FAQ

With the continuous expansion of the children’s toy market, consumer attention to toy safety has grown significantly. Countries and regions have established stringent safety standards to ensure toys do not pose risks to children. Standards such as ASTM F963-23, CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), and CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) have become critical compliance benchmarks for toy production and sales. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing addresses whether children’s scissors require CPC certification and provides a comprehensive overview of the scope of CPC certification.

Do Children’s Scissors Require CPC Certification?

Yes, children’s scissors designed or intended primarily for children aged 12 and under must undergo CPC certification. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA, 15 U.S.C. § 1278a) and related regulations (16 CFR Part 1110), children’s scissors, as products specifically designed for children, must be tested by a CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory to ensure compliance with safety standards. The manufacturer or importer is then required to issue a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC).

Why Do Children’s Scissors Require CPC Certification?

1. Safety Risks:
   Children’s scissors may have sharp edges, plastic handles, or coatings that could contain hazardous substances such as lead or phthalates (e.g., the six regulated phthalates, or 6P, as referenced in your previous question). These pose risks of physical injury, chemical exposure, or other hazards.

2. Regulatory Requirements:
   The U.S. mandates that all children’s products comply with CPSIA and other CPSC regulations, requiring testing for physical, chemical, and flammability safety, followed by CPC issuance.

3. Market Access:
   E-commerce platforms like Temu and Amazon require sellers to upload CPC certificates to verify compliance, ensuring products meet U.S. market entry requirements.

Scope of CPC Certification

CPC certification applies to all products designed or intended primarily for children aged 12 and under. The following categories outline the scope:

1. Toys:

• Examples: Dolls, models, puzzles, building blocks, plush toys.

• Requirements: Must comply with ASTM F963 (Toy Safety Standard), testing for small parts, sharp edges, and chemical substances (e.g., lead, phthalates).

2. Children’s Clothing and Accessories:

• Examples: Children’s apparel, shoes, hats, gloves, hair clips, necklaces.

• Requirements: Testing for lead (<100 ppm), phthalates (6P, <1000 ppm), and flammability (16 CFR Part 1610 for textiles).

3. Children’s Products:

• Examples: Children’s tableware, water bottles, baby bottles, children’s furniture, cribs, strollers, bicycles, tricycles, children’s scissors.

• Requirements: Testing for physical performance (e.g., stability, no sharp edges), chemical safety (e.g., lead <100 ppm), and, for food contact items, compliance with FDA 21 CFR (e.g., BPA-free materials).

4. Products with Specific Materials:

• Examples: Products with lead-based coatings or phthalates, such as plastic toys or coated scissor handles.

• Requirements: Compliance with 16 CFR Part 1303 (lead in coatings <90 ppm) and 16 CFR Part 1307 (phthalates <1000 ppm).

5. Art Materials:

• Examples: If children’s scissors are used for art activities (e.g., paper cutting), they must comply with LHAMA (16 CFR § 1500.14(b)(8)) and bear the label “Conforms to ASTM D-4236”.

6. Exemptions:

• Certain natural materials (e.g., unpainted wood) may be exempt from lead testing per 16 CFR § 1500.91, but a CPC certificate is still required, noting the exemption.

• Products not intended for children (e.g., adult scissors) do not require CPC certification.

CPC Certification Process for Children’s Scissors

1. Consultation and Preparation:
   Contact a CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., and submit:

• Product specifications (e.g., model, material composition like stainless steel blades or plastic handles).

• Bill of Materials (BOM).

• Samples (typically 2–3 units).

• Target market information (primarily the U.S.).

2. Laboratory Testing:
   Tests are conducted per CPSIA, ASTM F963, and other relevant standards (16 CFR Parts), including:

• Physical and Mechanical Safety: Ensuring no sharp edges, pinch points, or detachable small parts that pose choking hazards (per 16 CFR 1500.48/49).

