After CPC, does the button battery need GCC certification and UL4200A testing?

Some customers have inquired whether applying for a CPC certificate for children's products such as toys with button cell batteries, children's watches, and products with button cell batteries exempts them from applying for a GCC certificate and UL4200A report for the button cell batteries. This statement is incorrect.

CPC Certificate:

The CPC certificate, short for Children’s Product Certificate, is similar to a testing report in China. After passing relevant tests conducted by CPSC authorized laboratories and issuing reports, a single certificate can be issued. This certificate includes importer/exporter information, product information, and details of relevant tests conducted based on regulatory standards. Platforms like Amazon require sellers to upload CPC certificates for certain categories of products such as children's toys and baby products. Children's toy products and baby products exported to the United States require both CPC certification and CPSIA reports for customs clearance. Foreign e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress also require CPC certification for Chinese-made children's toys, baby products, and other related items.

GCC Certificate:

The GCC certificate, short for General Certificate of Conformity, is required by manufacturers and importers of general-purpose products (non-children's products) under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). It confirms compliance with applicable safety rules through reasonable testing procedures and documentation. Manufacturers or importers of such products must provide testing records or reasonable testing procedures for their GCC, failing which could result in penalties such as product delisting, detention, fines, or legal action.

UL4200A Report for Button Cell Batteries:

In September 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a final rule adopting UL4200A:2023 as the mandatory safety standard for products containing button cells, incorporating it into 16 CFR part 1263, effective March 19, 2024. The regulation mandates that all products using button cell batteries and sold on U.S.-based cross-border e-commerce platforms like Amazon and TEMU must undergo testing according to UL4200A:2023 safety standards and upload UL reports to avoid delisting. Testing requirements include child-resistant packaging, performance tests, and labeling requirements, with tests covering abuse, crush, and secure installation. Products containing button cell batteries intending to enter the U.S. market or sell on platforms like Amazon must obtain both a GCC certificate and UL4200A report to be listed or sold.

CPSC:

The CPSC, or Consumer Product Safety Commission, is a significant consumer protection agency in the United States responsible for safeguarding consumer interests by reducing the risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. Established in 1972, the CPSC sets voluntary standards for manufacturers and enforces mandatory standards or bans for products lacking adequate standards. It conducts inspections on potentially hazardous products and disseminates consumer feedback through various channels including media, states, local governments, and organizations. The CPSC oversees the safety of over 15,000 consumer products. The CPC is specific to children's products and toys, while the GCC and UL4200A report are for products containing button cell batteries. Therefore, toys and children's products containing button cell batteries require both a CPC certificate and a GCC certificate along with a UL4200A report.