CPC Certification for Exporting Toys to the U.S.

China is the world's largest toy manufacturer and exporter, producing about 70% of the world's toys. Over 85% of toy manufacturers in China are export-oriented. This article will introduce the market access requirements and certifications needed for exporting toys to the United States, for your reference and assistance.

 1. Requirements for Exporting Toys to the United States

(1) Market Access  

The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) mandates that manufacturers and importers of children's products provide a written Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) based on test results from a laboratory recognized by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPC and supporting test reports must be in English. The children's product certification must be based on test results from a CPSC-recognized third-party laboratory, which provides testing services and results but does not issue the certificate.

(2) Heavy Metal Indicators  

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act specifies the maximum allowable limits for eight migratable elements and total lead content restrictions.

(3) Phthalates  

The United States restricts eight phthalates in toys, including DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP, DPENP, DHEXP, DCHP, and DINP. Each phthalate content must not exceed 0.1%.

 2. CPC Certification for Exporting Toys to the United States

(1) CPC Certification Introduction  

The Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) is a written certificate that manufacturers or importers provide to certify that their children's products comply with all applicable children's product safety rules. This certification depends on the product passing laboratory tests conducted by a third-party testing laboratory recognized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

(2) CPC Certification Test Content  

1. CPSIA Total Lead and Phthalates;

2. U.S. Toy Standard ASTMF963;

3. Electric Toy Safety Standard 16 CFR Part 1505;

4. Rattle Toy Requirements 16 CFR Part 1510;

5. Pacifier Safety Standard 16 CFR Part 1511;

6. Flammability Standards for Children's Clothing and Carpets, such as 16 CFR Part 1610, 16 CFR Part 1615, 16 CFR Part 1616;

7. Infant Products: Standards for strollers, cribs, playpens, carriers, car seats, bicycle helmets, etc.

(3) CPC Certification Test Types  

1. Initial Testing: First-time product testing.

2. Material Change Testing: Testing when there are changes in materials.

3. Periodic Testing: Supplemental to material change testing, conducted at least annually if there are no material changes.

4. Component Testing: Typically, finished products are tested, but under certain conditions, individual components may be tested to demonstrate the final product's compliance.

(4) CPC Certification Process  

1. Provide product information.

2. Fill out the application form.

3. Submit samples for testing.

4. Pass the tests.

5. Receive the certificate and report.