What was recalled
In a significant safety alert issued on October 23, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the immediate recall of specific portable fuel containers manufactured under the Scepter brand. This action targets a particular line of combination fuel and oil containers that have been identified as failing to meet critical federal safety standards. The products in question are specifically model number B62, which were imported into the United States by Canada Prep and Ship. If you own these containers, it is important to understand exactly what item has been flagged so you can quickly verify whether your household is affected.
The recalled items are distinct dual-chamber fuel containers designed for convenience, allowing users to store both gasoline and oil in a single unit. Visually, these containers are quite recognizable: they feature a bright red body equipped with black caps and yellow spouts located on each end of the device. The container is divided into two separate compartments. One side holds six liters of gasoline, while the other side holds 2.5 liters of oil. This design is intended to simplify refueling tasks for equipment like lawn mowers or chainsaws, but in this specific case, the design itself has become a liability due to regulatory non-compliance.
To help consumers identify these specific units, look closely at the exterior labeling and embossing. The word "Scepter" is clearly embossed on the side of the container, along with the warning "Gasoline Danger." Additionally, if you inspect the front-left-side of the gasoline tank, near where the fuel spout emerges, you should find a Fire Marshall stamp. These physical markers are key identifiers that distinguish the recalled B62 models from other Scepter products that may not be part of this specific safety notice.
While the recall notice does not provide a comprehensive list of every retail store or online platform where these items were sold, it confirms they were distributed widely enough to warrant federal intervention. Consumers who purchased these containers at any point in time should check their storage areas immediately. The lack of reported incidents to date does not diminish the urgency; rather, it highlights that this is a proactive measure to prevent potential harm before an accident occurs. If you have a red Scepter container with yellow spouts and dual chambers matching the description above, you possess one of the recalled units.
The hazard, explained
When you think of a fuel container, you likely picture something sturdy and safe, designed to keep dangerous liquids contained until they are needed. However, the Scepter B62 containers involved in this recall fail at two critical safety functions simultaneously: preventing fires from spreading and keeping curious children from accessing the contents. The core issue lies in the absence of flame mitigation devices. Under the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, these devices are not optional extras; they are essential engineering features designed to stop a fire from traveling back into the container if an ignition source, such as a spark or open flame, is present near the spout. Without this internal barrier, the fuel vapors inside the container can ignite instantly, leading to a flash fire. This is not a slow burn; it is a rapid, explosive release of energy that can cause severe burns to anyone nearby.
Compounding the fire risk is the design of the closure system. The Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act mandates that all closures on portable gasoline containers must be child-resistant. This means the cap should require a deliberate, complex action—like pushing down and turning—to open, making it difficult for young children to manipulate. The recalled Scepter containers feature spouts that are not child-resistant. This design flaw means that a child who can reach the container can easily unscrew or pull off the caps. Once opened, gasoline is exposed. Unlike water, gasoline is highly flammable and toxic. If a child spills it on themselves or plays with it, even a small static spark from clothing or a nearby cigarette lighter can trigger a flash fire, resulting in catastrophic burns.
The physical mechanism of harm here is particularly dangerous because it combines chemical toxicity with thermal energy. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the ground to an ignition source before the liquid itself catches fire. In the case of these dual-chamber containers, which hold both 6 liters of gasoline and 2.5 liters of oil, the risk is amplified by the volume of fuel stored in a single unit. If the flame mitigation device were present, it would arrest the flame front, preventing the interior fuel from igniting. Since it is missing, the entire contents become part of the fireball. Furthermore, without child-resistant caps, the barrier between a curious toddler and this volatile mixture is virtually non-existent. The result is a high probability of serious injury or death from both poisoning through ingestion or inhalation, and thermal injuries from flash fires.
It is important to understand that these hazards are not theoretical. While no incidents have been reported in the official CPSC data for this specific recall, the violation of mandatory federal standards indicates a fundamental failure in safety engineering. The lack of required safety features means that under normal use conditions—such as pouring fuel into a lawnmower or generator—the risk of accidental ignition is significantly higher than it should be. The combination of an open spout design and missing flame arrestors creates a scenario where a minor mistake can quickly escalate into a life-threatening emergency.
