The Consumer Product Safety Act: Consumer Impact

Abstract

The main purpose of the Consumer Product Safety Act is to protect the consumer from unreasonable risk associated with consumer products. Terminology relating to the act, including consumer products and reasonable and unreasonable risks, is defined. The act has the authority to establish safety standards in two ways: on its own initiative or by petition from consumers and industry. The act also deals with products representing a substantial hazard. Once a preliminary determination is made, defects are classified as due to either quality control or design. Violators are then requested to submit voluntary corrective action plans. Civil and criminal penalties can be assessed if the agency's mandates are not complied with.