CPSC Launches Products Safety Database
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According to Section 212 of CPSIA requirements, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is obliged to establish and maintain a publically available and searchable database online.1 After a series of consultations, the CPSC has recently published the final rules, along with public comments and CPSC responses in the Federal Register.2
Essence of This Database
The database titled “Publically Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database” (16 CFR Part 1102), which can be accessed on www.SaferProducts.gov, will be launched on 11 March 2011,3 although the final rules will be effective on 10 January 2011.2 This database is unique in that it enables consumers to report any safety issues or incidents occurred when using a consumer product. It also provides an opportunity for the manufacturers and private labellers to comment on reports of harm submitted by the consumers. Table 1 summarises the rights and responsibilities of various parties set out by CPSIA requirements.2
It is envisaged that the implementation of the database would enhance the consumers’ safety in the US:
- by increasing public awareness of potential hazards that are associated with a particular products;
- by actively engaging manufacturers and private labellers so safer products can be made;
- by allowing CPSC to easily share information with other government agencies.4
1. Section 212 – Establishment of a Public Consumer Product Safety Database, Consumer Products Safety Commission, access date 4 December 2010.
2. Federal Register - Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database; Final Rule, 16 CFR Part 1102, Consumer Product Safety Commission, access date 12 December 2010.
3. SaferProducts.gov U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, access date 14 December 2010.
4. CPSC Proposes Database for Searching Consumer Products Safety Reports, Safeguards, No 184/09 November 2009, access date 4 December 2010
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