Amazon Responsible For Product Items Sold
US regulators have determined that Amazon is accountable for managing recalls of unsafe products available on its platform and must enhance its procedures.
They noted that Amazon’s current notifications were inadequate in persuading customers to discontinue the use of these products. As a result, the company has been instructed to provide a revised strategy for addressing such issues.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reached its decision following a 2021 lawsuit against Amazon for distributing over 400,000 unsafe products, such as defective carbon monoxide detectors. has announced its intention to challenge the ruling while standing by its practices.
The company stated that, in the event of a recall, it removes the affected products from its platform and informs its customers.
The company expressed its dissatisfaction with the CPSC’s ruling, stating, “the decision disappoints us and intends to appeal it. We are eager to present our case in court.”
noted that it had ceased selling the unsafe items mentioned in the complaint, including defective carbon monoxide detectors, hairdryers lacking electrocution safeguards, and children’s pyjamas not adhering to flammability standards. reported that it had informed customers, advised them to stop using the products, and issued refunds.
Amazon Notifications
The commission criticized notifications for not using the term “recall” and lacking crucial details. They stated that Amazon “did not take sufficient measures to prompt customers to return or dispose of the products, thus leaving consumers at significant risk of harm.”
Amazon has consistently contested claims of liability for items sold by other vendors on its platform. challenged its role as a “distributor” under the law, arguing it functioned merely as an external logistics provider.
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However, the commission determined that involvement extended beyond that of a typical shipping company, particularly when merchants used its “Fulfilled by Amazon” service, which manages most of the sales on the platform
Amazon New Product
According to the commission’s ruling, oversees the return process, interacts with customers, enforces pricing regulations, and verifies item eligibility for businesses taking part in the program.
The commission noted in a statement that its decision was based on the specifics of this case but also suggested that companies might want to assess how the analysis in this decision could apply to their products and practices.
Amazon Personal Injury Claims
The ruling contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the responsibility of online platforms for content on their sites. In 2020, a California appeals court determined that could be held liable for damages related to a defective laptop battery sold through its platform.
Following this, Amazon implemented a new product guarantee in 2021, which includes refunds and a process for addressing personal injury claims.
On Tuesday, the company reiterated its commitment to product safety, stating, “We stand behind the safety of every product in our store,” and highlighted its measures to prevent unsafe products and oversee listings.