Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA, 1972)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (15 U.S.C. § 2051 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The CPSA was enacted to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products. It created the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Prior to 1972, consumer product regulation was scattered across various agencies, leaving many household goods unregulated for safety. The CPSA centralized oversight.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it has prevented countless injuries and deaths. Critics claim it can stifle innovation, impose costly regulations, and sometimes oversteps into areas better left to industry standards.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers (must comply with safety standards)
• Consumers (gain protections and access to recalls)
• CPSC (given broad authority to regulate and enforce product safety)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• 15 U.S.C. § 2053: Establishment of the CPSC
• 15 U.S.C. § 2064: Reporting of dangerous products and recalls
• 15 U.S.C. § 2069: Civil penalties for violations

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Expanded recall authority in later amendments (e.g., Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008)
• Ongoing debates about regulation of new tech products like e-scooters and lithium batteries
• Tension between federal oversight and voluntary industry standards

8) Official Sources

• U.S. Code – Title 15, Chapter 47
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• GAO – Consumer Product Safety Oversight

• Consumer Protection
• Safety
• Products
• Manufacturing
• Regulation