The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) is an independent agency of the United States government “charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction.” (CPSC). The CPSC regulates the sale and manufacture of more than 15,000 different consumer products, including clothing and accessories. The agency fulfills this mandate by “banning dangerous consumer products, establishing safety requirements for other consumer products, issuing recalls of products already on the market, and researching potential hazards associated with consumer products.”
The CPSC learns about unsafe products in a number of ways. For instance, the agency maintains a consumer hotline through which individuals can report concerns about unsafe products or injuries associated with products. Product safety concerns may also be submitted through SaferProducts.gov, a public database where consumers, manufacturers, and healthcare professionals can share information about product hazards and related incidents.
For fashion and apparel companies, compliance with CPSC regulations is critical. The agency enforces safety standards for items such as children’s clothing, sleepwear, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. These standards may cover flammability, lead content, phthalates, small parts, drawstrings, and other elements that pose potential risks to consumers—especially young children. For example, under the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA), the CPSC has the authority to regulate highly flammable textiles used in clothing and home furnishings. Similarly, children’s products are subject to stringent testing and certification requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which mandates third-party testing for lead and phthalates and requires labeling to ensure traceability.
Failure to comply with CPSC standards can lead to civil penalties, mandatory recalls, import detentions, or reputational damage. As such, fashion brands must take proactive measures to monitor supply chains, test materials, ensure labeling compliance, and respond swiftly to consumer complaints or safety notices. In an era where sustainability and corporate responsibility are increasingly scrutinized, CPSC compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a key part of brand trust and consumer protection.