Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations and product safety information

Overview

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) works to ensure products sold in the US are safe for customers by enforcing regulations, standards, and bans on various products.

From July 8, 2026, if you export certain clothing, toys, or other regulated products to the US, the CPSC requires that you electronically submit your products’ safety information. This product safety information has been required since 2008, but this change requires the information to be submitted electronically to US Customs.

If your products require safety information, we recommend collecting these documents now to avoid them being hidden to US buyers, and so you’re prepared when they sell.

  • If you manage your own shipping, you’ll be required to submit this information to your carrier when you ship, and they will electronically file it with US Customs. Submission processes may vary by carrier. If this information isn’t provided, your shipment could be delayed or refused at the border.
  • If you use eBay managed shipping services such as SpeedPAK or eBay International Shipping, please follow the instructions below to provide safety information.
    • For shipments shipped via SpeedPAK, please refer to the relevant announcements and guidelines from SpeedPAK service provider to upload safety information or documents (visit link: https://www.orangeconnex.com/news), or you may be required to provide this safety information when printing the shipping label. Failure to provide this information may affect the normal dispatch of your shipments.
    • For shipments shipped via eBay International Shipping, please refer to the relevant instructions on the eBay site.

What products are impacted

This regulation applies to a range of products including apparel, children's products, and some other general merchandise.

For general regulated products, a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) will be required to show that your product is compliant with CPSC standards.

For children's products, you’ll need a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC).

You can find out which products require a GCC and which require a CPC on the dedicated CPSC info pages.

We recommend getting in touch with your product’s supplier or manufacturer if you don’t have this information already. They may be able to provide these certificates directly, or share the information required to fill out the appropriate CPSC provided template yourself.

If the manufacturer can’t provide the required safety information for certification, or if you are the manufacturer, you can contact a CPSC-accepted testing laboratory or visit our third-party compliance support page to find help with assessing your products.

Please note that you’re responsible for making sure the information you provide is complete and accurate.

Please make sure to include accurate item details to help determine whether CPSC rules apply.

  • For toys: Fill out the condition and intended age range, and indicate if the item is vintage or antique.
  • For apparel: Fill out the item’s condition, material, fabric type, and fabric weight.

FAQs

What should I do if I don’t know who manufactured my product?

If you don’t know who the manufacturer is, it may be written on the product label or packaging. You may also try contacting your supplier. If you are unable to contact the manufacturer for safety information, you may choose to contact a CPSC-accepted lab or use our third-party compliance support page to have the product tested yourself.

What should I do if I am the manufacturer?

If you manufacture an item affected by this regulation, you’ll still need to provide safety information. If you don’t have this information on hand, you can contact a CPSC-accepted testing laboratory to help assess your products.

What should I do if I don’t have the required documentation or can’t obtain it?

If you can’t obtain the required information for your product, you may not be able to ship the item to the US or the listing may be hidden from US buyers. If you do not have the documentation for a regulated product, we suggest you revise your listing to remove international shipping options to the US.

Is there a cost to obtain a GCC or CPC?

In general this information should be freely provided. There may be costs associated with having your products tested to receive certification.

Do I need to submit the documentation to eBay or the carrier?

If you manage your own shipping through a third-party carrier, you’ll need to submit your information to them, following their process.

If you use eBay managed shipping services (such as SpeedPAK or eBay International Shipping), please provide or supplement the safety information as described above.

The carrier will be responsible for electronic filing (eFiling) with US Customs.

What happens if I ship an item without the required documentation?

  • For shipments where you arrange your own shipping (self-shipping), failure to provide this information may result in your shipment being delayed at the border or denied entry.
  • For shipments shipped via SpeedPAK, failure to provide this information may affect the normal dispatch of your shipments.
  • For shipments shipped via eBay International Shipping, please refer to the relevant instructions on eBay site.

Will these requirements apply to items shipped before July 8, 2026, but exported to the US on or after that date?

These requirements apply to any shipments crossing the border from July 8 onward. If you are shipping an item that is likely to reach the US border on or after that date, we recommend proactively providing a GCC or CPC to your carrier, or to eBay (if using our managed shipping services) to avoid any delays.

Who determines whether a product requires CPC/GCC documentation—eBay, the carrier, or the seller?

GCC and CPC requirements are set out by CPSC, and enforced by US Customs.

As the seller, you’re responsible for accurately describing your products, understanding the requirements that may apply, and providing any necessary documentation. We may also be able to determine if these requirements apply, based on the details you provide in your listings.

How do I know if my product is considered a “children’s product”?

A product is classified as a children’s product if it’s primarily intended for use by children aged 12 or younger. This is determined based on factors such as product design, marketing, labeling, and how a reasonable consumer would perceive its use.

What information must be included in a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)?

A GCC must include details such as the product description, citation code, manufacturer/importer information, the date and place of testing and more. See the complete list of information required for a GCC.

What information must be included in a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)?

A CPC must include details such as the product description, citation code, manufacturer/importer information, the date and place of testing, and more. The certificate must be based on testing by a CPSC-accepted third-party lab. See the complete list of information required for a CPC.

What testing is required before issuing a CPC or GCC?

Children’s products requiring a CPC must be tested by a CPSC-accepted third-party laboratory. For non-children’s regulated products requiring a GCC, testing can be conducted by the manufacturer or a third-party lab, but it must still demonstrate compliance with applicable safety standards. Contact a CPSC-accepted lab or use our third-party compliance support page to have a product tested.

Do I need to provide compliance information for every shipment or just once per product?

Compliance documentation is tied to the product, but it must be available and accurately associated with each shipment. Customs authorities may request documentation at any time, so consistency across shipments is critical.

What happens if my product fails compliance testing?

If a product fails testing, it cannot legally be exported to the US and should not be made available for shipment to the US on eBay sites. You will need to address the issue (e.g., redesign, retesting) before shipping. Non-compliant goods may be seized or destroyed at the border.

Who is responsible for compliance if I source products from a manufacturer?

The importer of record (often the seller) is legally responsible for ensuring compliance with CPSC regulations, even if the manufacturer provides documentation. You must verify that certificates and testing are valid.

Can I use the same certificate for similar product variations?

Certificates may cover product variations only if they are tested as part of the same product group and share identical safety characteristics. Material or design changes may require new testing and certification.

What role does US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) play in this process?

CBP enforces entry requirements and works with the CPSC to review compliance documentation. They may hold, inspect, or deny entry to shipments that lack proper certification or raise safety concerns.

How long should I keep compliance documentation?

You should retain all compliance records, including test reports and certificates, for at least 5 years, as they may be requested by authorities.

Can my listings be restricted even if my product is compliant?

Yes. If required compliance data is missing, incomplete, or cannot be verified, your listing may still lose visibility or shipping eligibility until the issue is resolved.

How do recalls impact my ability to sell in the US?

If a product is subject to a CPSC recall, it cannot be sold or exported. Sellers must stop distribution immediately and follow recall procedures, which may include notifying customers and issuing refunds.