As reported by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

Wholesaler-distributors, as well as manufacturers, can be subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations governing product liability. Bodily injury and property damage losses may arise from the product itself, the product packaging, instructions for use, labels, warnings and other "on product" messages.

The manufacturer, not the wholesaler-distributor is usually held responsible for injury arising from a defective product, because the wholesaler-distributor generally has no control over the design, assembly or quality of the item. However, wholesaler-distributors may be held liable for product defects under certain circumstances, including:

  • Some wholesaler-distributors provide installation, service or repair work as a "value-added" for their customers, which may increase their product liability exposure in the process.
  • Wholesaler-distributors that modify, repackage or re-label products may assume a greater liability than those who don't. Modification of the product can include any modification of instructions or warranties.
  • Repackaging under the wholesaler-distributor's name may increase the exposure substantially.
  • The United States has some of the most stringent product safety standards in the world. When goods are produced overseas, they do not necessarily comply with these standards. When a wholesaler-distributor imports products from a foreign manufacturer who does not carry U.S. product liability coverage, they can assume the product liability exposure.
  • If the manufacturer is insolvent or otherwise unavailable (foreign manufacturers with no coverage inside the U.S. for example) the wholesaler-distributor can be held liable for any defect in the product.
  • When the wholesaler-distributor is directly responsible for the defective condition, i.e. if they have damaged the product while repackaging, or by making product modifications, they may be held liable for product liability.
  • If a wholesaler-distributor had knowledge of the defective condition prior to the sale and did nothing, they can be held accountable.
  • If a wholesaler-distributor recommended an unsuitable product for the job they may be liable

A significant number of federal and state laws and regulations impact product liability, and it is important to be familiar with them. Two federal organizations that oversee many products going to market are:

Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) - The Consumer Products Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. These include products that pose fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazards as well those that could injure children such as cribs, and toys. The CPSC web site is www.cpsc.gov.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety and efficacy of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, the food supply, and products that emit radiation. They oversee nutritional labeling, including the disclosure of fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar content, regulate food descriptors such as "low, "lean," and "reduced," and ensure that ingredient statements provide clear information about products containing major food allergens such as milk, peanuts, and shellfish. The FDA web site is www.fda.gov.

Because many more federal and state regulators have oversight with regard to product safety, as well as the diverse nature and applicability of state product liability laws, it is always wise to consult a qualified products liability attorney to ensure that your business is in compliance with applicable requirements.