Consumer database opposed by House GOP goes live

The amendment passed on Feb. 19 by a 234-187 vote along party lines.

“Beginning today, consumers are encouraged to visit www.SaferProducts.gov to submit reports of harm or risks of harm, and to search for safety information on products they own or may be considering buying,” CPSC said in a Friday announcement.

“CPSC stayed on time and on budget in building this new database,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Through SaferProducts.gov consumers will have open access to product safety information that they have never seen before and the information will empower them to make safer choices.”

Under existing procedures, manufacturers have 10 business days during which they may respond and provide comments on any reports of safety violations put into the database, before the complaints get posted online, CPSC states.

“It is important that consumers provide CPSC with information that is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Reports lacking required information will not be published,” a press release states.

While reports can now be filed via the website, they will not be visible until April. 

“Just because a bad government program begins does not mean oversight ends. Congressman Pompeo is committed to protecting consumers, which is why he’s firmly opposed to the current implementation of the database. As is, the database will not prevent false and misleading information from appearing on the site and as such will inadvertently drive consumers away from safe products. The database is supposed to address safety problems, not cause them,” Rachel Taylor, a spokeswoman for Pompeo said.