How CPSC Recalls Work — and Why They Look Different From FDA Recalls
February 19, 2026
A Different Agency, a Different Process
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) handles recalls for a vast category of everyday products — everything from cribs and toys to power tools and clothing. If a product is not food, drugs, vehicles, or firearms, it probably falls under CPSC jurisdiction. And the way CPSC recalls work differs significantly from how the FDA handles food, drug, and device recalls.
Negotiated Remedies
The biggest difference is the remedy. FDA recalls focus on removing a product from the market. CPSC recalls focus on providing a remedy to consumers who already bought the product. When the CPSC announces a recall, the notice almost always includes a specific remedy:
- Refund: Return the product for a full refund
- Replacement: Receive a new, non-defective product
- Repair: Get a free repair kit or schedule a repair
- Store credit: Receive credit from the retailer
These remedies are negotiated between the CPSC and the company before the recall is announced. The company funds the remedy — consumers should never pay for a recall-related repair, replacement, or refund.
No Classification System
Unlike the FDA"s Class I, II, and III system, the CPSC does not classify recalls by severity tier. Every CPSC recall is treated as a public safety action. The agency does use internal risk assessment tools to prioritize its work, but these assessments are not published as part of the recall notice.
How CPSC Recalls Are Initiated
CPSC recalls typically begin in one of three ways:
- Company self-report: Under Section 15 of the Consumer Product Safety Act, companies are legally required to report products that could pose a substantial hazard. Most CPSC recalls begin this way.
- CPSC investigation: The agency investigates reports of injuries, deaths, or product failures submitted by consumers, hospitals, and fire departments through its SaferProducts.gov portal.
- Mandatory recall: In rare cases where a company refuses to cooperate, the CPSC can pursue a mandatory recall through administrative proceedings.
What CPSC Recall Notices Include
CPSC recall notices are generally more consumer-friendly than FDA notices. They typically include product photos, a clear description of the hazard, the number of reported incidents and injuries, where the product was sold, and step-by-step instructions for obtaining the remedy. This makes it easier for consumers to identify whether they own the affected product and what to do about it.
You can browse all CPSC recalls on RecallDepth or search by product name to find specific consumer product recalls.