing coin or button cell batteries.
• Comprehensive Product Dataset: Leveraging our extensive product dataset, we provide businesses with the necessary tools and information to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• AI-Driven Solutions: With Smarter-1, our advanced AI technology, we assist businesses in identifying and addressing potential compliance issues, including the presence of "hidden" batteries within products.

At SmarterX, we are dedicated to fostering both product safety and innovation. If you're seeking expert insights and guidance on how to navigate the new requirements of Reese's Law, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Together, we can work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers, especially the most vulnerable among us – our children.

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