Source: CPSC
Date: July 2026 

Importers of regulated consumer products must electronically submit compliance certificate data to U.S. Customs or risk customs clearance delays.

Businesses importing consumer products into the United States should prepare for a significant customs compliance change as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) introduces mandatory electronic filing (eFiling) requirements from 8 July 2026.

Under the new regulation, importers of products subject to CPSC safety rules will be required to electronically transmit certificate information through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) at the time of customs entry.

The initiative is designed to strengthen product safety oversight while allowing customs authorities to verify compliance more efficiently before goods enter the U.S. market.

Which Products Are Affected?

The requirement applies to consumer products regulated under CPSC safety standards, including products requiring either a:

• General Certificate of Conformity (GCC), or
• Children’s Product Certificate (CPC).

The CPSC has identified approximately 600 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications that are likely to include regulated products.

However, importers should note that the published HTS list serves only as a guide. Products classified under other tariff codes may still require certification depending on the nature of the product and applicable safety regulations.

Ultimately, importers remain responsible for determining whether their products require certification.

Electronic Filing Becomes Mandatory

While product certification itself has been required since 2008, the major change is that certificate information must now be submitted electronically through ACE during customs entry.

For shipments covered by the new requirement, customs entries must include either:

• Required Certificate of Compliance data; or
• A valid declaration confirming the product is not subject to CPSC certification requirements.

Entries that do not include the required information may not be accepted for customs processing, potentially resulting in clearance delays.

Filing Options Available

Importers can comply using one of two methods.

1. Full PGA Message Set: Certificate information is provided to the customs broker, who manually submits all required compliance data through ACE for each shipment.
2. Reference PGA Message Set (Recommended): Importers register their certificates within the CPSC Product Registry by creating a CPSC Business Account. Customs brokers then submit only the Product ID, Certifier ID and Version ID during customs entry, significantly reducing repetitive data entry for recurring shipments. The Product Registry also supports bulk certificate uploads and simplified certificate management for companies importing multiple products.

Preparing Before the Deadline

With implementation approaching, importers are encouraged to review their compliance programmes and identify products that may require electronic filing.

Preparation should include:

• Reviewing imported products and HTS classifications.
• Confirming whether products require GCC or CPC certification.
• Collecting existing testing reports and compliance documentation.
• Coordinating with manufacturers and testing laboratories where necessary.
• Working closely with customs brokers to establish electronic filing procedures before implementation.

Early preparation will help minimise customs delays once the new requirements become mandatory.

Although the new requirement primarily affects U.S. import compliance, exporters supplying consumer products to the U.S. will also need to ensure that certification documents are complete and readily available before shipment.

Importers should expect greater scrutiny during customs clearance, making accurate product documentation increasingly important. Businesses that fail to provide the required electronic certificate data could experience shipment delays, additional inspections or customs processing issues.

The introduction of mandatory eFiling reflects the continued digitalisation of customs compliance and border enforcement.

Companies with well-organised product compliance records and integrated customs processes will be better positioned to maintain efficient cargo flows, while businesses relying on manual documentation may face additional administrative burdens and increased compliance risks.

As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, stronger collaboration between manufacturers, exporters, importers and customs brokers will become increasingly important.

The CPSC’s mandatory eFiling programme represents another step towards more transparent and data-driven customs compliance. While the certification requirements themselves are not new, the electronic submission process will require businesses to strengthen documentation management and customs readiness.

Companies should use the time before the 8 July 2026 implementation date to review affected products, verify compliance documentation and establish efficient filing procedures with their logistics and customs partners. Early preparation will help minimise disruptions and ensure smoother customs clearance once the new requirements take effect.

Helpful Resources

CPSC eFiling Product Registry User Guide:
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/eFiling_Product_Registry_User_Guide_V3.pdf?VersionId=z.UYpJQA04Bc88CqnyD7EuM1YobhKHHq

CPSC Product Registry:
https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling-CPSC-Product-Registry

CPSC eFiling Information:
https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling

CPSC Guidance and HTS List:
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/CPSC-Guidance-and-HTS-List-for-Filing-of-Electronic-Certificates-040826-V5.pdf?VersionId=vJEGl65R_ZWdZqWXShGG0EXX7_EVF8k6

Product Registry Training Videos:
https://www.cpsc.gov/content/Product-Registry-Training-Videos

Regulatory Robot:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Regulatory-Robot/Safer-Products-Start-Here

CPSC Contact information:
https://www.cpsc.gov/About-CPSC/Contact-Information

CPSC eFiling Support:
eFilingSupport@cpsc.gov