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Shipment held by CPSC? What CPSC looks for

If your goods are stuck because CPSC certificate data is missing or does not match, this page explains what CPSC looks for and the steps to fix the data. A detention can also involve sampling and testing, so correct data alone may not release the goods.

Check with your broker first

Your customs broker sees the hold notice and files the entry. This page is general information, not legal advice, and CertPrepy does not file anything with CBP.

What a CPSC hold is

Since 8 July 2026, importers of products that need a certificate must send the certificate data to CPSC at entry. CPSC uses the data to decide which shipments to look at: it says it intends to adjust an entry line's risk score based on certificate data, so missing or mismatched data can make a hold more likely.

When CPSC detains a shipment for sampling, it says it typically decides admissibility within 45 to 60 calendar days of the Notice of Sampling and Detention. PPAI reports that storage costs while goods wait fall on the importer.

CBP does not reject entries for missing CPSC data (CSMS 69382435, 29 July 2026), and CPSC has said it initially intends to send only warning messages. But CPSC may reject the CPSC data in a message to the filer and may take enforcement action. That can change, so do not plan around it.

Sources: CPSC: mandatory eFiling for certificates of compliance; CPSC eFiling FAQ; CPSC: imports and port operations; PPAI: CPSC eFiling to be required for international mail shipments; CBP CSMS 69382435 (29 Jul 2026)

What data CPSC needs at entry

There are two ways to give CPSC the certificate data. Your broker files one of them with the entry.

  • Full PGA message set: all seven certificate data elements go in the entry: product ID, citation codes, manufacture date, manufacture place, product test date, testing laboratory and the point of contact for test records.
  • Reference PGA message set: you enter the certificate once in the CPSC Product Registry, then the entry carries three IDs: Certifier ID, Product ID and Version ID.

The Registry does not communicate with CBP's ACE system. After you certify the record, you must give the three IDs to your broker.

Sources: CPSC eFiling Quick Start Guide; CPSC: eFiling and the CPSC Product Registry

Steps to fix the certificate data

  1. Build or find the certificate

    Work out which rules apply (the free scope checker gives general information). Children's products need a certificate based on testing by a CPSC-accepted lab. Gather the test report and the certificate fields from it.

  2. Create the Registry record

    Enter the certificate in the CPSC Product Registry, by form, CSV upload or API. Check the data for common errors first, such as a CPSC-accepted lab entered as LAB instead of ITL.

  3. Certify it

    Someone at the importer clicks Certify in the Registry. CertPrepy never does this step for you.

  4. Give your broker the IDs

    Send the Certifier ID, Product ID and Version ID for each product. Your broker decides what goes on the entry and files it.

Sources: CPSC eFiling Quick Start Guide; SGS: 11 questions to improve eFiling data management (October 2026); CPSC Product Registry FAQ

What CertPrepy does and does not do

Does

  • Extract fields from your lab report for you to confirm
  • Check the data against Registry rules and known traps
  • Produce the certificate PDF, a Registry CSV and a broker packet with the three IDs

Does not

  • Certify for you
  • Build per-entry CBP data or choose which certificate goes on which line
  • Suggest tariff codes beyond 6 digits
  • File anything with CBP or contact CPSC on your behalf
  • Tell you a product complies

Held-shipment fix kit: $199

A self-serve guided workflow that walks you through the four steps above for the products on your held shipment. It is software, not a human service, and it does not contact CPSC, CBP or your broker for you. Full refund within 14 days of payment.

Join the waitlistSee all pricing

Common questions

Can I just file the full data instead of using the Registry?
For most entries, yes. The Full PGA message set carries all seven data elements in the entry, and CPSC's guide suggests it for importers of a limited number of regulated products. You coordinate with your broker. The Registry route is meant for repeat imports under the same certificates. The exception is products imported by mail: 16 CFR 1110.13(a)(1) requires the certificate data to be in the Product Registry before the product arrives.
Is there a low-value exemption?
No. The CPSC Quick Start Guide says there is no de minimis exemption.
Who can fix the entry?
Your customs broker files and corrects the entry. CertPrepy does not.

Sources: CPSC eFiling Quick Start Guide; eCFR: 16 CFR 1110.13, eFiling (mail imports: Registry data before arrival)