Amazon Country Certification Services

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines product certification as "a procedure by which a third party, based on inspection and assessment of the enterprise's quality management system and type testing of samples, confirms whether the enterprise's products, processes, or services meet specific requirements and have the ability to continuously and stably produce products that meet the standards, and provides written certification."

In Amazon’s daily operations, product certifications or certificates are frequently encountered. Some products require mandatory certifications to be sold, while others do not have compulsory requirements but having certifications can provide better credibility for the product, making consumers feel more confident about their purchase.

1. FDA Certification

FDA stands for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, responsible for managing food and drugs in the U.S. The FDA ensures the safety of domestically produced or imported food, cosmetics, drugs, biological products, medical devices, and radiation-emitting products. When the author previously sold home-use blood pressure monitors and thermometers, Amazon required FDA certificates to approve sales. Sellers planning to sell food, drugs, cosmetics, or medical supplies should verify if their suppliers have FDA certification.

2. CE certification

The CEmark is a safety certification mark considered a manufacturer’s passport to enter the European market. CE stands for Conformité Européenne(European Conformity). The CE mark is mandatory in the EU market. Products manufactured either within the EU or imported must have the CE mark to freely circulate within the EU market, proving compliance with the EU's New Approach Directives on technical coordination and standardization. The CE mark applies broadly, including communication devices, electrical products, personal protective equipment, toys, and more. Children’s products such as children’s clothing and toys require CE certification under the EU’s Toy Safety Directive. Inspections on children’s products for imports into Europe are becoming stricter.

3. CPC Certification

The Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)certifies the safety of children’s products. All children’s toys and products sold on Amazon US must provide a CPC. The CPC applies to products intended primarily for children aged 12 and under, such as toys, cradles, and children’s clothing. If produced in the U.S., the manufacturer provides the certificate; if produced overseas, the importer is responsible. Thus, cross-border sellers importing products from Chinese factories to the U.S. must provide CPC certificates to Amazon as the importer/retailer/distributor.

4. FCC Certification

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)ensures the safety of radio and wired communication products related to life and property. This certification applies to computers, computer accessories, fax machines, electronic devices, radio receivers and transmitters, remote control toys, phones, and other products potentially affecting personal safety. Products exported to the U.S. needing FCC certification include:

a. Personal computers and peripherals

b. Household appliances and power tools

c. Audio and video products (radios, TVs, home speakers)

d. Lighting (LED lamps, LED screens, stage lights)

e. Wireless products (Bluetooth, wireless remote toys, wireless switches)

f. Toys

g. Security products (alarms, security systems, access control, monitors, cameras)

5. UL certification

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)is a leading safety testing and certification organization in the U.S. that assesses various materials, devices, products, equipment, and buildings for potential hazards. UL certification mainly covers chargers, power banks, phone batteries, lighting, household appliances, and power tools.

6. DOT Certification

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)certifies the safety of transportation vehicles and related products. DOT certification proves the safety of automotive parts and vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers, buses, motorcycles) and their components (brake hoses, brake fluids, lamps, tires, seat belts, seats, helmets, warning triangles). Vehicles and parts must register and be reviewed by the DOT to enter the U.S. market.

7. pse certification

The PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance & Materials)certification is Japan’s mandatory safety certification for electrical products. It divides products into “Specified Electrical Appliances” and “Non-Specified Electrical Appliances.” Specified products bear a diamond-shaped pse mark, while non-specified products bear a circular PSE mark. Japan’s DENTORL Law mandates 498 product types must pass safety certification to enter the market: 165 Class A products get the diamond mark, 333 Class B products get the circular mark.

a. Class A PSE: cables, fuses, wiring devices, transformers, ballasts, electric heaters, household appliances, electronic devices (e.g., high-frequency hair removers), AC electrical machinery (insect killers, DC power supplies), portable engines.

b. Class B PSE: all non-specified electrical appliances, tested in labs approved by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to meet technical standards before applying the circular PSE mark.

Amazon Site Certification Summary:

1. USA Site

a. FDA Certification:Ensures safety of food, drugs, biological products, medical devices, radiation-emitting products. Products contacting the human body require FDA certification to avoid forced removal.

b. CPC Certification:Required for children’s products targeted at 12 years and younger, including toys, cradles, children’s clothing.

c. FCC Certification:Required for radio communication and digital products entering the U.S., including PCs, appliances, power tools, audio-video equipment, wireless devices, toys, and security systems.

d. DOT Certification:Required for motor vehicles and parts entering the U.S. market.

2. Europe Site

a. CE Certification:Mandatory for most products in the EU market to show conformity with EU directives and allow free circulation.

b. ROHS certification:Restricts hazardous substances in electronic and electrical products to protect health and environment.

3. Japan Site

a. PSE Certification:Mandatory electrical product safety certification, distinguishing between specified (diamond mark) and non-specified (circular mark) electrical appliances.

b. telec certification:Mandatory certification for wireless products under Japan’s Radio Law (similar to China’s SRRC), required for devices emitting radio frequencies such as wireless headphones and Bluetooth devices.

c. PSC Certification:Safety certification required for certain household products such as pressure cookers, helmets, baby cribs, climbing ropes, portable laser devices, washing machines, CRT TVs, etc.