We're 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; drugs and cosmetics are covered by the Food and Drug Administration; alcohol, tobacco and firearms are covered by the Department of the Treasury.

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.

If you've had a problem with a consumer product or you want information, here's how to get in touch with us:

To report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Washington, D.C. 20207