CPSC Launches "Regulatory Robot"

Businesses face a daunting task when attempting to comply with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) reporting requirements. In an effort to simplify and streamline the process for consumer products providers, CPSC recently launched a "Regulatory Robot" designed "to guide you through . . . identify[ing] important product safety requirements that you should review before manufacturing or importing your consumer product."

The Regulatory Robot asks a series of questions regarding a user's product. (http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business--Manufacturing/Regulatory-Robot/Safer-Products-Start-Here/). Throughout the process, the Regulatory Robot provides helpful links that explain, for example, the definition of "consumer product," which products qualify as "children's products," and those categories of items that fall under "household products." After the user answers questions via the click-through menus, the Regulatory Robot generates a report that identifies