## Overview The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal agency in the United States tasked with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products[3][7]. Established by Congress in 1972, the CPSC has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 types of consumer goods—ranging from toys and furniture to electronics, appliances, clothing, and household products—ensuring they meet safety standards before reaching consumers[2][3]. ## Mission and Functions The CPSC’s primary role is to reduce hazards by developing and enforcing safety standards, banning products when necessary, and initiating recalls for unsafe items[5]. It investigates consumer complaints through platforms like SaferProducts.gov, where the public can report potentially dangerous products[1][6]. The agency collaborates with businesses to ensure compliance, provides guidance on testing and certification, and works with manufacturers and retailers to develop corrective action plans, including recalls, when products are found to be hazardous[1]. The CPSC enforces several key federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act[2]. These laws empower the agency to set mandatory safety standards, ban hazardous products, and oversee recalls to protect consumers from fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazards—particularly those that could harm children[3][6]. ## History and Key Achievements Since its inception, the CPSC has played a pivotal role in shaping product safety in the U.S. It has been instrumental in removing dangerous products from the market, such as lead-tainted toys and flammable children’s sleepwear. The agency’s advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which strengthened regulatory oversight and increased penalties for violations[2]. The CPSC’s efforts have resulted in safer consumer goods industry-wide, from stricter flammability standards for mattresses