CPSC: Amazon Responsible for Hazardous Products Sold by 3rd-Party Sellers, Recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Tuesday issued a unanimous decision and order finding Amazon.com Inc. responsible for distributing products that pose significant safety risks to consumers. This determination includes more than 400,000 units of faulty carbon monoxide detectors, hairdryers lacking electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that does not meet federal flammability standards, according to the July 30 order from the commission. The commission classified Amazon as a “distributor” under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), thereby holding the company legally accountable for the recall of these hazardous items sold by third-party vendors through the Fulfilled by Amazon program. The products in question were deemed “substantial product hazards” under the CPSA....