How to check if a product is recalled
Recalls are published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Here is how to check quickly, and what to have on hand when you do.
Search the recall lists
Search by brand or product name on this site, or on CPSC’s own recalls page. Our search covers every recall on record, and our category and hazard pages help if you are not sure of the exact name.
Have the details ready
Compare what is printed on the product with the recall: the brand, model or item number, date codes or batch numbers, colour, and where and when you bought it. A recall often covers only certain models or dates, so a name match alone does not mean your item is affected.
Sign up for alerts
CPSC runs an email subscription for recall alerts through Recalls.gov, so you hear about new recalls without searching. You can also follow this site’s RSS feed of the latest recalls.
Call the CPSC hotline
CPSC’s hotline can tell you whether a product has been recalled and take reports of unsafe products or injuries. The number is (800) 638-2772.
Check secondhand and hand-me-down items
Products you received secondhand or as hand-me-downs can be recalled too, and the original owner may never have seen the notice. Cribs, strollers, chargers and small appliances are worth a check before you use them.
Report a product you think is unsafe
If a product caused harm or could be dangerous, you can report it at SaferProducts.gov. CPSC publishes those reports, and searching them can also show whether products you own or are considering buying may pose a risk.
Common questions
Do recalls expire?
Recalls usually have no end date, so it is worth acting on an old recall if you learn about it late. Follow the instructions in the notice.
Is a product safe if I cannot find a recall?
Not necessarily. A missing recall only means none was found under that name. New recalls are announced regularly, so check again if you have doubts or use alerts.
Sources
This guide summarises public CPSC advice and is not a substitute for the instructions in a specific recall notice or from a product’s manufacturer.