What Are CPSIA Compliance Certificates?

When parents choose toys for their children, what do they care about most? Of course, safety! But did you know that children’s products exported to the United States must pass a strict safety requirement — the CPSIA compliance certificate. What exactly is this certificate? What specific requirements does it impose on products?

What Is a cpsia certificate?

CPSIA stands for the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. It is a mandatory certification in the U.S. for children's consumer products. Signed into law by the U.S. President in 2008, its core purposes are:

1. Strict Safety Control:Limit the use of lead and phthalates in children’s products and enforce the toy safety standard ASTM F963;

2. Enhance Consumer Confidence:Through rigorous testing and certification, reassure parents about product safety.

Which Products Must Obtain cpsia certification?

The scope of CPSIA is broad and mainly includes:

1. Toys:Building blocks, dolls, educational toys, electronic toys, etc.;

2. Children’s Products:Baby walkers, inflatable bouncers, jump ropes, pacifiers;

3. Home-related Products:Children’s beds with rails, paint used in children’s rooms, metal accessories;

4. Other Categories:Stationery and wearable accessories that children can easily come into contact with.

CPSIA Traceability Labels for Children’s Products

One year after the law took effect, all manufacturers of children’s products are required to affix traceability or other identifying labels on both the product and its packaging. In addition to the three items originally required by the CPSA label (15 U.S.C. 2063(c)), the CPSIA added a new labeling requirement. The full modified label content includes:

1. The date and place of product manufacture;

2. Information related to the product batch, such as batch number, inspection number, or other similar numbers (new requirement);

3. Manufacturer information;

4. Information indicating the product’s compliance with relevant certificates.

Mandatory Testing and Certification Under CPSIA

The CPSIA law expanded the range of products required to undergo testing and certification. Products regulated under the standards, bans, and enforcement rules set by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) according to this law must be tested and certified. This testing and certification requirement has been effective since November 12, 2008.

The CPSC recognizes testing laboratories either directly or through designated independent accreditation bodies. However, laboratories controlled by children’s product manufacturers must be accredited by the CPSC.