What are ASTM F963 and CPSIA?

Recently, many clients have asked: Are CPSC Certification, CPC Certification (ASTM F963), and cpsia certification the same type of certification test report? Today, we will clarify the differences between CPSC certification, CPC certification, and cpsia certification:

CPSIA, CPSC, and CPC are three distinct concepts related to U.S. product safety, with key differences in the following aspects:

1. Nature

①　CPSIA: A regulation, formally known as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. It prescribes safety standards and testing requirements for children's products.

②　CPSC: The Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers from potential hazards posed by consumer products⁴.

③　CPC: The Children's Product Certificate, a document issued by third-party laboratories authorized by the CPSC. It verifies that products meet safety standards based on testing conducted in accordance with CPSIA regulations⁷.

2. Enforcement Body

①　CPSIA: Regulated and enforced by the CPSC.

②　CPSC: As a government agency, it does not directly conduct testing or certification. Instead, it authorizes third-party laboratories to perform tests and reviews test data.

③　CPC: Issued by third-party laboratories authorized by the CPSC. These laboratories are subject to CPSC supervision and guidance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test data.

3. Scope of Application

①　CPSIA: Applies to all consumer products, including children's products, which must comply with its specified safety standards.

②　CPSC: Similar to CPSIA, it covers all consumer products—especially children's products—to ensure they are free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates.

③　CPC: Primarily applies to children's products. It is a mandatory certificate for products entering the U.S. market, proving that the product has passed rigorous safety testing.

What is CPC Certification?

The Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) is a document issued by CPSC-authorized third-party laboratories based on test data after conducting product testing in accordance with relevant regulations. It applies to all products primarily intended for use by children aged 12 and under, such as toys, cribs, and children's clothing. For products manufactured in the U.S., the manufacturer is responsible for providing the CPC certificate; for products manufactured overseas, the importer bears this responsibility. In other words, cross-border sellers, as "importers," must provide the CPC certificate to Amazon (as a retailer) when selling products manufactured in Chinese factories to the U.S.

What Test Items Are Included in CPC Certification?

CPC certification typically consists of:

CPSIA (Lead, Phthalates) + ASTM F963 (Toy Testing)

ASTM F963

ASTM F963 is a U.S. toy safety standard developed by the National Bureau of Standards under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The current latest version is ASTM F963-23.

Key test items include:

①　Physical testing (sharp edges, protrusions, fastener security, etc.)

②　Flammability

③　Toxicity (hazardous substances), etc.

CPSIA

The CPSIA (formally H.R. 4040) is a safety improvement act signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush on August 14, 2008. It is the most stringent consumer protection act since the establishment of the CPSC in 1972.

Core requirements for lead and phthalates under CPSIA (H.R. 4040):

①　Section 101: Lead-containing children's products; lead-based paint regulations

②　Section 102: Mandatory third-party testing for certain children's products

③　Section 103: Traceability labels for children's products

④　Section 104: Standards and consumer registration for durable infant or toddler products

⑤　Section 105: Labeling requirements for toy and game advertisements

⑥　Section 106: Mandatory Toy Safety Standards

⑦　Section 107: Research on preventable childhood injuries and deaths related to consumer products

⑧　Section 108: Prohibition on the sale of certain products containing phthalates

CPSIA is a regulation that sets product quality standards.

Enhanced Enforcement Starting March 22, 2021

The U.S. CPSC launched reforms on March 22, 2021, introducing electronic review of entries. Recently, numerous Amazon sellers have received notifications of intensified CPSC inspections for children's products, requiring submission of cpc test reports. All products under CPSC jurisdiction will be flagged for review. Sellers with relevant products should prepare necessary documents (e.g., CPC test reports, certifications) in advance for customs inspection at the port of destination.

Summary

①　CPSIA: A regulation that defines safety standards and testing requirements for children's products.

②　CPSC: A government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing these safety standards.

③　CPC: A certificate issued by CPSC-authorized third-party laboratories, proving products comply with CPSIA safety standards.

To ensure products smoothly enter the U.S. market—especially children's products—manufacturers and importers must comply with CPSIA regulations, conduct testing and certification through CPSC-authorized third-party laboratories, and obtain the CPC certificate.