Entering the US Market: Children's Products (CPSIA)

The CPSIA sets limits for substances such as lead and phthalates in children's products and requires testing in an accredited third-party laboratory. A Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is issued as a result.

The obligation lies with the importer or domestic manufacturer: that party issues the CPC and produces it on request.

• Test reports from an accredited (CPSC-accepted) laboratory
• The Children's Product Certificate (CPC)
• Tracking label details
• Product component and material list
• Production batch and date details

1. 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
2. 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
3. 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
4. 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
5. 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
6. 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
7. 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
8. 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.

• Testing must be carried out in a laboratory accepted by the CPSC
• The tracking label is mandatory on the product and the packaging
• Small parts and choking hazard requirements apply in addition
• The ASTM F963 toy standard is a mandatory consumer product safety standard

1. 01The US children's product arrangement and EU toy legislationBoth carry chemical and mechanical requirements but the thresholds, test standards and forms of evidence differ. Testing carried out for the EU does not satisfy the third-party certification requirement.
2. 02The children's product certificate and the general conformity certificateFor children's products a third-party laboratory is mandatory; for adult consumer products a general certificate of conformity may suffice and the manufacturer can rely on its own testing.
3. 03The toy standard and product-specific standardsAlongside the general toy safety standard there are separate mandatory standards for items such as infant products, bicycles, beds and furniture; the general standard does not cover them.
4. 04Federal conformity and state obligationsCertain states' chemical warning requirements and substance bans are independent of the federal layer; a product that is federally compliant may not be fit for sale in some states.

There is no separate certification page for this mark; the scope and process are as described on this page. The roadmap specific to your product is provided in writing at the quote stage.

This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.