CPSC Children's Product Certificate

What is a CPC Certificate?

The Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) is an authoritative document issued by the seller and endorsed by a third-party laboratory recognized by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It serves as proof that a product complies with strict children's product safety regulations. Similar to a quality inspection report in China, a CPC certificate is issued alongside a test report once the relevant tests have been passed.

This certificate includes details about the importer/exporter, product information, and the conducted tests along with the applicable regulations. It applies to all products designed for children aged 12 years or younger. A CPC Certification is mandatory for children’s products sold in the U.S. market. Amazon U.S. requires a CPC certificate for all children's toys and products; otherwise, they will not be approved for sale. This requirement ensures product safety and confirms that the product has undergone all necessary tests and inspections to meet relevant regulatory standards.

CPC certification must be obtained through a CPSC-accredited laboratory, and only after passing the required tests can a CPC certificate be issued.

- If the product is manufactured in the U.S., the manufacturer provides the CPC certificate.

- If the product is manufactured outside the U.S., the importer is responsible for obtaining the certificate.

- For cross-border sellers, who act as "importers," a CPC certificate must be provided to Amazon.

Which Products Require a CPC Certificate?

In general, all children's products sold in the U.S. must have a CPC certificate if:

1. The product is designed for children under 12 years old.

2. The product packaging includes items meant for children under 12 years old.

3. The product display (such as in toy stores or online shops) presents it as suitable for children under 12 years old.

4. The product is widely recognized as primarily intended for children under 12 years old.

The CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) covers any product that may be classified as a children's product, meaning that a CPC certificate is required to sell such items.

Consequences of Not Having a CPC Certificate

If a CPC certificate is not obtained, the following consequences may occur:

- Freight forwarders may refuse to ship the product.

- U.S. Customs may detain the product.

- The CPSC may issue a mandatory recall.

- Amazon may remove or ban the product from being sold.

What Tests Are Required for CPC Certification?

CPC certification is mandatory for children's products sold on Amazon to protect children from harm.

Types of Tests

- Initial Testing: Performed on a product for the first time.

- Material Change Testing: Required when there is a change in material.

- Periodic Testing: Conducted at least once per year, even if no material changes occur.

- Component Testing: In certain cases, in addition to testing the finished product, all individual components must be tested to ensure compliance.

CPSC Standards and Common Tests

The CPSC has published 38 safety standards, covering the following key areas:

1. Total Lead and Phthalates under CPSIA.

2. U.S. Toy Safety Standard ASTM F963.

3. Electric Toy Safety Standard 16 CFR Part 1505.

4. Rattle Toy Safety Requirements 16 CFR Part 1510.

5. Pacifier Safety Standard 16 CFR Part 1511.

6. Flammability standards for children's clothing, carpets, etc., such as 16 CFR Part 1610.

7. Infant products: Strollers, cribs, playpens, baby carriers, safety seats, bicycle helmets, etc.

Common Testing Items

For Toys:

- CPSIA total lead & phthalates

- ASTM F963 (Toy Safety Standard)

- 16 CFR Part 1501 (Small Parts, included in ASTM F963)

- 16 CFR Part 1510 (Rattles, included in ASTM F963)

- 16 CFR Part 1505 (Electric Toy Safety Standard, required for electric toys)

For Children's Clothing:

- CPSIA total lead & phthalates

- 16 CFR Part 1501 (Small Parts)

- 16 CFR Part 1610 (Textile Flammability Standard)

- 16 CFR Part 1615 (Children's Sleepwear Flammability, sizes 0-6X)

- 16 CFR Part 1616 (Children's Sleepwear Flammability, sizes 7-14X)

Amazon CPC Certification: Common Products & Relevant Standards

- Bedside Cribs: Must comply with ASTM F2906-13 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates) regulations.

- Toddler Beds: Need to meet the ASTM F1821-16 standard and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates) requirements.

- Full-Size Cribs: Must adhere to astm f1169-19 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- Non-Full-Size Cribs: Require compliance with ASTM F406-19 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- Cradle Beds & Rocking Cradles: Should meet ASTM F2194-16e1 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- Safety Gates & Enclosures: Need to comply with ASTM F1004-19 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- High Chairs: Must follow ASTM F404-18a and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates) regulations.

- Infant Swings: Require adherence to ASTM F2088-13 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- Children’s Bicycle Helmets: Should meet 16 CFR § 1203 or ASTM F1898, astm f1447, Snell B-90A, B-95, along with CPSIA requirements.

- Infant Feeding Products: Need to comply with CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates) regulations.

- Baby Bathtubs: Must meet ASTM F2670-18 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- Strollers: Should follow ASTM F833-15 and CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates).

- Children’s Jewelry: Must comply with astm f2923-14, CSPA Phthalates, Cadmium, and Small Parts Warning regulations.

- Children’s Backpacks: Should meet CPSIA Lead, CSPA Phthalates, Cadmium, 16 CFR 1500.50, and include a Small Parts Warning.

- Children’s Book Covers: Need to adhere to CPSIA Lead, CSPA Phthalates, Cadmium, and include a Small Parts Warning.

What Information Does a CPC Certificate Include?

1. Product information (name, model, description).

2. Standards and regulations that the product has passed, such as CPSC safety regulations.

3. U.S. manufacturer or importer information (name, address, contact details).

4. Contact details of the person maintaining the test report.

5. Product manufacturing date and location.

6. Test date and location.

7. CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory details (name, address, contact details).

Important Notes

1. CPC certification depends on whether the product passes laboratory testing, which must be conducted by a CPSC-accredited third-party lab. Invalid lab certification results in an invalid CPC certificate.

2. CPC certificates and test reports must be in English and issued by a CPSC-recognized lab.

3. CPC certification is valid for one year, requiring periodic updates to ensure compliance.

4. Children’s products must have permanent, clearly visible labels on both the product and packaging, including the manufacturer’s name, production date, and location for traceability.