Who is most at risk
While this recall affects anyone who owns or uses the specific Scepter B62 fuel containers, the danger is not distributed equally. The primary groups at immediate and severe risk are children under the age of five, individuals handling fuel in unventilated or poorly lit spaces, and those who may underestimate the volatility of gasoline vapors. Understanding why these groups are vulnerable requires looking beyond the product itself to the physics of the hazard and human behavior.
Children represent the most critical vulnerability in this scenario due to a combination of physical accessibility and physiological fragility. The recalled Scepter B62 containers feature spouts that do not meet the child-resistant closure requirements mandated by the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. For a young child, these caps are essentially open invitations. Toddlers and preschoolers are naturally curious and lack the cognitive development to understand the concept of invisible danger. They may view the brightly colored red container with its distinct yellow spouts as a toy. If a child manages to unscrew or pop off the cap, they can easily spill gasoline on themselves or their clothing. Because gasoline is highly flammable and evaporates quickly, even a small spark from static electricity, a nearby pilot light, or friction from clothing can cause an immediate flash fire. Furthermore, children are particularly susceptible to poisoning; if they ingest even a small amount of fuel, it can cause severe chemical pneumonia, internal burns, and long-term health complications. Their smaller body mass also means that toxic doses affect them more rapidly and severely than adults.
Adult users are also at significant risk, not because of the container’s design flaw alone, but because of how they typically interact with fueling equipment. Many people use these dual-chamber containers for lawn care, gardening, or small engine maintenance. The risk here is twofold: flash fire and chemical burn. Because the Scepter B62 lacks the flame mitigation devices required by the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, any spark generated during the pouring process—such as static discharge from the user’s clothing or a stray spark from a nearby tool—can ignite the fuel vapors instantly. This can result in serious burns to the hands, arms, and face of the person pouring the fuel. Additionally, because the spout is not child-resistant, there is a heightened risk that an adult might leave the container unattended for even a moment while retrieving tools or opening a garage door, inadvertently creating an opportunity for a child to access the hazardous material.
Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may face additional risks due to potential difficulties in safely handling the heavy 6-liter gas and 2.5-liter oil combination. If they struggle to secure the caps properly or accidentally tip the container, the likelihood of spillage increases. A spill on skin or clothing can lead to prolonged exposure to gasoline, causing dermatitis or increasing the risk of ignition if flammable materials are nearby. Therefore, while anyone using this product is technically at risk, the consequences for children and those with limited physical or cognitive abilities are disproportionately severe.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a Scepter brand fuel container, it is crucial to verify whether your specific model is part of this recall before taking any further action. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific set of products that are unsafe due to missing safety features. Because these containers are designed for dual-use and have distinct visual markers, you can identify the recalled items by looking closely at their physical characteristics rather than relying solely on memory or general descriptions. The recall specifically targets Scepter B62 gas and oil fuel containers. If your container does not match this exact model number, it is likely not part of this specific safety alert, but always double-check the bottom or side of the container for model markings.
The most reliable way to confirm if you have a recalled unit is to examine its color scheme and structural design. The affected combination fuel containers are red with black caps. However, the most distinctive feature is the spout configuration: they have yellow spouts on each end. This dual-spout design is part of a dual-chamber system. One side of the container holds 6 liters of gasoline, while the other side holds 2.5 liters of oil. If your container has different colors, such as blue or green caps, or if it is a single-chamber unit without the specific 6-liter and 2.5-liter split, it is not included in this recall. The visual contrast between the red body, black cap, and yellow spouts makes these items relatively easy to spot in a garage or shed.
You should also look for specific embossed text and stamps on the container itself. On the side of the recalled unit, you will see the word "Scepter" embossed into the plastic. Additionally, the phrase "Gasoline Danger" is embossed on the side, serving as a warning label that is part of the original manufacturing design. On the front-left-side of the gas tank portion, near the fuel spout, there should be a Fire Marshall stamp. If your container lacks these specific embossed words or the Fire Marshall stamp in that exact location, it may not be the recalled model. These details are critical because the recall is based on the violation of mandatory safety standards for portable fuel containers, specifically regarding flame mitigation and child-resistant closures.
