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Distinguish · 01

Quality vs defect vs safety

A disappointed buyer is not automatically a defect case. Safety defect and quality complaint are different files.

First job Name whether the issue is quality, a defect that makes the product unsafe, or a regulatory non-conformity.

Start here

Key considerations

  1. Is anyone hurt or at imminent risk?
  2. Is the product unsafe, or only not as described?
  3. Is a regulator already involved?

Decision map

Keep the question bounded.

  1. Screen harmInjury belongs on the injury route first.
  2. Name the issue typeQuality, defect, or labelling/channel.
  3. Hand off clocksRecall duties have their own calendar.

Curated resources

Open the asset that matches this job.

Helpful to prepare

Facts that make the next conversation clearer.

These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.

  1. Product and batch at a high level
  2. Whether anyone is injured
  3. Complaint versus regulator contact

Local context

Add the city when market-supervision practice changes.

SAMR, sampling and court practice can differ after the national defect or recall question is identified.

Open city and province guides

Counsel hand-off

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This hub organises defect, injury, recall and channel questions. It does not decide defect, run a recall or settle a claim on your facts.

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Directory and legal information only — not legal advice. Confirm current rules with qualified counsel.

Editorial policy · Last reviewed August 2026 · Product Liability