Amazon is taking legal action against the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding its decision to hold the company accountable for defective products sold on its platform, as reported by The Associated Press. In their lawsuit, Amazon is requesting to be classified as a «third-party logistics provider» rather than a distributor and is criticizing the CPSC as being «unconstitutionally constructed.»
The conflict between Amazon and the CPSC dates back to 2021 when the CPSC sued Amazon to demand the recall of faulty carbon monoxide detectors, unsafe hair dryers, and flammable children’s sleepwear. While Amazon had already taken steps to address the issue by notifying customers of the products’ hazards and offering store credit, the CPSC insisted on further actions.
In 2024, the CPSC reclassified Amazon as a distributor, making the company responsible for issuing recalls and refunds for products sold through its Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program. FBA allows sellers to send their products to Amazon warehouses for handling shipping, customer service, and returns. Amazon disputes this classification, arguing that it does not manufacture the faulty products in question and sees itself more as a facilitator similar to FedEx.
Apart from seeking reclassification and avoiding additional refund responsibilities, Amazon also raises concerns about the CPSC itself. The commissioners of the CPSC are appointed by the President, approved by the Senate, and serve for seven years unless removed for misconduct. Amazon believes the commission’s structure gives it excessive power, acting as «judge, jury, and prosecutor» in legal proceedings.
Amazon has previously voiced similar objections regarding the National Labor Review Board, responsible for safeguarding workers’ rights to unionize. The timing of these grievances is crucial, as the Trump administration appears inclined to support Amazon in reducing the CPSC’s authority, given its stance on government regulatory bodies.
This article was originally published on Engadget at .
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