If you find a container that matches all these descriptions—the Scepter B62 model, red with black caps, yellow spouts on both ends, dual chambers (6L gas/2.5L oil), "Scepter" and "Gasoline Danger" embossed on the side, and a Fire Marshall stamp near the front-left spout—you have one of the recalled items. In this case, do not use it for refueling equipment or vehicles. The lack of flame mitigation devices poses a deadly risk of flash fire, and the non-child-resistant spout poses a serious risk of burn and poisoning to children. Please proceed to the remedy steps outlined in our next section to arrange for your refund.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Scepter B62 combination fuel containers, your immediate priority is to remove the product from your daily routine and secure it safely. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear: you must stop using these containers right away. These dual-chamber units, which hold 6 liters of gasoline on one side and 2.5 liters of oil on the other, lack the critical flame mitigation devices required by federal safety standards. Continuing to pour fuel from this container poses a serious risk of flash fire, severe burns, and even death. Please do not attempt to use it for any purpose, including refueling lawnmowers, generators, or outdoor power equipment.
- Secure the Container Immediately: Take the recalled Scepter B62 container out of your garage, shed, or vehicle and place it in a location completely out of reach of children and pets. The spout on this model is not child-resistant, meaning curious toddlers could easily open it and access the hazardous gasoline inside, leading to potential poisoning or severe burns. Keep the container upright and stable in a safe, outdoor area away from any ignition sources like water heaters, furnaces, or clothes dryers.
- Mark the Container for Disposal: To prevent anyone else from accidentally retrieving and using this dangerous item after you discard it, you need to clearly label it. Take a permanent marker and write the word "Recalled" in large, bold letters across the body of the container. This visual warning is a crucial safety step that helps protect other people who might otherwise find the discarded item.
- Document the Disposal: Once you have marked the container, place it into the trash as instructed by the recall remedy. Before closing the lid or covering the bin, take a clear photograph of the container in the trash with the "Recalled" marking visible. This photo serves as your proof of compliance with the recall requirements and is necessary to process your refund.
- Contact Canada Prep and Ship for Your Refund: Reach out to the importer, Canada Prep and Ship, to initiate your full refund. You can do this by sending an email to info@canadaprepandship.com or by visiting their website at https://canadaprepandship.com/recalls. When you contact them, provide the photo of the discarded container along with any other information they may request. Alternatively, you can visit www.canadaprepandship.com and click on the "Recall" button at the top of the page for detailed instructions and further assistance.
Remember, this process is designed to be straightforward and cost-free for you. The company is offering a full refund because they acknowledge that these containers violate mandatory safety standards for portable fuel containers under both the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act and the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. By following these steps, you are not only protecting your household from immediate danger but also helping to keep these defective products off the market. If you have any questions about the process or need further clarification, do not hesitate to use the contact information provided above.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Scepter B62 fuel containers in your garage, shed, or workshop, the good news is that the manufacturer and importer have made the process for getting your money back straightforward. Because these containers violate mandatory federal safety standards—specifically lacking required flame mitigation devices and child-resistant closures—they cannot be repaired or refitted to meet safety regulations. Therefore, the only available remedy is a full refund. There is no option to receive a replacement unit from Scepter that fixes the defect, nor is there a repair kit. Your path forward involves contacting Canada Prep and Ship directly to initiate this refund process.
To begin, you need to reach out to Canada Prep and Ship via email at info@canadaprepandship.com. This is the primary contact method established for this recall. You can also visit their website at https://canadaprepandship.com/recalls or go to www.canadaprepandship.com and click the "Recall" link at the top of the page for additional information. When you email them, clearly state that you are requesting a refund for a recalled Scepter B62 combination fuel container. They will guide you through the next steps, which involve proving that you have safely disposed of the item.
The recall instructions require you to take specific actions before your refund is processed. First, immediately stop using the container. Next, you must mark the container to ensure it cannot be accidentally used by anyone else. Take a permanent marker and write the word "Recalled" clearly on the side of the container. After marking it, dispose of the unit properly. You do not need to return the physical container to Canada Prep and Ship. Instead, you are required to take a clear photograph of the marked container after it has been placed in the trash. This photo serves as proof that you have responsibly disposed of the hazardous item.
