United States
Navigate the world's largest consumer market with U.S. federal regulations, state-level requirements, and sector-specific rules across 50 states and territories.
Key Requirements Overview
Federal Baseline
Core product safety and sector rules from CPSC, FDA, FCC, EPA, DOE, OSHA and others
State Requirements
Additional rules like Proposition 65, California RoHS and state packaging EPR laws
Testing & Certification
NRTL certification, FCC authorization and sector-specific approvals
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United States Market Overview
The United States is the world's largest consumer market. Compliance relies on both federal regulations and state-level rules. Federal agencies such as CPSC, FDA, FCC, EPA, DOE, OSHA and FTC set mandatory national requirements. On top of this, many states — especially California, Washington, Maine, Colorado, Oregon and New York — impose additional labelling, chemical restrictions and EPR obligations.
Market Characteristics
Federal vs State Landscape
U.S. compliance begins with federal regulations, standards and certification schemes (CPSC, FCC, FDA, EPA, DOE, OSHA). States can then apply additional obligations.
A compliant U.S. strategy requires meeting all applicable federal rules AND verifying obligations in major states where products are sold.
Quick Facts
- Official Language
- English (no official federal language; English required for most labels)
- Currency
- US Dollar (US$)
- Market Area
- United States – 50 states + Washington DC
- Regulatory Body
- CPSC, FDA, FCC, EPA, DOE, OSHA, FTC
- Standards Organization
- UL/ANSI, ASTM, IEEE and NRTL-recognised testing and certification bodies
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Our experts help you navigate federal rules (CPSC, FCC, FDA, EPA, DOE, OSHA) and state-level requirements, including Proposition 65 and packaging EPR.
Contact U.S. ExpertKey United States regulations
Understanding the regulatory landscape across federal and state levels
General Product Safety (CPSC)
Consumer Product Safety Commission rules for consumer products and hazardous substances.
Electrical, EMC & Radio
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements for electrical and radio frequency equipment.
Chemicals & Environmental
Chemical regulations and environmental requirements at federal and state levels.
Medical Devices (FDA)
FDA classification and quality system requirements for medical devices.
PPE & Machinery (OSHA)
OSHA requirements for personal protective equipment and workplace machinery.
Labelling & Packaging
Federal labelling and packaging requirements under FTC and FDA rules.
State-Level Requirements (Examples)
- • California Proposition 65 — chemical exposure warnings
- • California RoHS — heavy metal restrictions
- • Multiple states: Packaging EPR (California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington)
- • State-level PFAS and flame retardant restrictions
Requirements by product category
Key compliance requirements for different product types
Electronics & Electrical
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UL/ANSI Safety + NRTL ListingSafety standards with NRTL certification
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FCC EMC/RadioTesting and certification for RF devices
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DOE Energy EfficiencyFTC EnergyGuide where applicable
Machinery & Industrial Equipment
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OSHA/NRTL RequirementsIndustrial equipment safety certification
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Proper Guarding & InterlocksSafety documentation requirements
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NEC ComplianceElectrical installations
Toys & Children's Products
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CPSIA + ASTM F963Toy safety rules and standards
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Chemical LimitsLead, phthalates and heavy metals restrictions
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Third-Party TestingTracking labels via CPSC-accepted labs
Food Contact, Cosmetics & Household
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FDA RulesFood, food contact, cosmetics, OTC drugs
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Ingredient DeclarationsClaim restrictions
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State-Specific RequirementsPFAS/flame retardant limits and disclosure rules
Medical Devices
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FDA Class I/II/III Framework510(k) and PMA processes
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QSR ManufacturingQuality system requirements
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State LicensingDevice distributor/manufacturer licensing
Your United States compliance process
Follow these steps to ensure your products meet U.S. federal and state requirements
Product Classification
Identify applicable federal agencies (CPSC, FDA, FCC, EPA, DOE, OSHA, FTC) and determine product category.
Standards & Regulatory Mapping
Map UL/ANSI, ASTM, IEEE standards + identify state obligations (Prop 65, EPR, state RoHS, PFAS).
Testing & Certification
Conduct testing via accredited labs; obtain NRTL listing, FCC authorization, FDA submissions where applicable.
Technical Documentation & State Analysis
Compile technical file, risk assessments and test reports; confirm state-specific warnings, labels and registrations.
Labelling, Market Entry & Monitoring
Implement compliant labelling; apply NRTL/FCC marks; ensure ongoing monitoring of federal and state regulatory updates.
Required documentation for United States
Essential documents needed for U.S. compliance
Technical File / Compliance Dossier
Required technical documentation to support compliance:
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Product DescriptionProduct description and intended use
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Technical DetailsSchematics, BOM, critical components list
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Risk AssessmentsHazard identification and mitigation
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Test ReportsSafety, EMC/RF, chemical, energy testing
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User InstructionsSafety warnings including state-required warnings
Declarations & Regulatory Records
Required declarations and registrations:
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CPSIA CertificatesChildren's product certificates
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FCC DoCDeclaration of Conformity for RF devices
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FDA RegistrationsFacility and product registrations/submissions
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U.S. Importer/Responsible PartyContact information on file
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State EPR RegistrationsChemical reporting if applicable
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Document RetentionRecords for regulatory authorities
Recent regulatory updates
Latest changes and important announcements affecting the United States
FCC Tightens Restrictions on Foreign Labs and Covered-List Vendors
FCC has increased restrictions on the use of foreign test laboratories and components from entities on national security lists. RF and connected devices require testing through recognized labs.
Expansion of Packaging EPR Laws
States including California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Minnesota, Maryland and Washington have introduced mandatory packaging EPR requirements for producers.
Changes to Chemical & PFAS Restrictions
Multiple states have adopted new PFAS, flame retardant and hazardous chemical restrictions affecting textiles, cosmetics, children's products and household goods.
Stay Updated on United States Regulations
Get monthly updates on regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and industry insights.
Ready to Enter the U.S. Market?
Our experts help you navigate U.S. federal regulations, NRTL and FCC approvals, and the patchwork of state-level rules. Build a unified compliance strategy for the U.S.
- Free initial U.S. compliance assessment
- Federal + key state requirements mapped to your product
- Ongoing regulatory monitoring