Frequently Asked Questions
Business >> Self-Reporting (Section 15 Reporting)
How Can My Company Report a Potentially Defective or Hazardous Product?
Manufacturers (which includes importers), distributors, and retailers are required to report to CPSC under Section 15 (b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) within 24 hours of obtaining information which reasonably supports the conclusion that a product fails to comply with an applicable consumer product safety rule or with any other rule, regulation, standard, or ban under the CPSA, or any other act enforced by CPSC, or contains a defect that could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, 15 U.S.C. 2064(b).
You may submit a section 15(b) report online through SaferProducts.gov. Section 15(b) reports will not be published on SaferProducts.gov.
Section 15(b) reports may also be made to:
Office of Compliance and Field Operations at CPSC4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone (301) 504-7677 or (301) 504-7594.
Are there Whistleblower Protections for Consumer Product Industry Workers?
If you work for a company that manufactures, imports, or distributes brands, or sells consumer products, your employer may not fire or retaliate against you because you provided, caused to be provided, or are about to provide, or cause to be provided to the employer, the federal government, or the attorney general of a state, information relating to any violation of, or any act or omission that you reasonably believe to be a violation of any law, order, rule, regulation, standard, or ban enforced by the CPSC.
For more information, see the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), download the OSHA factsheet, and visit: www.whistleblowers.gov for more information on these protections and how to file a complaint.
Still have questions?
You can use the Online Contact Form or call (301) 504-7945 contact the Small Business Ombudsman for business-related questions.
For questions about submitting a Section 15 report, please email section15@cpsc.gov
For issues with SaferProducts.gov registration, please email clearinghouse@cpsc.gov