If your product is heading to the US market and falls into the children's category, CPC is a document you can't skip. Here's a clear breakdown of what it is and when it applies.
What Is CPC Certification
CPC (Children's Product Certificate) is a compliance certificate required under the US CPSIA regulation, applicable to products designed or primarily intended for children aged 12 and under. It's not a standalone "test" — it's a compliance declaration document issued based on relevant test results.
Which Products Need a CPC
Any product classified as a "children's product" (intended for children 12 and under) generally needs a CPC before entering the US market. Common categories include:
- Toys
- Children's clothing and furniture
- Children's stationery, tableware, and other everyday items
Whether a product falls under "children's product" scope sometimes requires evaluating design intent, packaging/marketing, and primary user group together — it's not always a simple category-name determination.
How CPC Relates to Other Certifications
A CPC certificate is built on test results — the product first needs to complete CPSIA-related testing (such as heavy metal content, small parts safety, flammability), and only after passing can a CPC be issued based on those results. Think of it as: testing is the foundation, and CPC is the compliance declaration document issued based on the test results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who issues the CPC certificate? A: Typically the manufacturer or importer prepares and signs the CPC certificate based on test reports from a third-party testing lab, with the lab providing testing support.
Q: Does the CPC certificate need to travel with the goods? A: The CPC certificate needs to be available on request from customs, regulators, or retailers — it's recommended to keep it on file, and some sales channels require it during listing review.
If you're unsure whether your product needs a CPC, or want to know which tests are required, reach out for an initial assessment.