• Chemical Safety: Testing for lead (<100 ppm in substrates, <90 ppm in coatings), phthalates (<1000 ppm for 6P), and other substances like formaldehyde if textiles are involved.

• Flammability: Compliance with 16 CFR 1610 (textiles) for any fabric components (e.g., handle grips).

• Testing typically takes 5–15 working days, depending on material complexity.

3. Results Review:
   The laboratory issues a test report. If non-compliant, adjust materials (e.g., switch to lead-free coatings or phthalate-free plastics) or design (e.g., blunt tips) and retest.

4. CPC Certificate Issuance:
   The manufacturer or importer prepares the CPC certificate, including:

• Product description (e.g., “Children’s Scissors, 5-inch, plastic handle”).

• Applicable standards (e.g., CPSIA, ASTM F963, 16 CFR 1303).

• Manufacturer/importer details.

• Test dates, report number, and laboratory information.

• Tracking label details (e.g., batch number).

• U.S. Authorized Representative (USAR) information (required for platforms like Temu as of December 19, 2024).

5. Market Access:
   Submit the CPC certificate and test report to platforms like Temu or Amazon, customs, or retailers to meet U.S. market requirements.

6. Ongoing Compliance:
   Retest annually or with new production batches, monitor CPSC updates, and retain records for at least 5 years.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive CPSIA and CPC certification solutions for children’s scissors. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

As the world’s largest market for children’s consumer products, the United States enforces stringent safety regulations for children’s products. According to statistics, in 2023, over 60% of product recalls by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involved Chinese products, with many cases attributed to missing certifications. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing addresses whether Pinduoduo Temu requires CPC certification for children’s products.

Does Pinduoduo Temu Require CPC Certification for Children’s Products?

Yes, Pinduoduo Temu requires CPC certification for children’s products.

The Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) is a mandatory certification enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ensure the safety of products designed or intended primarily for children aged 12 and under. Holding a CPC certificate indicates that the product has undergone rigorous safety testing and complies with relevant U.S. safety standards, providing assurance to consumers and reducing risks associated with non-compliant products.

To ensure the quality and safety of children’s products, Pinduoduo Temu, as a cross-border e-commerce platform, imposes strict requirements for children’s products, including the mandatory provision of a CPC certificate. Temu has issued a compliance notice stating that sellers must provide CPC certification for products primarily intended for children aged 12 and under. All products must meet the compliance requirements of the destination market (e.g., the U.S.), and Temu continues to strengthen its inspection and enforcement of CPC certification for children’s products.

Failure to provide a valid CPC certificate or submitting incomplete or fraudulent documentation may result in severe consequences, such as product removal, store suspension, or customs detention. Additionally, products must include a tracking label on both the product and its packaging (unless exempted) to comply with CPSC requirements, as non-compliance may lead to shipping or warehousing issues.

CPC Certification Requirements for Temu

CPC certification ensures compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and other applicable standards, such as ASTM F963 (toy safety standard) and specific CPSC regulations (e.g., 16 CFR Part 1505 for electric toys, 16 CFR Part 1610/1611 for flammability). Key testing requirements include:

• Lead Content: Total lead content in accessible components must not exceed 100 ppm (0.01%).

• Phthalates: Content of specified phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP, BBP) must not exceed 0.1% (1000 ppm) individually.

• Physical and Mechanical Safety: Ensures no sharp edges, small parts, or other hazards that could cause choking, suffocation, or injury.

• Flammability: Compliance with 16 CFR 1610 (textiles) or 16 CFR 1611 (vinyl films) to prevent fire hazards.

• Chemical Safety: Testing for harmful substances like formaldehyde (e.g., ISO 14184-1, ISO 17226) for textiles, if applicable.

• Tracking Label: Permanent labels with manufacturer details, batch number, and production date must be affixed to the product and packaging.

For children’s products like bibs, toys, or clothing sold on Temu’s U.S. platform, sellers must upload a CPC certificate to the platform’s compliance center at the time of listing. Since October 2024, Temu only accepts test reports from testing agencies integrated into its cross-border service market. Additionally, as of December 19, 2024, CPC certificates must include details of a U.S. Authorized Representative (USAR) to facilitate communication for compliance and emergency purposes.

