Amazon doesn’t want the blame for unsafe items sold by third parties

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Amazon is suing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a US government agency, over a disagreement about who is responsible for recalling dangerous products sold on Amazon’s website.

The CPSC wants Amazon to take full responsibility for recalling unsafe products, such as flammable children’s pajamas and faulty carbon monoxide detectors, even when those products are sold by third-party sellers (independent businesses using Amazon’s platform). 

In 2021, the CPSC sued Amazon, claiming the company didn’t do enough to recall hazardous items. 

While Amazon removed the items and warned customers, the CPSC argued that Amazon made the issue seem less severe than it really was.

Amazon says it’s a logistics provider, not a distributor

Amazon says it isn’t actually a “distributor” of these products but rather a “logistics provider.” In simple terms, it claims to be more like a shipping and storage company than a seller. 

Because of this, Amazon argues that the CPSC shouldn’t have the power to force it to conduct recalls. 

Amazon also says the way the CPSC operates is unfair because it acts as judge, jury, and prosecutor in its own cases.

The CPSC disagrees, saying that Amazon is a distributor under the law and must follow the rules and recall such products like any other retailer. 

Consumer advocates support the CPSC, arguing that Amazon can’t just avoid responsibility because its marketplace is online. They believe Amazon needs to do more to protect customers from unsafe products. (via: The Verge)

Amazon has created a recall page on its website, but it’s now taking legal action to fight the CPSC’s decision. 

If Amazon wins, it could limit the government’s power to regulate online marketplaces. 

If the CPSC wins, Amazon may have to take more responsibility for dangerous products sold through its site, even when it’s not the direct seller.

What do you think about this move from Amazon? Do you think should take responsibility for what sells on its platform? Tell us below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.