Mandatory eFiling of Certificates of Compliance: A New Era for U.S. Product Conformity

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is ushering in a significant shift in how manufacturers and importers demonstrate compliance with product safety requirements. Effective July 8, 2026, the CPSC will require mandatory electronic filing (eFiling) of Certificates of Compliance for imported consumer products, with an additional effective date of January 8, 2027 for products entering the U.S. via Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs).

Why This Matters

Previously, importers could provide paper Certificates of Conformity (GCCs) and Children’s Product Certificates (CPCs). The new rule modernizes compliance by linking certificate data directly to import entries in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. This not only improves regulatory oversight but also helps reduce entry delays for compliant products.

Key Requirements

Importers or customs brokers must now submit, electronically at entry:

• Product identification (model number, GTIN, or SKU)

• Party certifying compliance (Importer of Record or responsible party)

• Applicable safety standards and tests

• Manufacturing details (date and location)

• Test records and contact information

All submissions are routed via the CPSC Product Registry, ensuring that data is accessible for compliance verification and inspection purposes.

Transition Timeline

• July 8, 2026: Mandatory eFiling applies to most imported consumer products.

• January 8, 2027: Mandatory eFiling applies to products entering via FTZs.

Importers should begin preparing now by registering in the CPSC Product Registry, coordinating with customs brokers, and aligning internal systems to generate electronic certificate data.

Preparing for Compliance

CPSC has provided detailed guidance, newsletters, and API integration tools to support registrants in transitioning to the eFiling system. Early adoption can help importers avoid last-minute compliance challenges and ensure smooth customs clearance.