How to Handle CPC Certification for Children’s Products on Temu

To obtain a CPC certificate and comply with Temu’s requirements, sellers must follow these steps:

1. Identify Applicable Standards:
   Determine the specific CPSC regulations and standards (e.g., CPSIA, ASTM F963, 16 CFR Parts) applicable to the product based on its type, material, and intended use. Use the CPSC’s Regulatory Robot tool or consult a professional testing agency for guidance.

2. Select a CPSC-Accredited Laboratory:
   Choose a third-party laboratory accredited by the CPSC (e.g., Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd.) to conduct testing. The laboratory must be ISO/IEC 17025-certified and listed on the CPSC’s accredited lab directory.

3. Sample Preparation:
   Submit representative samples of the product (typically 2–3 pieces per model), along with technical documentation, including:

• Product specifications (e.g., name, model, material composition).

• Bill of Materials (BOM).

• Production batch details.

4. Laboratory Testing:
   The laboratory conducts tests for:

• Chemical safety (e.g., lead, phthalates, formaldehyde).

• Physical and mechanical properties (e.g., small parts, sharp edges).

• Flammability and electrical safety (if applicable). Testing typically takes 5–15 working days, depending on the product complexity and test scope.

5. Results Review:
   The laboratory provides a test report detailing compliance with all applicable standards. If the product fails, reformulate materials or redesign (e.g., remove hazardous substances or adjust small parts) and retest.

6. Issue CPC Certificate:
   The manufacturer or importer drafts the CPC certificate based on the test report, including:

• Product Information: Name, model, or SKU.

• Applicable Standards: List all relevant CPSC standards (e.g., CPSIA, ASTM F963).

• Manufacturer/Importer Details: Name, address, and contact information.

• Testing Details: Date, location, and CPSC-accredited laboratory information.

• USAR Information: Name, address, and contact details of the U.S. Authorized Representative (mandatory for Temu as of December 19, 2024).

• Production Details: Date and place of manufacture.

• Tracking Label Information: Batch number for traceability.

7. Upload to Temu:
   Upload the CPC certificate and test report to Temu’s Seller Central dashboard or compliance center. Ensure all information, including USAR details, is accurate to avoid product removal or account suspension.

8. Ongoing Compliance:

• Retest products annually or with each new production batch to ensure continued compliance.

• Monitor updates to CPSC regulations and Temu’s policies, as requirements may change.

• Maintain records of CPC certificates and test reports for at least 5 years, as required by the CPSC.

Recommended Testing Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. is a trusted third-party testing agency with extensive experience in CPC certification for children’s products. Key advantages include:

• Accreditation: CMA/CNAS qualifications and CPSC-recognized laboratory status.

• Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of CPSIA, ASTM F963, and other U.S. safety standards.

• One-Stop Service: Support from sample testing to CPC certificate issuance and compliance guidance.

• Global Credibility: Test reports recognized internationally, ensuring compliance with Temu and U.S. market requirements.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive CPC certification solutions for children’s products on Temu. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

With growing global emphasis on environmental protection and human health, SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing has become increasingly critical across industries. For many manufacturers, understanding the update cycle of the SVHC list and compliance requirements for relevant industries is essential. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains what SVHC entails and how to handle SVHC testing for synthetic leather.

What is SVHC?

SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) refers to a category of chemical substances defined under the EU’s REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), which are subject to strict regulation due to their potential severe impacts on human health or the environment. These substances may be carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative, or otherwise harmful. The SVHC list, maintained and periodically updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), contained 247 substances as of May 2025.

How to Handle SVHC Testing for Synthetic Leather?

