CPSC Compliance — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Requirements
CPSC compliance refers to product safety requirements enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC is the federal agency responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products sold in the United States.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors are legally responsible for ensuring that their products comply with applicable CPSC regulations before entering the U.S. market.
Regulatory Authority Overview
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees safety regulations for thousands of consumer products, excluding those regulated by other federal agencies such as FDA or NHTSA.
CPSC regulations apply to both domestically manufactured and imported products, and enforcement actions can occur at customs, distribution, or post-market stages.
Products Regulated by CPSC
CPSC regulations cover a wide range of consumer products, including:
Children’s products and toys
Electrical and electronic consumer products
Household goods and appliances
Furniture and furnishings
Sports and recreational products
General consumer goods intended for home use
Children’s products are subject to additional mandatory requirements under U.S. law.
Key CPSC Compliance Requirements
CPSC compliance typically involves one or more of the following elements:
Compliance with applicable safety standards (mandatory or incorporated by reference)
Product testing by CPSC-accepted laboratories (when required)
Issuance of a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) or Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)
Product labeling and tracking label requirements
Ongoing post-market compliance and reporting obligations
Children’s Products and CPSIA
Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), children’s products are subject to stricter controls, including:
Mandatory third-party testing
Limits on lead, phthalates, and other hazardous substances
Mechanical, physical, and flammability requirements
CPC issuance based on passing test results
Non-compliance may result in recalls, penalties, or import refusal.
Import and Market Surveillance
CPSC works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to monitor imported consumer products. Non-compliant products may be:
Detained or refused entry at ports
Subject to corrective action or recall
Listed in public enforcement databases
Accurate documentation and certification are critical for smooth customs clearance.
Why CPSC Compliance Matters
Failure to comply with CPSC requirements can lead to:
Import detention or seizure
Mandatory recalls and corrective actions
Civil penalties and legal liability
Damage to brand reputation and customer trust
CPSC compliance is a foundational requirement for accessing and maintaining presence in the U.S. consumer market.
Start Your CPSC Compliance Project
Provide your product information, intended use, and target customer group to receive a compliance assessment and project proposal. Our team supports end-to-end CPSC compliance, including testing coordination, certification documentation, and ongoing regulatory support.