The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is changing how importers demonstrate compliance for regulated consumer products entering the United States.
Beginning July 8, 2026, importers must electronically submit product certificate data through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). For most regulated consumer products, a paper or PDF certificate alone will no longer satisfy CPSC’s import filing requirements.
This new process, known as CPSC eFiling, is intended to improve product safety oversight, streamline compliance, and allow CPSC to identify higher-risk shipments more efficiently.
Key Implementation Dates
July 8, 2026
- Mandatory eFiling begins for most regulated consumer products.
January 8, 2027
- eFiling requirements begin for products entering U.S. commerce from Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs).
Which Importers Are Affected?
If your products require either of the following certificates, you are likely subject to the new eFiling requirements:
Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)
Required for products primarily intended for children 12 years of age or younger that are subject to a children’s product safety rule. Examples include toys, children’s furniture, and children’s apparel.
General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)
Required for many general-use consumer products subject to specific CPSC regulations, including:
- Bicycles
- Mattresses
- Carpets and rugs
- Certain apparel products
- Various household consumer goods
If you import consumer products and are uncertain whether your products require certification, it is advisable to review your product portfolio immediately.
What Information Must Be Filed?
For each regulated product, CPSC requires certificate information that generally includes:
- Product identification (SKU, UPC, GTIN, or model number)
- Applicable CPSC safety standards
- Certifier information
- Records custodian contact
- Manufacturing date and location
- Testing laboratory information
- Testing date
- Compliance attestation
Importantly, customs brokers can transmit the information on your behalf, but the importer remains legally responsible for the accuracy of the certification.
Two Filing Options Available
Option 1: Full PGA Message Set
Importers may transmit all certificate data elements with every customs entry filing.
Option 2: CPSC Product Registry (Recommended)
Importers can upload certificate information once into the secure CPSC Product Registry and receive a reference identifier.
Future shipments can then be filed using that reference rather than resubmitting the full certificate data with every entry.
For importers with recurring shipments and established product lines, the Product Registry offers a more efficient and scalable compliance solution.
Create Your Product Registry Account Now
Importers should begin preparing immediately by:
- Creating a CPSC Product Registry account.
- Uploading certificate information for regulated products.
- Authorizing their customs broker to file certificate references on their behalf.
Although brokers can assist with filing, the importer remains the product certifier and owner of the compliance records.
Testing Requirements Remain Unchanged
The eFiling rule does not create new testing requirements.
If your products already required testing and certification, those obligations remain exactly the same. The difference is that certificate data must now be submitted electronically at the time of importation.
For children’s products, testing must be performed by a CPSC-Accepted Laboratory unless a specific exemption applies.
Not Every Product Requires a Certificate
Some imported products are outside CPSC jurisdiction or otherwise exempt from certification requirements.
Examples may include:
- Certain component parts imported for further manufacturing
- Products regulated by other government agencies
- Certain exempt categories of adult apparel
- Certain upholstered furniture covered by specific regulatory provisions
Because exemptions can be highly product-specific, importers should carefully review CPSC guidance and consult qualified compliance professionals when necessary.
How Customs Brokers Can Help
Customs brokers can assist importers by:
- Providing regulatory guidance and resources
- Coordinating eFiling implementation
- Transmitting certificate data through ACE
- Managing Product Registry references during entry filing
However, customs brokers cannot determine whether a product legally requires certification. That responsibility remains with the importer.
Resources for Importers
CPSC eFiling Program:
https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling
CPSC Product Registry:
https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling-CPSC-Product-Registry
Regulatory Robot:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Regulatory-Robot/Safer-Products-Start-Here
CPSC Accepted Laboratory Search:
https://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/labsearch/
eFiling FAQs:
https://www.cpsc.gov/FAQ/eFiling-Frequently-Asked-Questions-FAQ
eFiling Document Library:
https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling-Document-Library
Final Thoughts
With the July 8, 2026 implementation date approaching, importers should begin reviewing their products, organizing testing records, and establishing their Product Registry accounts now.
Companies that prepare early will be better positioned to avoid shipment delays, examinations, and compliance issues once electronic certificate filing becomes mandatory.