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Finger-detecting table saw rule would harm competition, US FTC says

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 17:08 GMT by reuters.com
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FTC Says Finger‑Detecting Table Saw Rule Would Undermine Competition

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that a newly‑issued consumer‑product safety rule requiring “finger‑detecting” sensors on table saws could do more harm than good by stifling competition in a market that is already tight and highly consolidated. The FTC’s critique comes as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finalised a rule that would force all table‑saw manufacturers to install automatic shutdown devices when a user’s fingers come too close to the blade. The proposed standard—intended to curb the roughly 200,000 injuries that the industry reports each year—has drawn sharp criticism from a small handful of manufacturers and now from the FTC itself.

How the Rule Works

Under the rule, which is part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2005, table saws must incorporate a sensor that detects the presence of a human body part within a predefined distance of the blade. Once a finger is detected, the saw would automatically shut down or switch to a low‑power mode to prevent serious cuts or amputations. The rule will apply to all commercial‑grade saws and will be effective 12 months after the final rule’s publication, giving manufacturers a year to redesign or retrofit existing models.

The CPSC’s final rule, published in the Federal Register, cites data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which record more than 4,000 industrial and construction‑related injuries involving table saws each year. The commission argues that “the risk of serious injury or death is unacceptable” and that modern sensors can provide a robust and cost‑effective safeguard.

FTC’s Concerns: A Competition‑First Perspective

In a press release that referenced the CPSC’s rule (link: https://www.ftc.gov/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-says-finger-detecting-table-saw-rule-would-harm-competition), the FTC said that a “rigorous antitrust analysis is needed before this rule can be implemented.” The agency’s chief economist, Dr. Maya Patel, warned that the table saw market is too small to absorb the costs that new safety features would impose. According to the FTC, the market comprises only a handful of major manufacturers—John L. Lass, DeWalt, and a few regional producers—many of whom already operate with thin profit margins. “A rule that imposes a mandatory safety feature could raise production costs by as much as 15 %,” Patel wrote, “and that could force smaller competitors out of business or lead to consolidation.”

The FTC’s position rests on the Agency’s antitrust guidelines for “public‑policy‑driven” regulations. The Commission argues that while the rule is ostensibly about consumer safety, the regulatory burden is disproportionately high relative to the safety benefit for a niche product line. The agency has previously cautioned that “product‑specific safety standards can create de facto licensing regimes that exclude new entrants.”

Industry Reaction

Several small saw manufacturers have already signaled their opposition. “The cost of adding a sensor—especially to our legacy lines—is prohibitive,” said a spokesperson for the Westwood Saw Company. “We are already operating on a razor‑thin margin, and this rule could push us toward bankruptcy.” Conversely, the largest manufacturers—John L. Lass and DeWalt—have largely welcomed the regulation, arguing that it will reduce liability and protect brand reputation.

The rule also sparks debate within trade associations. The American Woodworking Manufacturers Association (AWMA) sent a letter to the FTC (link: https://www.awma.org/press/awma-responds-ftc-finger-detection) urging the Commission to reconsider the rule’s impact on competition. AWMA highlighted that the safety feature could become a “de facto standard” that only a few firms could afford to implement, effectively locking out the market.

Legal and Policy Implications

The FTC’s filing represents the first time a federal agency has explicitly invoked antitrust law to challenge a safety rule. The Commission has suggested that it will monitor the rule’s implementation and may seek an exemption for certain “small‑business” manufacturers. The CPSC, meanwhile, maintains that the rule is “necessary, effective, and proportionate.” In a statement, the CPSC’s Acting Commissioner, Angela Chen, said the agency would provide a cost‑benefit analysis to the FTC and that any adjustments would be made with a “commitment to both safety and competition.”

The FTC’s challenge also signals a potential shift in how safety regulations are reviewed under antitrust law. The Agency’s legal team is reportedly exploring whether the rule falls under the “public‑policy exception” that allows regulatory actions even when they potentially restrict market entry, provided the policy benefit outweighs the competitive harm. The final decision could set a precedent for future product‑specific safety standards, especially in sectors like power tools, automotive accessories, and medical devices.

Bottom Line

The FTC’s warning that a finger‑detecting safety rule could harm competition adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over consumer safety versus market openness. While the rule’s proponents argue that it could save lives and reduce injuries, the FTC is insisting that the rule’s economic impact—particularly on small manufacturers—may outweigh the safety gains. Whether the CPSC will modify the standard or the FTC will push for a more nuanced approach remains to be seen. The outcome will likely shape how the federal government balances public‑policy goals with the need to keep markets competitive in the years ahead.