# Recall Check for Resellers (CPSC, NHTSA, FDA) (`robot-supply-store/recall-check-for-resellers`) Actor

Checks a list of items (title, brand, model, UPC) against US recalls from CPSC, NHTSA and FDA and returns one row per item with match status, recall details and a do-not-sell flag.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/robot-supply-store/recall-check-for-resellers.md
- **Developed by:** [Robot Supply Store](https://apify.com/robot-supply-store) (community)
- **Categories:** E-commerce, Business, Automation
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $3.00 / 1,000 recall checks

This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/actors/running/actors-in-store.md#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

An Actor is a serverless cloud program that runs on the Apify platform. It has two run modes.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.

Apify vocabulary and the platform model are defined once, in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md.

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.

Do not guess an integration path. Every one of them is in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md: the Apify MCP server, Agent Skills with the Apify CLI, the JavaScript and Python clients, the REST API, and the account-free path for an agent with no human to sign in. It also carries the rule on stating cost before the first paid run.

For examples already wired to this Actor's own input schema, see the [API](#api) section below.

Each client library has reference documentation the quickstart does not restate: [JavaScript/TypeScript](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md) (`npm install apify-client`) and [Python](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md) (`pip install apify-client`).

# README

## Recall Check for Resellers (CPSC, NHTSA, FDA)

**Checks a list of items (title, brand, model, UPC) against US recalls from CPSC, NHTSA and FDA and returns one row per item with a match status, the recall details and a `do_not_sell` flag.**

It's illegal to sell a consumer product that's under a publicized recall. The law ([15 U.S.C. 2068](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/2068)) covers anyone who would "sell, offer for sale … or distribute in commerce" a recalled product, and that includes resellers. This Actor does the tedious part: it matches **your** inventory against every recall on record and tells you which items to pull.

### Who it's for

- Thrift, consignment and resale shops
- Auction houses and estate-sale companies
- Liquidation and returns-pallet buyers, bin stores
- eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and Mercari sellers
- AI agents that list or price second-hand goods

### What you get

One row per input item:

| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| `match_status` | `match`, `possible_match` or `no_match` |
| `do_not_sell` | `true` only for confirmed matches (confidence ≥ 0.9) |
| `confidence` | 0–1 score for the best recall found |
| `agency`, `recall_id`, `recall_title`, `recall_date` | Which recall, from which agency |
| `hazard`, `remedy`, `recall_url` | What's wrong, what the maker offers, and the official notice |
| `sold_at` | Where and when the recalled product was sold (CPSC), or where it was distributed (FDA) |
| `caveat` | What to check before deciding (model numbers, lot codes, VINs, dates) |
| `matched_fields`, `match_reason` | The evidence used, e.g. `upc; brand` and a plain-English reason |
| `candidate_count`, `other_recall_ids` | Other recalls that also scored above your threshold |
| `agencies_checked`, `source_url`, `retrieved_at` | Where the data came from and when it was pulled |
| `item_*` | Your input echoed back, including your own `item_id` (SKU or lot number) |

#### How matching works

1. **UPC listed in the recall** → `match`
2. **Model number listed in the recall + same brand** → `match`
3. **Brand + product name, when the recall covers all models** (for example, all Rock 'n Play sleepers) → `match`
4. **Model number without a brand, a close model number, or brand + a similar product name** → `possible_match`
5. **A similar product name only** → weak `possible_match`

If a recall lists specific models or UPCs and yours isn't among them, the score drops. **Vehicle recalls are never more than `possible_match`**, because they cover specific VINs.

### Input

Give items inline, as a CSV/JSON link (Google Sheets share links work), or as an Apify dataset ID. Spreadsheet exports work as they are: an auction catalog with `Lot #`, `Lead` and `Description` columns, an eBay or Shopify export, or your own inventory sheet. Long descriptions are searched for brands, model numbers and UPCs.

```json
{
  "items": [
    { "id": "LOT-101", "title": "Hampton Bay Halwin 52 in. ceiling fan", "brand": "Hampton Bay", "model": "AK396H-MBK" },
    { "id": "LOT-102", "title": "Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper", "brand": "Fisher-Price" },
    { "id": "LOT-103", "title": "Lowes Foods sour cream and onion potato chips", "upc": "741643055766" },
    { "id": "LOT-104", "title": "2021 Volvo XC60", "year": 2021 }
  ],
  "agencies": ["CPSC", "NHTSA", "FDA"],
  "min_confidence": 0.6,
  "since_year": 1970
}
```

