We are the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 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."
We have 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; foods, drugs and cosmetics are covered by the Food and Drug Administration; and alcohol, tobacco and firearms are within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury.
What We Do
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
Informing and educating consumers through the media, state and local governments, private organizations, and by responding to consumer inquiries.
How We Help
If a consumer has a problem with a consumer product or wants information, here's how to get in touch with us:
To report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related inquiry, complete our on line form or call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or (800) 638-8270 for the hearing and speech impaired.
CPSC has a variety of safety publications. To request a publication, send an e-mail to publications@cpsc.gov or send a letter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Public Affairs Headquarters
U.S. CPSC Headquarters
4330 East West Highway
ATTN: OIPA
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 504-7908
(301) 504-0399 (Fax)
