The Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC has announced a significant step in its ongoing efforts to protect children from the hazards of button cell and coin batteries. The agency is formally requesting public comments on a proposed extension of approval for information collection requirements associated with its Safety Standard for Button Cell or Coin Batteries and Consumer Products Containing Such Batteries. This action, published in the Federal Register on June 15, 2026, highlights the Commission's commitment to consumer safety and regulatory oversight, particularly as the current approval for these collection requirements is set to expire on October 31, 2026.
The Genesis of the Standard: Reese's Law
The Safety Standard for Button Cell or Coin Batteries, codified in 16 CFR part 1263, is a direct result of Reese's Law, found at 15 U.S.C. 2056e(a) and (b). This crucial legislation was enacted to address the severe and often fatal injuries associated with young children, specifically those aged six years and younger, ingesting button cell and coin batteries. These small, powerful batteries can cause chemical burns to internal tissues if swallowed, leading to devastating consequences.
The standard imposes dual requirements: performance standards for child-resistant battery compartments and comprehensive labeling requirements. Child-resistant compartments are mandated for both children's and non-children's consumer products that either contain or are designed to use these batteries. Beyond the physical safeguards, the standard also prescribes warning labels for packaging of consumer products containing button cell or coin batteries and for any accompanying literature, such as instruction manuals. Additionally, the packaging of the batteries themselves, including those packaged separately with a consumer product, must carry specific warning labels. These measures collectively aim to reduce or eliminate the incidence of injury and death stemming from battery ingestion.
The Information Collection and Its Renewal
The current information collection, identified under OMB control number 3041-0195, plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with the safety standard. It requires manufacturers and importers of packages of button cell and coin batteries, as well as manufacturers and importers of non-children's products that utilize these batteries, to adhere to the aforementioned labeling and recordkeeping provisions. The CPSC's notice indicates that the agency is now seeking a renewal of this approved collection, underscoring the continuous need for data to monitor and enforce the safety regulations.
Estimated Burden on Industry
The CPSC has provided detailed estimates regarding the burden this information collection places on the affected public. The Commission estimates that approximately 15,363 entities will respond to the collection annually. Each entity is projected to respond an average of three times per year. The estimated time per response is broken down into 1.25 hours for labeling activities and an additional 1.25 hours for recordkeeping, making a total of 2.5 hours per response. Based on these figures, the total estimated annual burden for the collection is calculated at 115,222.5 hours. Translating this into monetary terms, and using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' figure of $48.97 per hour for private industry workers in goods-producing industries as of December 2025, the total estimated annual cost to respondents is approximately $5.6 million.
Call for Public Engagement
This Federal Register notice serves as a formal invitation for all interested persons to submit written comments on the proposed information collection extension. The CPSC is particularly interested in feedback pertaining to several key areas:
- Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions and if the information possesses practical utility.
- The accuracy of the estimated burden associated with the proposed collection.
- Opportunities to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
- Methods to minimize the burden imposed by the collection, potentially through automated, electronic, or other technological means.
Comments must be submitted by August 14, 2026. Electronic submissions are encouraged via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov, identified by Docket No. CPSC-2023-0004. For those wishing to submit confidential business information, alternative methods such as mail, hand delivery, courier, or email to [email protected] are provided to ensure protection of sensitive data. Cynthia Gillham at the CPSC is the designated point of contact for further information.
Looking Ahead
The CPSC's request for comment reflects a commitment to transparent and evidence-based policymaking. The ongoing dialogue between regulatory bodies and the public is crucial for refining safety standards and ensuring their effectiveness while managing the practical implications for affected industries. The insights garnered from this comment period will undoubtedly inform the Commission's final decision on extending these vital information collection requirements, ultimately shaping the landscape of consumer product safety and the continued protection of children from battery ingestion hazards. The process highlights the dynamic nature of federal regulation, where continuous review and public input are essential for maintaining relevance and efficacy in safeguarding public health and safety.