Once you have taken this photo, send it to info@canadaprepandship.com. Include your name and contact information in the email so they can process your refund accurately. The company has committed to issuing a full refund for the purchase price of the container. This approach ensures that dangerous products are removed from circulation while making it as easy as possible for consumers to comply. By following these steps—marking, photographing, emailing, and receiving your refund—you protect your household from potential flash fires, burns, and poisoning risks without incurring any additional cost.
If you encounter any difficulties contacting Canada Prep and Ship or have questions about the refund process, please refer to the contact information provided above. Do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away the recalled container to friends, family, or secondhand stores. The safety risk remains real until the item is destroyed and marked as recalled. Your cooperation in this process helps keep your community safer by preventing these defective containers from re-entering the market.
What can happen if you ignore it
Continuing to use the recalled Scepter B62 fuel containers is not merely a matter of violating a regulation; it is an invitation to serious physical harm. The core issue lies in the absence of flame mitigation devices, a critical safety feature mandated by the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act. These devices are engineered to stop flames from traveling back into the container if a spark or fire occurs near the spout. Without them, the container becomes a volatile conduit for fire. If you encounter an open flame, a stray spark from machinery, or even static electricity while pouring gasoline, the fuel vapors can ignite instantly. Because there is no mechanism to extinguish that flame before it reaches the main body of the container, a flash fire can occur. This is not a theoretical risk; it is a direct consequence of the design flaw. A flash fire can spread rapidly, causing severe burns to anyone nearby and potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes, including death.
Beyond the immediate danger of fire, ignoring this recall exposes children to significant risks of poisoning and chemical burns. The Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act requires that closures on portable gasoline containers be child-resistant to prevent accidental access. The spouts on these Scepter B62 models are not child-resistant, meaning a young child could easily open them without adult intervention. If a container is left within reach, a child might ingest the fuel or pour it on themselves. Gasoline is highly toxic when swallowed and can cause severe internal damage. Furthermore, direct contact with skin can lead to serious chemical burns and systemic poisoning. Even if you believe your home is secure, children are curious and agile; what seems safe to an adult may be a tempting target for a toddler or young child.
It is important to understand that the severity of these hazards does not depend on whether an incident has already been reported. The CPSC has noted no reported incidents as of the recall date, but this silence does not indicate safety; it only means that no one has yet come forward with a report. The potential for harm remains constant and unmitigated. By continuing to use these containers, you are gambling with your safety and the safety of those around you. The consequences of ignoring the recall could range from minor burns and property damage to life-altering injuries or fatalities. There is no upside to keeping a defective fuel container in your garage or shed. The only rational choice is to recognize the inherent danger, stop using the product immediately, and dispose of it properly through the refund process. Do not wait for an accident to happen; take proactive steps now to ensure that you and your family remain safe from these preventable risks.
Staying safe: broader tips
Purchasing the right fuel container is just the first step in responsible home maintenance; how you use and store it matters equally. Always choose containers that meet strict safety standards, such as those mandated by the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act. Look for containers equipped with flame-arrestor screens inside the spout, which help prevent flash fires if a spark ignites vapors. Additionally, ensure closures are child-resistant to protect young ones from accidental ingestion or skin contact with toxic fuels. Never use food or beverage bottles for fuel storage, as their shapes and materials are not designed to handle chemical degradation or pressure changes.
Proper ventilation is critical when handling gasoline or oil. Always fill containers outdoors in a well-ventilated area, never inside a garage or enclosed space where fumes can accumulate. These vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the ground to ignition sources like water heaters or furnaces, creating an explosion hazard. Keep the container upright during filling to prevent leaks, and tighten all caps securely before transport. Use a funnel if necessary to avoid spills on the container’s exterior, which can create slippery hazards and increase fire risk.
Storage location plays a vital role in long-term safety. Keep fuel containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and living spaces. Garages are common storage spots but should be free of sparks or open flames. Never store fuel near pilot lights, electrical panels, or appliances that cycle on and off. Additionally, keep containers out of reach of children and pets by using high shelves or locked cabinets. Regularly inspect your containers for cracks, leaks, or degraded seals, as older plastic can become brittle over time.
Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. Subscribe to recall alerts for tools and equipment you own. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially if you use fuel-powered generators or equipment indoors or in attached spaces. These devices provide an essential layer of protection against odorless, deadly gases. By combining safe product choices with mindful handling and storage habits, you significantly reduce risks to yourself and your family.