| Input | Type | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| `items` | array | 4 demo items | Each needs at least one of `title`, `brand`, `model`, `upc`. Optional: `description`, `category`, `year` (vehicles), `id`. Common spreadsheet headers are understood too, and a plain string counts as a title. Pass UPCs as strings. |
| `items_url` | string | empty | CSV or JSON. Recognized columns include title/name/lead, description, brand/manufacturer/make, model/model number, upc/barcode/gtin, year, id/sku/lot. |
| `dataset_id` | string | empty | Read items from another Actor's dataset. |
| `agencies` | array | all three | `CPSC` (consumer products), `NHTSA` (vehicles, car seats, tires, equipment), `FDA` (food, drugs). |
| `min_confidence` | number | 0.6 | Ignore weaker candidates. |
| `since_year` | integer | 1970 | The full history is checked by default, because old recalled products still show up at resale. |

### Output example

```json
{
  "item_index": 0,
  "item_id": "LOT-101",
  "item_title": "Hampton Bay Halwin 52 in. ceiling fan",
  "item_brand": "Hampton Bay",
  "item_model": "AK396H-MBK",
  "item_upc": null,
  "match_status": "match",
  "do_not_sell": true,
  "confidence": 0.94,
  "agency": "CPSC",
  "recall_id": "26702",
  "recall_title": "Hampton Bay Halwin 52-Inch Ceiling Fans Recalled Due to Impact and Injury Hazards; Manufactured by Youngo Limited",
  "recall_date": "2026-08-13",
  "hazard": "The fan blades can separate from the fan motor flywheel, posing impact and injury hazards to consumers.",
  "remedy": "Consumers should stop using the recalled ceiling fans immediately and contact Youngo for either a full refund…",
  "recall_url": "https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Hampton-Bay-Halwin-52-Inch-Ceiling-Fans-Recalled-Due-to-Impact-and-Injury-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Youngo-Limited",
  "sold_at": "The Home Depot stores nationwide and online from January 2023 through October 2025 for about $180.",
  "caveat": "Check the model numbers, dates and labels in the recall notice before deciding.",
  "matched_fields": "model; brand",
  "match_reason": "Model AK396H-MBK and brand Hampton Bay match this recall.",
  "candidate_count": 2,
  "other_recall_ids": "CPSC:21059",
  "agencies_checked": "CPSC; NHTSA; FDA",
  "error": null,
  "source_url": "https://www.saferproducts.gov/RestWebServices/Recall?format=json&RecallNumber=26702",
  "retrieved_at": "2026-09-30T06:00:00Z"
}
```

### Pricing

Pay per event: **$0.003 per item checked** (match or not). There's no extra charge for matches. Items with nothing to check (no title, brand, model or UPC) are returned with an `error` and are **not charged**. The Actor stops cleanly at your maximum cost per run.

### Data sources

All official US government data, used under their public terms:

- **CPSC** recalls via the SaferProducts.gov Recall Retrieval web service (1973 to today).
- **NHTSA** recall flat files covering vehicles, equipment, tires and child car seats.
- **FDA** enforcement reports (food and drugs) via openFDA bulk downloads. Data provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ([open.fda.gov](https://open.fda.gov)).

The data is rebuilt every day, and a new build goes live only after it passes a self-test against known recalls. CPSC recalls published since the last rebuild are added at the start of every run. Each result row shows when its data was retrieved (`retrieved_at`).

### Limits

- **"No match" is not a safety guarantee.** Recall records can be incomplete, and older recalls rarely list UPCs. Always open the recall link and compare model numbers, dates and labels.
- Vehicle recalls apply to specific VINs. Check the VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).
- FDA recalls usually cover specific lots or dates. Compare the lot code on the package with the `caveat` text.
- FDA medical-device recalls aren't included yet.
- US recalls only.

### Disclaimer

- **Provided "as is."** This Actor and its results come with no warranty of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. You're responsible for your own decisions about what to sell.
- **Not affiliated with the government.** Robot Supply Store is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their names describe where the public data comes from.
- **Not legal or medical advice.** Results support your own compliance checks. For a recalled product, follow the recall notice and contact the recalling firm or the agency.

### FAQ

**Is a `possible_match` safe to sell?** Not until you've checked. Open `recall_url` and compare the model number, date codes and description.

**Why did a well-known recall come back as `possible_match`?** Usually the input had no model number or UPC. Add them and run again.

**Can an AI agent call this?** Yes. It's pay-per-event, so it's available through Apify's MCP server. Every field is flat JSON with stable names.

**Is this legal advice?** No. It's data to support your own compliance checks.

# Actor input Schema

## `items` (type: `array`):

Items as JSON objects with any of: title, description, brand, model, upc, category, year (vehicles), id (your SKU or lot number, echoed back). Common spreadsheet headers work too (Lead, Name, Product Name, Manufacturer, Model No., SKU, Lot #), and a plain string counts as a title. Pass UPCs as strings so leading zeros survive.