SVHC testing ensures that synthetic leather products comply with REACH regulations by verifying that they do not contain SVHCs above the threshold of 0.1% (w/w). Below is the detailed process for conducting SVHC testing for synthetic leather:

1. Confirm Applicability

• If any SVHC exceeds 0.1% (w/w), notification to ECHA and disclosure to customers are mandatory.

• If the total SVHC content exceeds 0.1% (w/w) and the annual export to the EU exceeds 1 ton, registration with ECHA is required.

• Product Scope:
  Synthetic leather (e.g., PU leather, PVC leather) used in clothing, footwear, bags, furniture, or other applications must undergo SVHC testing if intended for the EU market.
  For products aimed at children (aged 12 and under), additional compliance with CPSIA (lead and phthalate limits) and LHAMA (for art materials, if applicable) is required.

• Compliance Requirements:

2. Select an Accredited Laboratory
   Choose a reputable testing agency, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., which offers:

• Expertise in SVHC testing for synthetic leather.

• Advanced equipment, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), for detecting SVHCs like phthalates, azo dyes, or heavy metals.

• Compliance with EU REACH requirements and international standards.

3. Sample Preparation
   Submit representative samples of the synthetic leather, including all components (e.g., base material, coatings, additives), along with technical documentation:

• Product specifications (e.g., material composition, intended use).

• Bill of Materials (BOM) detailing all substances used.

• Production batch information.

4. Laboratory Testing
   The laboratory conducts tests to identify and quantify the presence of SVHCs listed by ECHA. Common tests include:

• Chemical Analysis: Screening for substances like phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP), azo dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead).

• Migration Testing: Assessing whether SVHCs leach out under simulated use conditions.

• Testing typically takes 5–15 working days, depending on the complexity of the material and the number of substances tested.

5. Results Review
   The laboratory issues a test report indicating whether SVHCs are present and their concentrations.

• If SVHCs are below 0.1% (w/w), the product is compliant, and a compliance report is issued.

• If SVHCs exceed 0.1% (w/w), the manufacturer must reformulate the material (e.g., replace hazardous substances) and retest.

6. Compliance Documentation

• Prepare a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) confirming compliance with REACH regulations.

• If required, notify ECHA and provide supply chain disclosures for SVHCs exceeding the threshold.

• Maintain records of test reports and technical documentation for at least 10 years, as required by REACH.

7. Ongoing Compliance
   Regularly monitor updates to the SVHC list (updated biannually by ECHA) and retest products if materials or regulations change to ensure continued compliance.

Recommended Testing Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. is a leading third-party testing agency with extensive experience in SVHC testing for synthetic leather. Key advantages include:

• Accreditation: CMA/CNAS qualifications, ensuring compliance with EU standards.

• Expertise: Familiarity with REACH requirements for synthetic leather used in various applications.

• Comprehensive Services: From sample testing to compliance documentation and regulatory guidance.

• Global Credibility: Test reports recognized internationally, supporting market access.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive SVHC testing solutions for synthetic leather. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

In modern catering and household settings, food contact materials, as items that directly interact with food, significantly impact consumer health due to their material safety. According to international food safety standards, all materials that may come into contact with food must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances. Professional testing evaluates the chemical stability of utensils, such as cutlery, under various conditions (e.g., high temperatures or acidic environments) to prevent the migration of hazardous substances like heavy metals or plasticizers into food. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing addresses whether coatings require LFGB food-grade testing.

Core Requirements for LFGB Food-Grade Testing

LFGB certification ensures that food contact materials do not pose health risks during use. The core requirements include:

• Product Information: Details such as product name, material composition, and production batch.

• Applicable Regulations: Compliance with LFGB standards and EU food contact material regulations (e.g., (EC) No 1935/2004).

• Manufacturer or Importer Information: Identification of the responsible party.

• Test Report: Compliance results issued by an LFGB-accredited laboratory.

• Declaration of Compliance: A statement confirming the product meets food safety requirements.

Do Coatings Require LFGB Food-Grade Testing?

