ICPHSO 2025: Product Safety Conversations, Connections, and What’s Ahead

GRS had the opportunity to exhibit at the ICPHSO 2025 North America Product Safety Training Symposium in Minneapolis, a gathering of product safety professionals from across sectors. From reconnecting with trusted partners to forming new relationships and attending timely sessions, it was a week filled with thoughtful dialogue, practical insights, and forward-looking conversations about what’s next in compliance and product safety.

Partner Conversations & New Connections

The exhibitor space created a great environment for meaningful engagement. We were able to catch up with long-standing partners and meet new industry professionals, including retailers, manufacturers, regulatory consultants, testing labs, and attorneys.

These informal yet strategic conversations helped us deepen relationships, explore potential collaboration, and hear directly about evolving compliance needs.

Organizations Represented

Speakers and attendees represented a broad cross-section of the product safety community. Highlights included participation from:

• Health Canada
• ASTM International
• UL Solutions
• SGS
• Bureau Veritas
• Retailers and private brand teams
• Independent labs, consultants, and legal experts

This diverse representation added depth and nuance to panels and training sessions alike.

Topics That Took Center Stage

Couldn't make it to ICPHSO, but have a topic that you would be interesting in learning more about? Click the link below to let us know—and stay tuned for news on GRS-facilitated learning sessions where we'll explore your most-requested topics!

The agenda covered a wide range of product safety and regulatory issues, with sessions focused on:

• Risk assessment methods and safety evaluation practices
• Chemical safety and PFAS-related regulations
• AI, IoT, and technology-driven product risks
• Recalls and enforcement preparedness
• Labeling, testing, and supply chain oversight
• International harmonization of standards
• Sustainability and circular product strategies

Each session offered practical takeaways and reflected the shared challenges facing compliance professionals today.

Buzz & Backdrop

Although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was not formally present, its absence sparked a number of conversations — particularly in light of the recent reinstatement of Democratic commissioners, which may signal changes ahead.

Trade was also a hot topic, with many attendees focused on the implications of proposed tariffs and their ripple effects on sourcing, costs, and compliance practices.

What’s Next: Looking to the International Event

Momentum from the Minneapolis symposium is carrying into the upcoming international ICPHSO event, which is already expected to draw high attendance. Many in the industry see growing value in these global gatherings, particularly as regulatory frameworks continue to shift across borders.

Exhibiting at ICPHSO 2025 reminded us of the power of community and cross-sector dialogue in navigating compliance challenges. We left Minneapolis with new insights, deeper partnerships, and a renewed commitment to staying at the forefront of product safety. We’re grateful to have participated and look forward to what’s ahead.