[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 16, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 16CFR1031.9]

[Page 124]
 
                     TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
 
             CHAPTER II--CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
 
PART 1031--COMMISSION PARTICIPATION AND COMMISSION EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT 
IN VOLUNTARY STANDARDS ACTIVITIES--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart B--Employee Involvement
 
Sec.  1031.9  Purpose and scope.


    (a) This subpart sets forth the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 
criteria and requirements governing membership and involvement by 
Commission officials and employees in the activities of voluntary 
standards development bodies.
    (b) The Commission realizes there are advantages and benefits 
afforded by greater involvement of Commission personnel in the standards 
activities of domestic and international voluntary standards 
organizations. However, such involvement might present an appearance or 
possibility of the Commission giving preferential treatment to an 
organization or group or of the Commission losing its independence or 
impartiality. Also, such participation may present real or apparent 
conflict of interest situations.
    (c) The purpose of this subpart is to further the objectives and 
programs of the Commission and to do so in a manner that ensures that 
such membership and participation:
    (1) Is consistent with the intent of the Consumer Product Safety Act 
and the other acts administered by the Commission, as well as with 
federal policy as set forth in the current version of OMB Circular No. 
A-119, Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary 
Standards;
    (2) Is not contrary to the public interest;
    (3) Presents no real or apparent conflict of interest, and does not 
result in or create the appearance of the Commission giving preferential 
treatment to an organization or group or the Commission compromising its 
independence or impartiality; and
    (4) Takes into account Commission resources and priorities.
    (d) In general, Commission employees must obtain approval from their 
supervisor and appropriate agency management to be involved in voluntary 
standards activities. They should also strive to apprise the Voluntary 
Standards Coordinator, where practicable, as to their involvement in 
voluntary standards activities.
    (e) All Commission employees involved in voluntary standards 
activities are subject to any restrictions for avoiding conflicts of 
interest and for avoiding situations that would present an appearance of 
bias.