Information
For other CPSC recall notices and press releases, visit the CPSC web site
What is the CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an
independent federal regulatory agency that was created in 1972 by
Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Act. In that law,
Congress directed the Commission to "protect the public against
unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with
consumer products."
It has jurisdiction over about 15,000 types of consumer
products, from automatic-drip coffee makers to toys to lawn
mowers. Some types of products, however, are covered by other
federal agencies. For example, cars, trucks and motorcycles are
covered by the Department of Transportation; drugs and cosmetics
are covered by the Food and Drug Administration; alcohol, tobacco
and firearms are covered by the Department of the Treasury.
What the CPSC does
CPSC works to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths from
consumer products by:
- developing voluntary standards with industry;
- issuing and enforcing mandatory standards; banning
consumer products if no feasible standard would adequately
protect the public;
- obtaining the recall of products or arranging for their
repair;
- conducting research on potential product hazards; and
- informing and educating consumers through the media, state
and local governments, private organizations, and by
responding to consumer inquiries.
How Can It Help You and Your Family
If you've had a problem with a consumer product or you want
information, here's how to get in touch with the CPSC:
To report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury:
- call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at (800)638-2772; and
(800)638-8270 for the hearing impaired;
- contact us via electronic mail on the Internet at
info@cpsc.gov
- access the CPSC Internet gopher system at cpsc.gov;
- write to request a free copy of a publication listing
at:
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Washington, D.C. 20207
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is now also on the
World Wide Web at http://www.cpsc.gov
