[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CPSC Consumer Product Safety USCPSC Compliance # CPSC Consumer Product Safety The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces federal safety standards for consumer products through the Consumer Product Safety Act and CPSIA. Understanding certificate requirements, testing obligations, and recordkeeping rules is essential for legal market entry. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fcpsc-consumer-product-safety) At a glance Certificate types 2 CPSIA requirements 4 Compliance steps 6 ## Certificate types ### Children's Product Certificate (CPC) Required for all children's products defined by CPSIA. Must be based on third-party testing by CPSC-accepted laboratory and issued by the manufacturer or importer. Applies to: Children's toys, childcare articles, children's clothing, children's jewelry, and any product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years and younger Testing: Third-party testing by CPSC-accepted laboratory mandatory Retention: Retain certificate and test reports for 5 years ### General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) Required for non-children's consumer products subject to CPSC consumer product safety rules. Can be based on manufacturer's own testing or reasonable testing program. Applies to: General consumer products subject to CPSC rules such as furniture, appliances, household products, and adult clothing (when subject to specific rules) Testing: Reasonable testing program - can be in-house or third-party Retention: Retain certificate and supporting records for 5 years ## Key CPSIA requirements ### Lead Content Limits Children's products must not contain more than 100 ppm lead in accessible substrate materials. Paint and coatings limited to 90 ppm lead. **Applies to:** All children's products - toys, jewelry, clothing, furniture, etc. ### Phthalates Limits Eight specific phthalates are prohibited or limited in children's toys and childcare articles that can be placed in a child's mouth. **Applies to:** Children's toys and childcare articles (especially those for mouth use) ### Tracking Labels Each children's product must have a permanent distinguishing mark or label including date of production and batch information. **Applies to:** All children's products manufactured after August 14, 2009 ### Toy Safety Standard (ASTM F963) Mandatory federal toy safety standard covering mechanical hazards, flammability, toxic substances, electrical safety, and labeling. **Applies to:** All toys designed or intended for children under 12 years ## Compliance process steps 01 Identify applicable CPSC rules Determine which CPSC consumer product safety rules apply to your product based on its category, intended use, and target user group. 02 Determine certificate type Classify whether your product is a children's product requiring CPC or a general consumer product requiring GCC. 03 Arrange required testing For children's products: contract CPSC-accepted laboratory for third-party testing. For general products: establish reasonable testing program. 04 Compile test reports Gather all required test reports showing compliance with applicable CPSC rules and standards. 05 Issue certificate Create CPC or GCC including all required elements: product identification, applicable rules, testing dates, and issuer information. 06 Maintain records Retain certificates and test reports for 5 years and make them available to CPSC upon request. ## Common compliance mistakes Misclassifying products as general instead of children's products - CPSIA definition is broader than obvious toys Using non-CPSC-accepted laboratories for children's product testing - third-party testing must be from accepted labs Incomplete CPC/GCC content - missing required elements like dates, contact information, or specific rule citations Not maintaining test reports for full 5-year retention period Missing tracking labels on children's products - permanent batch/date marking is mandatory Assuming ASTM F963 compliance is sufficient - it's mandatory but not the only requirement for toys ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between a CPC and GCC? A Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is required for products primarily intended for children 12 and under, and must be based on third-party testing by a CPSC-accepted laboratory. A General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is for general consumer products and can be based on a reasonable testing program that may include in-house testing. The testing requirements and documentation standards are significantly different. ### How do I know if my product is considered a children's product? CPSC defines a children's product as a consumer product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger. Factors include: manufacturer's stated intent (labeling, advertising), product design, and whether the product is commonly recognized as intended for children. When in doubt, treat it as a children's product to ensure compliance. ### Do I need CPSC-accepted laboratory for all testing? Only for children's products requiring CPC. Third-party testing for children's products must be performed by laboratories accredited by CPSC-accepted accreditation bodies. For general consumer products (GCC), you may use in-house testing or third-party labs that are not CPSC-accepted, as long as you have a reasonable testing program. ### What records must I keep and for how long? You must retain certificates (CPC or GCC) and all supporting test reports for 5 years. Records must be available for inspection by CPSC upon request. This includes the actual test reports, not just summary certificates. For imported products, the importer must also maintain these records. ### Are there exemptions from third-party testing requirements? Yes, CPSC has granted certain exemptions for specific materials and products where lead content is inherently below limits or testing is impractical. Examples include certain natural materials (wood, cotton) without additives, and some electronic components. Always verify current exemption status before relying on them. **Disclaimer:** This guide provides general information about CPSC requirements. Product-specific determinations require analysis of applicable CPSC rules. Always verify current requirements with CPSC resources or qualified compliance professionals. 🇺🇸 US roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇺🇸 US compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/29-cpsc-mandatory-efiling-consumer-electronics-importers)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/29-cpsc-mandatory-efiling-consumer-electronics-importers) Related guides * [US Market Compliance OverviewComprehensive overview of US regulatory landscape: FCC, FDA, CPSC, EPA, OSHA, DOE, FTC requirements for market entry.](/guides/us-market-compliance-overview) * [US Toys ComplianceComplete guide to US toys compliance.](/guides/us-toys-compliance) * [US Furniture ComplianceComplete guide to US furniture compliance.](/guides/us-furniture-compliance) * [US Appliances ComplianceHome appliance certification in the US: DOE efficiency certification in CCMS, FTC EnergyGuide labels, NRTL safety…](/guides/us-appliances-compliance) * [US Product Recall ProceduresComplete guide to US product recall procedures.](/guides/us-product-recall-procedures) * [CPSC General and Children's Product CertificatesCPSC General Conformity Certificates and Children's Product Certificates: required content under 16 CFR Part 1110, when CPSC-accepted third-party testing is mandatory, civil penalty exposure, and what importers must hold before entry.](/guides/us-cpsc-certificate-of-compliance)