## `items_url` (type: `string`):

Optional. A public link to a CSV or JSON list. Google Sheets share links work. Recognized columns include title/name/lead, description, brand/manufacturer/make, model/model number, upc/barcode/gtin, category, year, id/sku/lot. Auction catalog exports (Lot #, Lead, Description) work as they are.

## `dataset_id` (type: `string`):

Optional. Read items from an Apify dataset (for example the output of another Actor). Uses the same column names as the URL option.

## `agencies` (type: `array`):

Which recall sources to check. CPSC = consumer products, NHTSA = vehicles, car seats, tires and equipment, FDA = food and drugs.

## `min_confidence` (type: `number`):

0 to 1. Recalls scoring below this are ignored. Scores of 0.9 and up are reported as 'match' with do\_not\_sell = true; lower scores are 'possible\_match'.

## `since_year` (type: `integer`):

Ignore recalls announced before this year. The default (1970) checks the full history, because old recalled products still turn up at resale.

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "items": [
    {
      "id": "SKU-1",
      "title": "Graco car seat",
      "brand": "Graco",
      "model": "1234567",
      "upc": "047406123456"
    }
  ],
  "items_url": "https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/your-sheet-id/edit#gid=0",
  "dataset_id": "WkzbQMuFYuamGv3YF",
  "agencies": [
    "CPSC",
    "NHTSA"
  ],
  "min_confidence": 0.6,
  "since_year": 2000
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `results` (type: `string`):

Dataset items with match\_status (match, possible\_match, no\_match), do\_not\_sell, confidence, agency, recall\_id, recall\_title, recall\_date, hazard, remedy, recall\_url, sold\_at, caveat, matched\_fields, match\_reason, candidate\_count, other\_recall\_ids, your item fields echoed back, and where and when the data was retrieved.

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "items": [
        {
            "id": "LOT-101",
            "title": "Hampton Bay Halwin 52 in. ceiling fan, matte black",
            "brand": "Hampton Bay",
            "model": "AK396H-MBK"
        },
        {
            "id": "LOT-102",
            "title": "Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper",
            "brand": "Fisher-Price"
        },
        {
            "id": "LOT-103",
            "title": "Lowes Foods sour cream and onion potato chips 8 oz",
            "upc": "741643055766"
        },
        {
            "id": "LOT-104",
            "title": "Pyrex 3-quart glass mixing bowl",
            "brand": "Pyrex"
        }
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("robot-supply-store/recall-check-for-resellers").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = { "items": [
        {
            "id": "LOT-101",
            "title": "Hampton Bay Halwin 52 in. ceiling fan, matte black",
            "brand": "Hampton Bay",
            "model": "AK396H-MBK",
        },
        {
            "id": "LOT-102",
            "title": "Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper",
            "brand": "Fisher-Price",
        },
        {
            "id": "LOT-103",
            "title": "Lowes Foods sour cream and onion potato chips 8 oz",
            "upc": "741643055766",
        },
        {
            "id": "LOT-104",
            "title": "Pyrex 3-quart glass mixing bowl",
            "brand": "Pyrex",
        },
    ] }

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("robot-supply-store/recall-check-for-resellers").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print(f"💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/{run.default_dataset_id}")
for item in client.dataset(run.default_dataset_id).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{
  "items": [
    {
      "id": "LOT-101",
      "title": "Hampton Bay Halwin 52 in. ceiling fan, matte black",
      "brand": "Hampton Bay",
      "model": "AK396H-MBK"
    },
    {
      "id": "LOT-102",
      "title": "Fisher-Price Rock '\''n Play Sleeper",
      "brand": "Fisher-Price"
    },
    {
      "id": "LOT-103",
      "title": "Lowes Foods sour cream and onion potato chips 8 oz",
      "upc": "741643055766"
    },
    {
      "id": "LOT-104",
      "title": "Pyrex 3-quart glass mixing bowl",
      "brand": "Pyrex"
    }
  ]
}' |
apify call robot-supply-store/recall-check-for-resellers --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,robot-supply-store/recall-check-for-resellers"
        }
    }
}
```

The hosted server signs you in with OAuth on first connect, so no API token belongs in this config. Clients without OAuth support can send an `Authorization: Bearer <APIFY_API_TOKEN>` header instead, using a token from API & Integrations in Apify Console (https://console.apify.com/settings/integrations).

## OpenAPI specification

Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/bivZk3bsiyiGGw1k4/builds/awXgYjtqDW9wsM84H/openapi.json