Do You Know About the U.S. GCC Certificate?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), having joined the U.S. customs framework, has long worked in collaboration with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect products during customs clearance. All products under CPSC jurisdiction that are imported into the U.S. are subject to review. Even if a product passes customs declaration, it cannot be sold without CPSC approval. CPSC oversees categories such as children’s products, including toys, clothing, decorations, etc. Their review includes compliance documentation like the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), the General Certificate of Conformity (GCC), and the corresponding test reports.

What Is a gcc certificate?

GCCstands for General Certificate of Conformity.

It is a written document certifying that your product complies with specific consumer product safety regulations. It must be issued by the importer or the U.S. domestic manufacturer based on testing or a reasonable testing program. The GCC applies to general-use or non-children’s products, and is also referred to as the General Use Product Certification.

⚠️ Important Note:

GCC is for general consumer products not related to children's safety (e.g., household goods, apparel, footwear). Children's products (e.g., toys) require the more stringent CPC (Children’s Product Certificate).

Which Products Require a GCC Certificate?

GCC applies to non-children’s products, primarily adult-use products listed under CPSC’s GCC-covered product categories. Examples include:

Architectural glazing materials

Adult apparel

Mattresses and bunk beds

Paints and surface coatings

Carpets and rugs

Antennas

Cellulose insulation

Matchbooks

Portable fuel containers

Lawn darts

Bicycles and ATVs

Multi-purpose lighters

Electric lawn mowers

Cigarette lighters

Consumer patching compounds

Garage door openers

Metal candle wicks

Drywall

Special packaging

Bicycle helmets

Artificial fireplace embers

Pool and spa drain covers

Fireworks

Vinyl plastic film

Refrigerator doors

�� For the complete list, refer to the CPSC official website.

Why Do You Need a GCC Certificate?

Products that require a GCC certificate but fail to provide one—or submit a false one—violate the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA)and may face civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or asset seizure. Consequently, major e-commerce platforms enforce related restrictions.

Amazon Policy:

Obtaining a GCC is essential for selling certain products (e.g., bicycles, architectural glazing, matchbooks, bicycle helmets, bunk beds). Without a GCC, your listings may be removed or blocked.

Temu (U.S. Pinduoduo) Policy:

Temu mandates that all textile and clothing products must have a valid GCC certificate uploaded. Failure to comply may result in product delisting.

Specific GCC Requirements

According to platform rules, uploaded GCC documentation must meet the following criteria:

1. Document Consistency

All test items, report numbers, product models, and style numbers must match. Testing labs, manufacturer details, test dates, and addresses must reflect reality.

2. Formal Documentation

The uploaded GCC must be an official version, including at least an English copy. All documentation must be genuine and verifiable.

3. Product Images

Images must show model numbers, style numbers, and manufacturer names and addresses—without pinyin.

4. Testing Report Standards

Reports must include product details, sample photos, and official signatures and stamps from the lab.

5. GCC Content Requirements

The certificate must list the certificate holder’s name and address, importer and manufacturer details, production date and location, and third-party lab info.

6. Required Testing Items

Apparel must comply with 16 CFR 1610flammability requirements. If other regulations apply, testing must be conducted accordingly to ensure compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who must be provided with the GCC certificate?

Manufacturers or importers must provide the GCC to distributors or retailers. Upon request, a copy must be provided to the CPSC and U.S. customs authorities.

2. What is the basis for issuing a GCC certificate?

A GCC must be based on product-specific testing or a reasonable testing program. While third-party lab reports recognized by CPSC are not mandatory, reports from internal, external, or third-party labs are acceptable.

3. What is the validity period of the GCC and test reports?

There is no fixed validity period. Sellers are advised to update documents regularly and re-test if the product design or manufacturing process changes.

4. Can GCC certificates be electronic only?

Yes. Electronic GCCs are acceptable as long as they are accessible by CPSC and include all CPSA-required information.

5. Are there language requirements for the GCC and test reports?

Yes. The GCC and its corresponding test reports must be in English.