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ARTICLE · 20 AUGUST 2025

The CPSC And Amazon: Navigating A Shifting Regulatory Landscape

Foley & Lardner LLP
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Despite recent leadership and other changes at the agency, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (the "CPSC" or "Commission") has maintained its focus on regulating e-commerce platforms...

United StatesConsumer Protection
Erik Swanholt
Erik Swanholt
Kristin M. McGaver
Kristin M. McGaver
Megan Chester
Megan Chester
Mikaela R. Mitcham
Mikaela R. Mitcham
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Despite recent leadership and other changes at the agency, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (the "CPSC" or "Commission") has maintained its focus on regulating e-commerce platforms that facilitate large-volume imports from foreign manufacturers directly to U.S. consumers.1 On July 29, 2024, and January 16, 2025, the CPSC advanced this priority by issuing orders classifying Amazon—the largest e-marketplace—as a "distributor" under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Under these orders, the CPSC asserts that Amazon is responsible for hazardous products sold through its Fulfilled by Amazon ("FBA") program.

In response, in March 2025, Amazon filed suit against the CPSC in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Amazon challenges both the constitutionality and the scope of the Commission's actions.

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