The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal agency established in 1972 by Congress under the Consumer Product Safety Act. It began operation in 1973. The Commission has approximately 480 employees and is headed by three commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The commissioners serve staggered 7-year terms.

The mission of the CPSC is to “protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products.” They have jurisdiction over 15,000 types of consumer products and issue safety standards for items ranging from bicycle helmets to matchbooks to swimming pool slides.

(Certain other consumer products are covered by other federal agencies. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard covers boats and the Food and Drug Administration regulates drugs.)

In addition to issuing mandatory product safety standards, they can also ban

On the other hand, manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers are obligated by regulatory requirements to assist the CPSC with their mission. These entities are required to report within 24 hours of obtaining information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product does not comply with a safety rule (issued under the CPSA), or contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public or presents an unreasonable risk or serious injury or death. CPSC publishes The Corrective Action Handbook that provides familiarization with reporting requirements for companies.

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