CPSIA Testing Services
Federal consumer product safety is crucial because it helps protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of consumer products. Take a deep dive into CPSIA Testing Requirements.
Review the list of products that are subject to CPSIA testing
If you're selling children's products in the United States, understanding the testing requirements can be confusing
Required CPSIA testing rules for children's products
Federal law mandates that all children's products must be tested by a third-party lab approved by the CPSC to ensure they meet safety standards. The testing needed depends on factors like the type of product, the age group it’s meant for, how it’s used, and what it's made of.
Testing children's products is crucial to verify that they meet safety standards and regulatory requirements, preventing potential harm to young users.
Regular testing helps in identifying any design or material flaws that could pose risks, such as choking hazards or toxic substances.
By assessing durability and functionality, testing ensures that the products are reliable and deliver a high-quality experience for children and their caregivers.
Everything you need to know about CPSC product testing
Frequently asked questions about CPSIA product testing and using a third party to inspect your products before you receive them. This is a beginner's guide to testing children's products for import to the United States.
Who should perform my CPSIA test for my children's products?
- Federal law mandates that all children's products must be tested by an accredited, third-party lab approved by the CPSC to ensure they meet safety standards. Over 600 labs worldwide are qualified to do these tests. The tests required depend on the product type, age group it's for, how it's used, and what it's made of. Companies need to carefully follow these testing rules and keep good records to prove they comply.
- Domestic manufacturers need to ensure that third-party testing is done on children's products made in the U.S., while importers must ensure this testing for children's products made abroad.
- Children's product may need multiple tests to meet different safety regulations. To save money, try to find one lab that the CPSC approves for all necessary tests. However, depending on your product's needs, you might need more than one lab. Some exemptions exist, like for small batch manufacturers or materials without lead, phthalates, or certain heavy metals.
Which product tests do I need to import my childrens products?
- Here is a list of children's product safety regulations that require third-party testing and certification.
Do I have to test every batch or shipment of children's products in order to comply with regulations?
- No. You must have your first production batch tested by a third-party, CPSC-accepted lab to certify your product. After initial certification, periodic retesting of ongoing production is needed, generally at least once a year. Some firms may extend this up to three years if they meet certain conditions. Retesting is also required if any material changes are made that could affect compliance with children's product safety regulations.
- If there haven't been significant changes, you probably don't need to retest every shipment. However, if there are significant changes, or if you're unsure about any changes, you'll likely need to test each shipment to ensure your product meets compliance standards. Carefully consider this decision based on your knowledge of your supply chain's reliability and the manufacturing process.
- All companies are required to regularly retest their ongoing production of children's products to ensure they continue to meet all safety regulations for these products. You need to retest children's products when there is a material change, and periodically after the initial certification. Changes to any component parts, like altering the paint on a toy or modifying the product's design or manufacturing process, may also necessitate retesting.
How can I label my CPSC-approved products?
- You can include the phrase "Meets CPSC Safety Requirements" or a similar statement on a product's label or packaging only if the product has been correctly certified with a Children's Product Certificate (CPC), confirming that it meets all relevant consumer product safety regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).
- Do not label your product that CPSC has tested, approved, or endorsed the product by using phrases like "CPSC-approved" or anything similar.
What kind of records should I keep?
- Keep records of the certificates of compliance, the product's test results from all testing (including initial certification, material changes, component parts, and periodic or production testing), as well as any periodic or production testing plans (if applicable).
- Document any other actions taken to ensure a high degree of assurance that the products comply with the relevant children's product safety regulations for a minimum of 5 years.
- You can meet the 5-year record-keeping requirement by providing electronic access to testing and certification records. There is no need to maintain records in multiple locations or formats.
- Do not rely on your manufacturer to keep records. You are responsible for complying with CPSC record-keeping requirements.
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