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.

Product type

Designed or intended primarily for children 12 or younger?

YesNoNot sure

HTS subheading (6 digits)(optional)

For example 9503.00. We only use the first 6 digits. Your broker handles the full classification.

Likely requirements for toys for children 12 and under

General information based on CPSC's published rule lists, not legal advice and not a compliance determination. Your lab, broker or attorney confirms what applies to your exact product.

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 1250Third-party testing for children's products
Children’s toys (ASTM F963)
15 U.S.C. 1278aThird-party testing for children's products
Total lead content
16 CFR part 1307Third-party testing for children's products
Phthalates

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
Intended for children under 3
- 16 CFR part 1501Third-party testing for children's products
  Small parts
Plugs into a 120 V outlet
- 16 CFR part 1505Third-party testing for children's products
  Electrically operated toys or articles
Toy gun or look-alike firearm
- 16 CFR part 1272Third-party testing for children's productsLow confidence
  Toy, look-alike, and imitation firearms
Rattle
- 16 CFR part 1510Third-party testing for children's products
  Rattles
Contains water beads
- 16 CFR 1250.4Third-party testing for children's products
  Requirements for Water Beads (Safety Standard for Toys)
Clacker balls
- 16 CFR 1500.86(a)(5)Third-party testing for children's products
  Clacker balls
Dive stick or similar pool article
- 16 CFR 1500.86(a)(7); 16 CFR 1500.86(a)(8)Third-party testing for children's productsLow confidence
  Dive sticks and other similar articles

Notes for this category

Must meet ASTM F963-23 (16 CFR 1250). A CPSC-accepted lab must test the F963 sections that apply from the list in 16 CFR 1112.15(b)(32), plus lead content and phthalates. The CPC must list each F963 section, not just "16 CFR 1250". Phthalate testing is only needed for accessible plasticized parts; some plastics and fibers are exempt from testing (16 CFR 1308, 1253). Toys are exempt from the magnet rule (16 CFR 1262) and, if they meet the F963 battery rules, from the button cell rule (16 CFR 1263). A toy only for ages 13+ is not a children's product, so a GCC (not third-party testing) applies; F963 still covers playthings for children under 14. CPSC's eFiling guidance lists collectible toys intended for adults as a "Disclaim A" example (no certificate rule applies).

Other requirements (not certificate tests)

Tracking label (CPSIA section 103) on product and packaging
FHSA cautionary labeling for small parts, balls, marbles, balloons (16 CFR 1500.19) where applicable

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.

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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.