If you’re selling children’s products on Amazon in the U.S., figuring out how to meet all the regulations can feel a bit overwhelming. Perhaps you’ve received a warning about your products or you’re confused about how to get CPC certification for Amazon. Most of these questions can be answered by first understanding CPSIA.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) ensures products sold to children meet strict safety standards—protecting both consumers and brands. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CPSIA compliance and CPC for Amazon.
What is CPSIA?
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), enacted in 2008, was designed to address safety concerns in products for children aged 12 and under. The law sets limits on harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates, and requires third-party testing. CPSIA applies to products like toys, jewelry, books, art materials, and more— basically, any product marketed for children must comply.
In general, here’s how to get CPSIA for Amazon:
- Use a CPSIA Third-Party Lab for Testing: Most children’s products require CPSIA compliance testing by a certified third-party lab, like HQTS. These tests check for safety issues like flammability, hazardous substances, and mechanical hazards.
- Get Your Children’s Product Certificate (CPC): After CPSIA testing, manufacturers or importers must issue a CPC certificate for Amazon to certify that your product meets all safety standards. This certificate must accompany every product shipment and be available for inspection.
- Include CPSIA Warning Labels: CPSIA Warning labels are crucial for communicating potential hazards associated with the product, such as choking risks for small parts. Ensure these labels are clearly visible and comply with CPSIA requirements.
- Attach CPSIA Tracking Labels: CPSIA Tracking labels must be permanently attached to both the product and its packaging. These labels should include details such as the product’s manufacturer, batch number, and production date, allowing for easy identification in case of safety issues.
For a full guide on what is CPSIA testing and how to get CPSIA certified, check out our complete guide
Why Does Amazon Require CPSIA Compliance?
Amazon requires sellers to prove that their products are CPSIA compliant. Basically, if you’re selling to U.S. customers, you’ll need to show that your products meet these safety requirements or you might start getting CPSIA warnings from Amazon.
By requiring CPSIA compliance, Amazon tries to make sure that products sold on its platform are safe and meet U.S. safety standards. This not only protects customers but also maintains the integrity of Amazon’s marketplace, reducing liability and preventing the sale of potentially dangerous products.
How do I know if my products require CPSIA compliance for Amazon?
To determine whether your product falls under CPSIA regulations, you need to understand what qualifies as a “children’s product.” CPSIA applies to any product designed or intended primarily for children aged 12 years or younger. There are four main criteria to help decide if your product is covered.
- Intended Use by Manufacturer: If the manufacturer explicitly states that the product is for children, such as in its labeling or packaging, it will be subject to CPSIA regulations.
- Marketing and Presentation: How the product is marketed plays a key role. If it is shown in advertisements or packaging as something that would appeal to children or be used by children, it likely falls under CPSIA rules.
- General Perception: If the average consumer would generally perceive the product as being for children, it must comply with CPSIA. This includes items that children are often seen using.
- Actual Use by Children: Even if a product is not exclusively designed for children, but is commonly used by them, it may fall under CPSIA.
The categories above should give you a clear idea of whether your product would fall under CPSIA. But if you’re still not sure, below you can also see some common examples of products that are covered by CPSIA:
Graph showing example products covered by CPSIA
- Toys: Products ranging from stuffed animals to building blocks.
- Children’s Jewelry: Items like bracelets and necklaces intended for young users.
- Art Supplies: Materials such as paints, crayons, and craft kits aimed at children.
- Books: Interactive books designed for children, especially those with pop-up features or textured elements.
- Children’s Furniture: Items like small chairs, play tables, bath seats, and bean bags designed with children in mind.
What happens if my Amazon products are not CPSIA compliant?
To make sure you don’t run into any problems, it’s best to assume that Amazon will request information on whether your products are compliant at some point. That’s why making sure your products are Amazon CPSIA compliant from the start is the best way to avoid penalties, especially because Amazon usually only gives about 30 days’ notice for you to provide this information.
You may also be wondering what can happen if your Amazon products are not CPSIA compliant. If Amazon finds that your products are non-compliant, they may remove them from their stores, regardless of how long they’ve been listed—even if it’s been months or years. Listing suspensions, or potential bans from selling on Amazon are also possible.
What is CPC certification?
Obtaining a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) is also a crucial step to ensure your products meet Amazon CPC requirements.. The CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) is basically proof that your products comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). It helps make sure your products are safe for kids and keeps you in line with Amazon’s requirements.
To get a CPC for Amazon, you’ll need to go through a few important steps. This includes getting your product tested by a CPSC-approved third-party lab, like HQTS, and putting together all the documents needed to prove your product meets safety regulations.
You may also be wondering what does CPSC stand for. Well, that’s the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a US governing body that decides which labs have been accepted as accredited to test products sold to children in the US. This process ensures that your product is safe and ready for sale on platforms like Amazon, where CPCs are mandatory for all children’s products.
To find out more about what is CPC and how to get CPC certification for Amazon, check out this guide on how to obtain a Children’s Product Certificate.
How to get CPC certification for Amazon?
HQTS can make getting an Amazon CPC easier for you. By working with us, you’ll have your products tested in our CPSC-approved lab, and we’ll take care of the entire process—from testing to issuing the CPC for Amazon.
*A CPC certificate issued by HQTS from our Ningbo Lab
Once you’ve got the CPC for Amazon and tracking labels, make sure to upload the Amazon CPC to your Amazon Seller Central account as part of your product compliance. Getting all of this sorted before listing your product will help you avoid any delays, penalties, or even having your product removed from the Amazon marketplace.
What is the CPC cost for Amazon
The cost of obtaining a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) can vary significantly depending on the type of materials to be tested and the purpose of the product. Different types of products require different testing procedures, which can affect the overall cost. The example below is from a CPC issued by HQTS for children’s jewelry products.
*HQTS CPC testing example for Jewellery products.
But if these products were made of different materials, then the testing process would be different.
However, our team at HQTS can provide you with a detailed quotation for your specific product within 24 hours, ensuring you get a clear understanding of the investment needed to achieve compliance. Head to our contact page to speak to one of our experts.
HQTS Third Party CPSIA testing lab and compliance services
At HQTS, we make Amazon CPSIA compliance simple. Not sure if your product complies with Amazon’s requirements for CPSIA? Confused about testing requirements, labeling, or CPSIA warning marks? Worried about customs detaining your shipment? Our dedicated compliance team is here to make sure your product meets every standard, so you can ship with confidence and avoid costly delays.
HQTS CPSIA approved testing Lab Services
Our in-house labs conduct detailed testing, checking everything from chemical safety to flammability to ensure your product meets U.S. safety standards. Each batch and product variation undergoes thorough third-party testing to meet the required safety regulations and comply with tracking label rules. This gives you confidence and eliminates the stress of wondering if your product is compliant.
With HQTS, your product will be safe, compliant, and ready for Amazon—so you can focus on growing your business without worry. Ready to ensure your products meet U.S. safety standards? Contact our CPSIA testing expert today.
