Which CPSC certificate do I need?
Pick your product type. We show the CPSC rules that likely apply, whether you need a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) or a Children's Product Certificate (CPC), and whether a CPSC-accepted lab has to test it. Free, no sign-up.
Likely requirements for children's clothing (not sleepwear)
Certificate type
Children's Product Certificate (CPC)
Children's products need a CPC based on testing by a CPSC-accepted third-party lab.
Third-party testing
Required
Use a CPSC-accepted lab and enter it as type ITL with its 4-digit lab ID.
Rules that apply to every product in this category
- 16 CFR part 1610Third-party testing for children's products
Wearing apparel
- 15 U.S.C. 1278aThird-party testing for children's products
Total lead content
Also applies if…
Product has paint, ink, or a similar surface coating
- 16 CFR part 1303Third-party testing for children's products
Paints and similar surface coatings containing lead
Has vinyl plastic film parts (e.g., rainwear)
- 16 CFR part 1611Third-party testing for children's products
Vinyl plastic film
Contains or is sold with button cell or coin batteries (toys meeting the 16 CFR 1250 battery rules are exempt from part 1263)
- 15 U.S.C. 2056e; 16 CFR 1263.3; 16 CFR 1263.4Third-party testing for children's products
Button cell or coin battery
Notes for this category
Flammability (16 CFR 1610) plus lead content. Untreated textiles are determined not to exceed lead limits (16 CFR 1500.91(d)(7)), so testing targets buttons, snaps, zippers, rhinestones, and coatings. Fabrics in 16 CFR 1610.1(d) are exempt from flammability testing, but children's apparel does not get CPSC's certificate enforcement discretion. Phthalates generally do not apply (not a toy or child care article). Drawstrings on children's upper outerwear (sizes 2T-16) must meet ASTM F1816-97 (16 CFR 1120.3(b), a substantial product hazard rule that is not on CPSC's certificate lists). CPSC's Sept 2026 eFiling disclaim guidance excludes "drawstrings" from the 15(j) products that may file a disclaim, so confirm how drawstring compliance is handled at eFiling. HTS list = every CPSC-flagged Wearing Apparel line except sleepwear lines and adult scarves (matched by USITC text).
Other requirements (not certificate tests)
- Tracking label (CPSIA section 103) on product and packaging
- Drawstring requirements for children's upper outerwear (16 CFR 1120.3(b))
Next: build the certificate and get your three Registry IDs
CertPrepy turns your lab report into a CPC, checks it against the Registry's rules, and gives your broker the Certifier ID, Product ID and Version ID.
Rule data last verified 2026-10-18 against CPSC's GCC rule list and third-party testing list and the eCFR (as of 2026-10-15). Pending review by a compliance consultant.