Children's Product Certificate (CPC): Complete Compliance Guide for Toy Businesses

Ensuring children's safety is a top priority for toy manufacturers, importers, and sellers in the U.S. market. To comply with strict regulations and protect young consumers, businesses must obtain a Children's Product Certificate (CPC)—a mandatory document that certifies products meet all applicable safety standards. Whether you're selling toys online, stocking retail shelves, or importing bulk shipments, understanding CPC requirements is crucial to avoiding legal risks and ensuring smooth operations. In this guide, we'll explain what a CPC is, why it's important, and how to obtain one for your children's products. For a detailed guide on importing toys, including regulatory requirements and best practices, check out our blog: How to Import Toys into the USA.

What is a Children's Product Certificate (CPC)?

A Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is a mandatory compliance document required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States. It applies to all products primarily designed or intended for children aged 12 and under, such as toys, cradles, children's clothing, etc. If the product is manufactured in the United States, the manufacturer is responsible for providing the CPC; if it is produced in another country, the importer assumes this responsibility.  

Although referred to as a "certificate," the CPC is not issued by any official authority nor does it need to be filed with government agencies. In essence, it is a "guarantee statement" drafted and fully authorized by the manufacturer/importer, declaring that the product complies with all applicable U.S. safety regulations and other legal requirements for children's products.

Who Needs a CPC?

• Manufacturers (both domestic and international) producing children's products for the U.S. market.

• Importers bringing children's products into the U.S. for resale.

• Online sellers listing children's products on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.

Why is CPC Important for Toy Buyers and Sellers?

1. Legal Requirement

Under CPSIA, all children's products must meet specific safety standards. Selling a children's product without a valid CPC can result in severe penalties, product recalls, and legal consequences.

2. Amazon and E-Commerce Compliance

Major online marketplaces, such as Amazon, require CPC documentation to list children's products. Without it, sellers risk account suspension or product removal.

3. Consumer Trust and Marketability

CPC ensures that a product is tested for safety hazards, such as lead content, small parts choking risks, and flammability issues. Buyers and parents trust CPC-certified products, leading to better sales and brand credibility.

What Information Must a CPC Include?

A valid CPC must contain the following details:

1. Product Identification – Name and description of the product.

2. Citations to Safety Regulations – List of all applicable CPSIA rules and CPSC regulations.

3. Manufacturer/Importer Details – Name, address, and contact information.

4. Production Information – Date and location of product manufacture.

5. Testing Laboratory Information – Name, address, and accreditation details of the third-party testing lab.

6. Certification Statement – Declaration of compliance from the responsible company.

Comprehensive CPC guidelines and templates are available at: CPSC CPC Guidelines.

In addition to the CPC, every children's product must have a permanent tracking label on the product and packaging, including:

• Production date and location.

• Batch/run number or other identifying marks.

• Manufacturer/importer identifier (e.g., name, private labeler mark).

More details on labeling requirements can be found here: CPSC Labeling Rules.

Differences and Relationships Among CPSC, CPSIA, and CPC

1. CPSC

The CPSC is a significant U.S. consumer rights agency, short for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The CPSC is the name of an agency, while what we commonly refer to as CPSC certification involves obtaining test reports from a CPSC-authorized third-party laboratory.

2. CPSIA

The CPSIA, or the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, is a safety enhancement bill signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush on August 14, 2008. This act is the strictest consumer protection law since the establishment of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1972.

The CPSIA is a regulation that sets quality and safety standards for products.

3. CPC

The Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is a certificate issued by a CPSC-authorized third-party laboratory after testing a product in accordance with relevant regulations, based on compliant test data.

The CPC is a certificate—it is issued by an authorized laboratory only if the test results meet the required standards after product testing.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain A CPC?

The CPC itself does not require any fees, but it must be based on third-party certification passed by the product. The third-party certification body must be a laboratory accredited by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Eligible laboratories can be found in the CPSC's recognized laboratory database.

