Amazon has been found responsible for distributing hundreds of thousands of hazardous products sold by third parties through their e-commerce platform by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This includes products such as faulty carbon monoxide detectors, hairdryers without electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that violates federal flammability standards. Despite Amazon’s argument that they were not acting as distributors, the agency ruled that they were legally responsible for recalling these products. Amazon must now submit plans to notify the public about these hazardous products and remove them from circulation.
The hazardous products sold on Amazon.com through the Fulfilled by Amazon program were found to pose a “substantial product hazard” under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Amazon failed to notify the public about these products and did not take adequate steps to encourage customers to return or destroy them. During the legal proceedings, Amazon did not contest that the products presented a hazard but argued that it was not responsible for taking action. The CPSC and an administrative law judge disagreed with Amazon’s assertion, finding that the retailer’s actions were inadequate to protect the public.
Amazon expressed disappointment with the CPSC’s decision and plans to appeal the ruling in court. They emphasized their commitment to the safety of every product in their store through their A-to-z Guarantee and proactive measures in place to prevent unsafe products. Amazon invested over $1.2 billion in 2022 and employed over 15,000 people to protect against counterfeit, fraud, and other abuses. Consumer advocates have applauded the CPSC order, calling it a major step forward for consumer protection online and urging Amazon to drop the legal battle with the agency.
The CPSC has issued a number of recalls for products sold exclusively on Amazon, including children’s pajamas deemed a burn risk, a pool drain cover violating safety standards, twin strollers violating multiple regulations, and area rugs posing a fire hazard. Amazon has taken positive steps for product safety in recent years but must now comply with the CPSC’s order to notify the public about hazardous products and remove them from circulation. It is a crucial step in holding online marketplaces accountable for the products sold on their platforms and ensuring consumer safety.
