HANRO USA Fined $150,000 for Selling Flammable Ladies' Robes
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
announced today that HANRO USA, of New York, N.Y., has agreed to pay a
civil penalty of $150,000. The penalty settles allegations that the firm
knowingly imported and distributed highly flammable ladies' fleece
robes, a violation of the Flammable Fabrics Act. The penalty also
settles allegations the firm failed to report the importation and
distribution of the flammable ladies' fleece robes to the CPSC in a
timely manner, as required by the Consumer Product Safety Act.
In September and October 1998, HANRO USA imported about 1,200
ladies' fleece robes made from 90 percent cotton/10 percent polyester
fabric. The firm did not verify whether these robes complied with the
Flammable Fabrics Act and the Clothing Standard. In October and November
1999, HANRO USA imported and distributed about 900 similar ladies'
fleece robes. Before importing the second shipment of robes, the firm
received flammability test results showing they were dangerously
flammable and unsuitable for clothing because of their rapid and intense
burning. These robes violated the Flammable Fabrics Act and the Clothing
Standard, and the previous shipment of robes was made from essentially
the same fabric. Despite knowing about the failing test results, HANRO
USA imported and distributed the violative robes. Only after the firm
received a report that one of these robes caught fire and burned a
consumer's hair did HANRO USA report the problem to CPSC.
In agreeing to settle this matter, HANRO USA denies the CPSC
staff's allegations and denies that it knowingly violated the Flammable
Fabrics Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act.
In cooperation with CPSC, HANRO USA recalled the robes. These
recalled robes contain the sewn-in label "HANRO of Switzerland." They
were sold in colors white, blue, ivory, beige and gray, and in sizes XS
through L. Department stores and boutiques nationwide sold these ladies'
fleece robes from October 1998 through January 2000 for between $280 to
$350. For more information, contact HANRO USA at (800) 889-7443.