In a landmark decision that could reshape the landscape of online shopping, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has ruled that Amazon is legally responsible for recalling dangerous products sold by third-party sellers on its platform. This ruling, which Amazon plans to appeal, has far-reaching implications for consumer safety and the accountability of e-commerce giants.

The CPSC’s decision targets over 400,000 hazardous products, including faulty carbon monoxide detectors, battery chargers, hair dryers, and many others. These items, sold through Amazon’s “Fulfilled by Amazon” program, have been deemed to pose a “substantial product hazard” under the Consumer Product Safety Act.

But here’s the kicker: this is just the tip of the iceberg. Amazon’s vast marketplace is teeming with potentially dangerous products that could be lurking in your shopping cart or, worse, already in your home.

Take, for instance, the case of a seemingly innocuous RC Battery Charger. Despite having over 10 reviews indicating that the device caught fire and caused property damage, this product remains available for purchase on Amazon . This is not an isolated incident. From melting power strips to exploding hoverboards, the list of hazardous items sold on the platform is alarmingly long.

So, how did we get here? The root of the problem lies in Amazon’s business model. The e-commerce giant has long argued that it’s merely a platform connecting buyers and sellers, not a retailer responsible for the products sold by third parties. This stance has allowed Amazon to wash its hands of liability for dangerous products while reaping billions in commissions and fees from third-party sales.

The CPSC’s ruling challenges this narrative head-on. By classifying Amazon as a “distributor” under the Consumer Product Safety Act, the commission is holding the company accountable for the safety of products sold on its platform, regardless of who the original seller is.

This decision didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s the culmination of years of mounting pressure from consumer advocates, lawmakers, and even Amazon’s own employees. In 2019, a Wall Street Journal investigation found thousands of items for sale on Amazon that had been declared unsafe by federal agencies, were deceptively labeled, or were banned by federal regulators.

The implications of this ruling are significant. Amazon must now develop and implement plans to notify consumers about these hazardous products and provide refunds or replacements. This could potentially open the floodgates for similar actions against other online marketplaces.

But what does this mean for you, the consumer? While the CPSC’s action is a step in the right direction, it’s crucial to remain vigilant when shopping online. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Look for the UL mark: When purchasing electronics, always check for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing. This independent safety certification organization tests products for potential hazards, especially fire hazards in particular. A UL-listed product has been tested and meets nationally recognized safety standards.
2. Read reviews critically: While customer reviews can be helpful, they’re not foolproof. Look for detailed reviews that discuss product safety and performance over time.
3. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices: Extremely low prices, especially for electronics or safety equipment, could be a red flag for counterfeit or substandard products.
4. Check the seller: Look into the seller’s history and ratings. Be cautious of new sellers with limited feedback.
5. Research before you buy: For big-ticket items or safety-critical products, do some independent research beyond Amazon’s platform.

The CPSC’s ruling against Amazon marks a significant shift in the e-commerce landscape. It sends a clear message that online marketplaces can’t hide behind their platform status to avoid responsibility for the products they profit from selling. As consumers, we must remain alert and informed, using our purchasing power to demand safer products and more transparent marketplaces.

As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the days of unchecked, potentially dangerous products flooding online marketplaces may be numbered. And for the safety of consumers everywhere, that’s a change long overdue.