Two Approaches to Amazon Toy TIC Audit

Recently, Amazon US and European sites have successively launched large-scale compliance audits for toy products. Numerous sellers have received platform notifications stating that all children's toy products falling under categories requiring the Direct Validation (DV) process must be verified directly by testing, inspection and certification (TIC) bodies recognized by Amazon. The traditional model of self-uploading compliance reports will no longer apply, so sellers need to adjust their compliance processes in a timely manner.

What is TIC Direct Validation and How Many Verification Methods Are Available?

To ensure product safety and compliance, Amazon has launched the "Direct Validation" mechanism with two methods as follows:

First Verification Method

1. Products in designated categories must either undergo compliance testing/certification directly through Amazon-recognized TIC bodies, or provide existing test reports, compliance documents, and products for verification in accordance with TIC requirements.

2. Test and verification resULts are submitted directly to Amazon by the TIC bodies.

3. Sellers are not allowed to upload compliance documents by themselves.

Second Verification Method

1. Proactively contact qualified and compliant laboratories that meet ISO 17025 or CPSC Standards, and conduct full-item testing on products.

2. Select the designated cooperative TIC audit body on the Amazon submission page and send the TRF number to the laboratory.

3. Sellers are not allowed to upload compliance documents by themselves.

Who Will Be Affected by the Children's Toy TIC Audit and What Are the Corresponding Site Standards?

If you sell children's toy products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the 8 EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium), you must complete compliance through "Direct Validation".

Applicable Standards for Partial Children's Toys

Which Products Require TIC Audit?

1. All toys targeting children aged 12 and under.

2. Including but not limited to building blocks, dolls, electric toys, etc.

3. Some stationery and clothing accessories with toy functions also need to be certified.

Easily Overlooked Supporting Materials

1. Product Manuals: Must include age-appropriate warnings, usage instructions, and safety alerts, in both Chinese and English (French and English for Canada).

2. Packaging and Product Bodies: Must display all mandatory labels, including age marks, safety warnings, and traceability labels (manufacturer, production address specified to city and country, production date, product information).

Audit Frequency and Report Requirements

1. Amazon stipulates that TIC Direct Validation must be conducted annually, with the report valid for one year. (Links will automatically enter the audit process when the report expires.)

2. The test report must correspond to the product link, with complete testing standards, items, and test points, and must be issued by a laboratory accREDited with ISO 17025 or CPSC qualifications.

Service Process

1. Business Consultation → Document Pre-audit (Product Compliance Verification)

2. Fill in Application Form and Send Samples

3. Payment of Fees

4. Inspection and Testing (Including Review of Labels and Marks)

5. Obtain Report and Certificate (In case of rectifiable non-conformities during verification, guide sellers to carry out rectification and verify compliance)

6. Audit and Validation (Document Certification and Upload, and Provide TRF Number; if the final conclusion is passed, upload the certificate to the laboratory platform)

The new regulation is about to take effect. To prevent audit backlogs, please make arrangements as soon as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much do test reports and audit verification cost approximately?

The test cost depends on the complexity of the product and the applicable standards. The audit verification fee ranges from 800 (specific price is subject to the quotation of the TIC audit body).

Are test reports issued by other laboratories still valid?

Reports issued by ISO 17025/CPSC-accredited laboratories with relevant testing capabilities and qualifications that meet policy requirements are still valid, provided that full-item testing is conducted. However, reports may still be rejected if they contain false information or incomplete testing items.

What should I do if I already have a test report issued by another laboratory?

It depends on whether the "Direct Validation" mechanism has been implemented for your product category. If it has been implemented, you can inform the selected TIC of your existing test report after choosing a TIC body, and provide the report to the TIC for evaluation to confirm the necessary testing and audit items.

Why do I still need to pay verification/certification fees even if I already have a test report?

Direct Validation conducts a comprehensive audit of the overall safety and compliance of the product, which includes but is not limited to your test report. All fees arising from testing or verification shall be borne by you.

When can I obtain the processing time and quotation from a third-party testing, inspection, and certification body?

After you select a TIC body, the TIC will provide you with the processing time and quotation in a timely manner. If you are not satisfied with the quotation, you can inquire with other TIC bodies.

How does Direct Validation work?

Amazon launched the Direct Validation program mainly for two purposes:

1. To help sellers directly connect with approved and reliable third-party service providers that can directly verify documents and products, and transmit compliance results to Amazon.

2. To simplify the document verification process, improve document review efficiency, and ensure compliance from the source. This will ultimately benefit Amazon sellers, as these laboratories will directly verify the tested products and share the results with Amazon.

When you cooperate with a laboratory, ensure that its services meet Amazon's standards.

It takes time to complete product testing or verification reports. Is there a grace period?

Under normal circumstances, Amazon will provide a certain grace period for product compliance. You can check the specific compliance deadline corresponding to each ASIN in the Account Health Dashboard (AHD).

Currently, there are only dozens of laboratories available for Direct Validation. Will more laboratory options be added in the future?

More international and domestic TIC bodies will be added successively. Please stay tuned.

What should I do if I believe my product is misclassified or this requirement does not apply to my product?

Please select the option to add or file a compliance appeal:

1. When selecting the reason for the appeal, choose the option "This requirement does not apply to my product".

2. In the additional comments section, describe the reasons why you believe the product is misidentified or why you think this requirement does not apply to your situation, and click submit. Amazon will review your appeal and contact you via email to confirm whether further information is needed. If your appeal is approved, the ASIN will be relisted without the need for testing.