CPSC eFiling Guide

What is CPSC eFiling?

CPSC eFiling is a new requirement that takes effect on July 8, 2026. It requires importers to electronically submit product certificate data through the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) system when importing consumer products into the United States.

Today, importers create a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) and keep it on file. They provide it when asked by CPSC, CBP, or retailers. The certificate itself is a document — usually a PDF — that travels with the product but is not filed in any government database.

After July 8, that changes. Your CPC data must be submitted electronically as part of the customs entry process. This means the CPSC will see your certificate data in real time, before your products clear customs.

Who needs to eFile?

If you import children's products into the United States, you need to eFile. This includes:

• Amazon FBA sellers who source products from overseas factories and ship to Amazon fulfillment centers
• Private label brands that manufacture abroad and import under their own brand
• Wholesale importers who bring in children's toys, clothing, furniture, or accessories for resale
• Direct-to-consumer sellers who import and sell through their own website

What data you need to file

The eFiling system requires the same core data that goes into a Children's Product Certificate. There are 7 required elements:

If you already have a complete, accurate CPC, you have all the data you need. The challenge is getting that data into the structured format the eFiling system requires.

How the eFiling process works

Here is what the eFiling process looks like in practice:

1. Prepare your data. Before your shipment reaches the U.S., gather all 7 CPC data elements in a structured format. This is where CPCReady helps — it collects your data and exports it as a CSV or JSON file you can reference.
2. Your customs broker files the entry. When your shipment arrives, your customs broker (or you, if you self-file) submits the customs entry through the ACE system. The eFiling data is included as part of this entry.
3. CPSC reviews in real time. The CPSC can now see your certificate data before your goods clear customs. If something is missing or inconsistent, they may flag the shipment for review.
4. Goods clear customs. If your data is complete and consistent, your shipment proceeds through the normal customs clearance process.

Common mistakes to avoid

Based on the current CPC landscape, these are the errors most likely to cause problems with eFiling:

• Missing or expired lab numbers. Every testing lab must have a current CPSC acceptance number. Labs can lose their acceptance status. Verify yours at cpsc.gov/labsearch before filing.
• Vague product descriptions. "Kids toy" is not sufficient. Describe the specific product, including model number and age range. The description should match your customs documentation.
• Incomplete safety rules. List every applicable rule, not just the obvious ones. If your product is a painted wooden toy, you need ASTM F963 (toy safety), lead content, lead paint, and likely small parts — not just "ASTM F963."
• Test dates in the future. This seems obvious, but it happens more than you would expect. Your testing must be completed before you issue the certificate.
• Mismatched locations. If your CPC says the product was manufactured in Shenzhen but your import documents say Guangzhou, that is a red flag.
• No CPC at all. Some importers have been operating without a proper CPC, relying on their testing lab's reports instead. With eFiling, there is no way around having a structured, complete certificate.

How CPCReady helps you prepare

CPCReady is a free tool built for this exact situation. Here is how it fits into your eFiling preparation:

1. Guided data collection. The wizard walks you through all 7 required elements, step by step. It tells you exactly what each field means and gives examples so you do not have to guess.
2. Error checking. Before you generate anything, CPCReady flags missing fields, unusual entries (like future test dates or non-numeric lab IDs), and other common problems.
3. PDF certificate. You get a properly formatted CPC document you can use for Amazon, Walmart, retailers, and your own records.
4. Structured data export. After generating your CPC, you can download your data as a CSV or JSON file. This structured format makes it easy to share with your customs broker or reference when filing through ACE.

Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, stored, or shared with anyone.

Preparation timeline

If you import children's products, here is a reasonable timeline for getting ready:

Now through May 2026

• Audit every children's product you currently import. Does each one have a complete CPC?
• Verify that every testing lab is still CPSC-accepted
• Use CPCReady to create or update CPCs for any products that are missing one or have outdated information
• Download structured data exports (CSV/JSON) for each product

May through June 2026

• Contact your customs broker. Ask if they are ready to handle eFiling for children's products through ACE
• Share your structured CPC data with your broker so they can test their filing process
• If you self-file through ACE, review the CPSC's technical guidance for the data format

July 2026 and beyond

• Every new import shipment of children's products must include eFiling data
• Keep your CPC data current. If you change testing labs, update manufacturing locations, or add new products, update your certificates and data exports
• Watch for CPSC guidance updates — the agency may refine requirements after launch

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to eFile if I sell only on Amazon?

If you import the products yourself (even through Amazon FBA), yes. The eFiling requirement applies to the importer of record, regardless of where the products are ultimately sold. If Amazon or a third-party logistics company is the importer of record, they handle the filing — but you still need to provide them with your CPC data.

What format does the eFiling data need to be in?

The data is submitted through the ACE system, which uses specific data fields. Your customs broker typically handles the formatting. Your job is to provide them with accurate, structured data. The CSV and JSON exports from CPCReady are designed to make this handoff as smooth as possible.

Can I still use a PDF certificate?

Yes. The eFiling requirement does not replace the CPC document itself. You still need a CPC, and a PDF is still a valid format for the certificate. The eFiling is an additional requirement — your certificate data must also be submitted electronically at the time of import.

What if my customs broker is not ready?

Start the conversation now. Most customs brokers that handle consumer products are aware of the eFiling mandate and preparing for it. If yours is not, you may want to find a broker who specializes in CPSC-regulated products.

Does this apply to all children's products?

It applies to imported products that are subject to a children's product safety rule enforced by the CPSC. In practice, this covers nearly all children's products: toys, clothing, furniture, feeding items, nursery products, and more.

What if I already have a CPC from my testing lab?

If your lab provided a CPC, verify it contains all 7 required elements. Many lab-issued CPCs are missing fields or use inconsistent formatting. You can enter your existing data into CPCReady to verify completeness and get a structured export for eFiling.