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Section 15(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act establishes reporting requirements for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of consumer products. Each must notify the Commission immediately if it obtains information which reasonably supports the conclusion that a product distributed in commerce (1) fails to meet a consumer product safety standard or banning regulation, (2) contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard to consumers, (3) creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or (4) fails to comply with a voluntary standard upon which the Commission has relied under the CPSA.4 Companies that distribute products that violate regulations issued under the other laws that the Commission administers -- the Flammable Fabrics Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1193-1204; the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1261-1278; the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1471-1476; and the Refrigerator Safety Act; 15 U.S.C. §1211-1214 -- must also report, if the violations may also constitute product defects that could create a substantial risk of injury to the public or may create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. The Commission has issued an interpretive regulation, 16 C.F.R. Part 1115, that further explains a reporting company's obligations.
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