The search page allows for precise searches by laboratory name (in English) or ID, as well as broader searches by keyword, required test type, or laboratory location. Different tests can be conducted at different labs, as long as all involved laboratories are listed when drafting the CPC. Of course, completing all tests at a single lab is the most cost-effective option.

A complete list of CPSC-approved testing labs can be found here: CPSC Lab Search.

How to Get a Children's Product Certificate?

1. Prepare Required Information for CPC Application

You'll need to provide the details such as Manufacturer Information, Amazon Seller Details, Product Information, etc.

2. Submit Samples to a Lab for Testing

Send 3 samples per item (normally) to an accredited lab for testing.

If multiple items share the same material and series, they can be tested together under a single CPC report.

3. Receive and Submit the CPC Report

Once testing is complete, the lab issues the certification report and CPC certificate.

4. Maintain Records and Compliance Updates

CPCs must be updated whenever a product undergoes material changes affecting compliance.

CPC Certification FAQs

Below, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions based on seller inquiries to help you navigate CPC requirements with confidence.

1. Can we require the supplier to pass the CPC test before production starts?

Yes, it is highly recommended. If production is completed and the test fails, it can cause significant issues, including the inability to sell your products.

2. If the toys I'm selling have already been tested by the manufacturer, do I still need to retest again?

CPSC requires that CPCs be issued by the manufacturer or the importer. That means, as a reseller, you aren't required to issue a CPC, but retailers like Amazon can choose to set safety requirements for the products allowed on their platform that are more stringent than the applicable federal requirements. You can directly contact your suppliers or the importers/manufacturers, but they aren't obligated to provide it. If no CPC is available, you will need to test the product at a CPSC-accepted lab and issue your own CPC.

3. What specific tests does Amazon require for CPC?

For toys, Amazon requires compliance with ASTM F963, a standard safety specification for toy products. It is advisable to check Amazon's compliance policies for the latest requirements.

4. Which testing laboratories does Amazon accept for CPC certification?

Amazon accepts CPC testing from approved third-party labs like SGS, Intertek, and CTI. Click here for the comprehensive lab lists.

5. Is a CPC required for each shipment of my products?

Yes. Each imported and/or domestically distributed shipment is required to be "accompanied" by the required certificate. However, CPC reports for most children's products are generally valid for one year. So you need to retest your products every 12 months, whether any changes were made to the products. 

6. Can I test a product before manufacturing the entire batch?

Yes, it is advisable to send a sample to an accredited lab for testing before beginning mass production.

7. Does Amazon accept CPC reports from Chinese testing labs?

Yes, Amazon does accept CPC reports from certain authorized Chinese labs. However, not all labs are recognized, so it is crucial to verify whether the lab you choose is approved by Amazon. Click here for the comprehensive lab lists.

8. When does Amazon ask for a CPC certificate?

Amazon can request a CPC certificate at any time, even after you start selling. To avoid listing restrictions, ensure you have the certificate ready in advance.

9. My supplier doesn't have CPC documentation. What should I do?

If your supplier has not conducted CPC testing, you need to arrange the testing yourself through an accredited laboratory before selling the product.

10. Is There A Sample/Template for the CPC?

CPC business guidance page provides example CPCs. Manufacturers or importers issuing the CPC are not required to follow the sample layout exactly, but must include all relevant details for their certified children's product. Alternative formats or layouts may be used as long as all seven required elements are included. Check out the example of a CPC for a children's toy here: CPC Example – Toy.

Conclusion

A Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is essential for legally selling children's products in the U.S. market. Whether you're a manufacturer, importer, or reseller, ensuring compliance with CPSC regulations protects your business from penalties and enhances consumer trust. By following the correct steps, obtaining third-party lab testing, and maintaining compliance records, you can successfully navigate the certification process and grow your toy business.

Need high-quality, CPC-compliant toys at wholesale prices? Zhorya offers a wide selection of safe and compliant toys for bulk buyers. Contact us today for a wholesale quote!