CPC and GCC Certification for Children's Products on Amazon/TEMU

U.S. gcc certification

The General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is a mandatory certification issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for general-use products. These products must undergo testing or comply with a reasonable testing program and have a written gcc certificate to prove compliance with safety regulations.

Which Products Require GCC Certification?

Products categorized as general-use (non-children’s) products and subject to Consumer Product Safety Rules or other CPSC mandatory regulations require testing and certification.

It is important to note that each product must have its own GCC certificate. While similar to the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), GCC applies specifically to adult-use products. For children’s products (designed for those aged 12 and under), a CPC certificate is required instead.

Scope of GCC-Regulated Products

Products requiring GCC certification include, but are not limited to:

- Clothing, paints, coatings

- Magnet products, button/coin batteries

- Diving sticks and similar items

- All-terrain vehicles, bicycles, bicycle helmets

- Lighters, portable gas containers, multipurpose lighters

- Swimming pool slides, electric lawnmowers

- Dumpsters, antennas, cellulose insulation

- Bunk beds, matchboxes, mattresses

- Swimming pool and spa drain covers

- Lawn darts, metal candle wicks

- Fireworks, vinyl plastic film

- Carpets, drywall, refrigerator doors

- Special packaging and more

E-Commerce Platforms Requiring GCC Certification

For products sold on Amazon, TEMU, SHEIN, TikTok, eBay, and AliExpress in the U.S., a valid GCC certificate is required. Failure to provide one could result in product removal, legal action, or other penalties.

Issuance of GCC Certificates

GCC certificates must be issued by manufacturers or importers, who bear full legal responsibility. A third-party laboratory or another authorized entity can draft the certificate if needed.

Differences Between GCC and CPC Certification

- GCC (General-Use Products, Non-Children’s Products)

GCC applies to general-use products that are not specifically intended for children. These products must comply with safety regulations outlined in the Consumer Product Safety Rules. The certificate must be issued by the manufacturer or importer, and it should include detailed product information, safety compliance details, manufacturer/importer contact information, production details, and testing report references. If a third-party laboratory is not required, this must be explicitly stated.

- CPC (Children’s Products & Toys)

CPC applies to products designed for children aged 12 and under, including toys and childcare products. These products must comply with children’s safety and toy regulations. The requirements for issuing the CPC certificate are similar to GCC, but third-party laboratory testing is mandatory for CPC certification.

Key Considerations for Platform Compliance

1. Consistency in Documentation

- Testing items (Citation Rule) must be consistent.

- Test report numbers (if available) must match.

- Model numbers must be identical.

- Manufacturer details (name, address) must align.

- Testing time and location must be accurate.

2. Documentation Requirements

- Test reports must be included.

- Official certification documents must be in English.

- The GCC certificate must be provided.

3. Product Listing Images

- Model number, manufacturer details, and address must be accurate and not in pinyin.

- Product packaging must display legally required warnings and compliance labels.

4. Validity of Test Reports

- The CPSC recommends that manufacturers and importers retest products annually to ensure compliance.

5. GCC Certificate Requirements

- Holder's name, address, phone, and email.

- Importer/manufacturer’s name, address, and phone.

- Third-party testing lab’s name, address, and phone (if applicable).

- Production date and location.

- Citation Rule (specific testing requirements).

- Title: "General Certificate of Conformity".

- Product details (name, model, color, etc.).

- Manufacturer’s signature and stamp (if applicable).

- Sample testing date and location.

Ensuring compliance with GCC and CPC certification requirements helps sellers avoid legal risks and ensures smooth product sales on major U.S. e-commerce platforms.