Definition of Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

independent federal regulatory agency, established in 1972 by the federal Consumer Product Safety Act, charged with reducing unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. The commission establishes rules and guidelines for manufacturers and helps consumers identify safety risks. The commission was intended to compensate for previous legislation that provided for federal action only after an injury had occurred. The CPSC tracks injury statistics in order to identify products that require mandatory safety rules, such as the use of flame-retardant fabric in children's sleepwear, or nonmandatory guidelines, such as those concerning playground surfacing. The five-person commission may be contacted by writing to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207. Commissioners are appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate.