GCC General Certificate of Conformit

If you plan to export general consumer products to the United States, or sell them as a trader on platforms such as Amazon US, it is very likely that before exporting, you must issue a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC).

Due to an increasing number of audits, many sellers are being asked to provide this certificate. This article explains the details of gcc certification.

What is a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)?

A GCC is a certificate in which the manufacturer or importer of a general-use (non-children’s) product declares in writing that the product complies with applicable consumer product safety rULes.

①　It is essentially a self-declarationissued by the manufacturer or importer.

②　It proves the product has been tested and complies with relevant CPSCand ASTMstandards.

③　Each product must have its own separate GCC.

④　Similar to a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), but GCC applies only to certain general-use products, while CPC is mandatory for all children’s products sold or exported to the U.S.

Which Products Require a GCC?

Certain items are legally requiRED to have a GCC. Examples include:

①　Apparel

②　E-bikes

③　Bicycle helmets

④　ATVs (all-terrain vehicles)

⑤　Paints and coatings

⑥　Bunk beds

⑦　Lighters

⑧　Mattresses and mattress pads

⑨　Bicycles

⑩　Swimming pool drain covers

Testing Standards Linked to GCC

Each product category requiring a GCC is linked to specific U.S. regulations. Some examples are:

①　Architectural glazing materials — 16 CFR Part 1201

②　Matchbooks — 16 CFR Part 1202

③　Bicycle helmets — 16 CFR Part 1203

④　CB antennas — 16 CFR Part 1204

⑤　Power lawn mowers — 16 CFR Part 1205

⑥　Swimming pool slides — 16 CFR Part 1207

⑦　Cellulose insulation — 16 CFR Part 1209

⑧　Cigarette lighters — 16 CFR Part 1210

⑨　Garage door openers — 16 CFR Part 1211

⑩　Multipurpose lighters — 16 CFR Part 1212

11　Bunk beds — 16 CFR Part 1213

12　Refuse bins — 16 CFR Part 1301

13　Paints and similar coatings — 16 CFR Part 1303

14　Consumer patching compounds — 16 CFR Part 1304

15　Artificial emberizing materials — 16 CFR Part 1305

16　Lawn darts — 16 CFR Part 1306

17　ATVs — 16 CFR Part 1420

18　Pool and spa drain covers — 16 CFR Part 1450

19　Portable fuel containers — 16 CFR Part 1460

20　Metal candle wicks — 16 CFR Part 1500.17(a)(13)

21　Fireworks — 16 CFR Part 1507

22　Bicycles and e-bikes — 16 CFR Part 1512

23　Apparel textiles — 16 CFR Part 1610

24　Vinyl plastic film — 16 CFR Part 1611

25　Carpets and rugs (large) — 16 CFR Part 1630

26　Carpets and rugs (small) — 16 CFR Part 1631

27　Mattresses (smoldering) — 16 CFR Part 1632

28　Mattresses (open flame) — 16 CFR Part 1633

29　Special packaging — 16 CFR Part 1700

30　Refrigerator doors — 16 CFR Part 1750

31　Drywall — PL 112-266

Do All Products Require a GCC?

No. Only the products listed on the CPSC website require a GCC.

①　Many categories, such as consumer electronics, watches, and jewelry, fall under different certification requirements and do not require a GCC.

②　For all children’s products, a CPCis required instead of a GCC.

What Information Must a GCC Include?

The CPSC specifies that every GCC must contain:

1. Identification of the product (specific to one product and model).

2. Each applicable consumer product safety rule (CPSC regulations and ASTM standards).

3. Identification of the importer or domestic manufacturer certifying compliance.

4. Contact details of the person maintaining test records.

5. Date and place of manufacture.

6. Date and place where testing was conducted.

7. Identification of any third-party laboratory involved (name, contact, email, phone, address).

Official sample available:https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Testing-Certification/General-Certificate-of-Conformity-GCC

Who Issues the GCC?

①　The exporter or manufacturer issues the GCC.

②　For Amazon sellers or traders exporting from China, the GCC usually needs to be created independently.

③　The certificate may be kept as a PDFor as a printed hard copy.

Do I Need Third-Party Approval for GCC?

No. Approval from CPSC or third parties is not required.

However:

①　You must have the GCC ready before the shipment arrives in the U.S.

②　GCC can be provided electronically (e.g., PDF) or in printed form with shipping documents.

③　Amazon often requires GCC for compliance checks, especially for apparel, helmets, and e-bikes.

Does the GCC Require Supporting Test Reports?

Yes.

①　While third-party testing is not always legally mandatory for non-children’s products, all GCC products must meet safety standards.

②　In Amazon compliance reviews, missing test reports almost always result in requests for additional documentation.

③　Example: Bicycle helmets must meet strict safety requirements under 16 CFR Part 1203, including:

a.        Peripheral vision of at least 105° to either side.

b.        Stability during testing (must not come off the head form).

c.        Retention system strength (straps must not elongate more than 30 mm during dynaMIC testing).

In practice, testing is mandatory, even if not explicitly required, to ensure compliance and avoid liability.

Can a Manufacturer Provide a GCC?

①　In theory, yes.

②　In practice, rarely.

Most manufacturers in China are not familiar with GCC requirements. Therefore, Amazon sellers and traders usually prepare the GCC themselves. Manufacturers are not compliance experts and should not be relied on for GCC or other product safety matters.

What’s the Difference Between CPC and GCC?

①　GCC: Required only for certain non-children’s products (e.g., helmets, bunk beds, mattresses).

②　CPC: Mandatory for all children’s productsexported to and sold in the U.S.