PRACTICAL RECALL GUIDE
How to Find Model and Serial Numbers on Consumer Products
CPSC recalls often depend on model, serial, style, date, or importer information that is more reliable than a visual match.
Know the difference between identifiers
A model number usually identifies a product design or family, while a serial number identifies an individual unit or narrower production range. A retail SKU, order number, FCC ID, certification mark, and charger model can be different identifiers. Copy the label headings along with the numbers so they are not confused.
Search permanent-label locations
Check the underside, back, rear frame, battery compartment, plug or power adapter, motor housing, sewn tag, child-seat shell, furniture frame, or removable access panel. For products with apps, the serial may also appear in device settings, but compare it with the physical label when possible.
Preserve punctuation and leading zeroes
A recall may cover a range such as AB0100 through AB0999, selected suffixes, or models with a particular date code. Do not remove dashes, letters, spaces, or leading zeroes until the official notice shows that formatting is irrelevant.
Use photographs as a locating aid
CPSC notices frequently include product images and label-location photographs. These can help you find the rating plate or distinguishing feature, but similar-looking products may have different internal designs or production dates. The listed identifier range should control the match.
If a label is missing or damaged
Check the manual, original box, purchase history, warranty registration, manufacturer account, or retailer order page. If the official remedy requires a serial number you cannot recover, use the company contact supplied in the current recall notice rather than guessing from appearance.
Record before beginning a remedy
Take clear photographs of the complete product and identifier label before disassembly, shipping, or disposal. Some remedies require proof that the product was disabled or destroyed in a specific way; perform only the steps authorized by the official recall instructions.
How this guide should be used
This is original educational material prepared by Find a Recall. It does not determine whether an item is recalled and does not replace the current FDA, USDA FSIS, CPSC, manufacturer, or retailer notice. Use it to organize your comparison, then verify the result at the issuing source.