Who sets the standards for child resistant packaging?

The standards for child-resistant packaging are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This agency is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products, including packaging that is accessible to children. The CPSC developed regulations aimed specifically at reducing the likelihood of children gaining access to hazardous substances, which includes medications and household products that could pose a poisoning risk.

Child-resistant packaging must meet stringent testing protocols to ensure that it is effective in preventing children from opening it while still being accessible to adults. The CPSC's regulations help ensure that the packaging used by manufacturers complies with safety standards to safeguard children's health.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also plays a role in overseeing the safety of medications, including certain packaging requirements, the specific authority over child-resistant packaging falls under the jurisdiction of the CPSC. The other agencies listed have different focuses and do not set these specific standards.