LFGB, the German abbreviation for the Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics, and Other Commodities Management Act, governs the testing and certification of food and food contact materials. Its scope includes all materials that directly or potentially contact food, which explicitly encompasses coatings. For example, coatings such as chromium plating on barbecue grills or Teflon coatings on cooking pans must undergo LFGB testing to ensure they do not release harmful substances into food under normal use conditions.

Detailed Process for Applying for LFGB Food-Grade Testing

1. Product Classification:
   Identify the material composition of the coating (e.g., Teflon, ceramic, or metallic) and the applicable LFGB regulations and standards.

2. Sample Preparation:
   Submit samples identical to the final product for sale, including any packaging or accessories.

3. Laboratory Testing:
   An LFGB-accredited third-party laboratory conducts targeted tests, including:

• Chemical Migration Testing: Evaluates the migration of substances like heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), plasticizers (e.g., phthalates), or other harmful compounds under simulated conditions (e.g., high temperatures, acidic environments).

• Sensory Testing: Assesses odor and taste to ensure no adverse effects on food.

• Material Composition Analysis: Verifies that the coating complies with food-grade standards.

4. Report Review:
   Confirm that test results meet LFGB and EU regulatory requirements.

5. Declaration of Compliance:
   Issue an LFGB compliance declaration based on the test results.

6. Ongoing Compliance:
   Regularly update testing to address regulatory changes or product modifications.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LFGB food-grade testing solutions for coatings. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

Introduction

Food contact materials, such as pizza knives, must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances into food, complying with international food safety standards like LFGB and EU regulations (e.g., (EC) No 1935/2004). This guide outlines the process for LFGB food-grade testing for pizza knives and recommends Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. as a professional testing agency.

Core Requirements

• Product Information: Name, model, materials (e.g., stainless steel blade, plastic handle), and batch details.

• Regulations: Compliance with LFGB and EU (EC) No 1935/2004.

• Responsible Party: Manufacturer or importer details.

• Test Report: Results from an LFGB-accredited laboratory.

• Compliance Declaration: Confirms food safety compliance.

Testing Process

1. Product Classification: Identify material composition and applicable LFGB regulations.

2. Sample Preparation: Submit samples identical to the final product, including blade, handle, and packaging.

3. Laboratory Testing:

• Chemical migration testing (e.g., heavy metals, phthalates).

• Sensory testing (odor and taste).

• Material composition analysis (e.g., food-safe stainless steel, BPA-free plastics).

4. Report Review: Verify compliance with LFGB and EU standards.

5. Compliance Declaration: Issue a declaration based on test results.

6. Ongoing Compliance: Update testing for regulatory or product changes.

Recommended Testing Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd.:

• LFGB-accredited laboratory.

• Expertise in EU export compliance for kitchen tools.

• Comprehensive services from testing to compliance declarations.

• Efficient, cost-effective localized support.

Conclusion

Huabiao Testing provides reliable LFGB testing solutions for pizza knives, with CMA/CNAS-accredited data and internationally recognized reports, ensuring global market success.

In modern catering and household settings, food contact materials (FCMs), such as utensils that directly interact with food, play a critical role in consumer health due to their material safety. International food safety standards mandate rigorous testing of all materials that may come into direct or indirect contact with food to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances. Professional testing assesses the chemical stability of items like cutlery under various conditions (e.g., high temperatures or acidic environments) to prevent the migration of hazardous substances, such as heavy metals or plasticizers, into food. This article explains the meaning of FCM testing and the process for conducting VOM testing for food contact materials.

What is FCM Testing?

Food Contact Material (FCM) Testing refers to a comprehensive set of chemical and physical tests performed on materials that may directly or indirectly contact food, including plastics, metals, paper, ceramics, glass, rubber, and coatings. The primary objective is to ensure that these materials do not release harmful substances into food under normal use conditions, thereby safeguarding food safety and consumer health.

FCM testing typically encompasses the following areas:

1. Physical Performance Testing: Evaluates mechanical strength, heat resistance, and cold resistance to ensure material stability during food storage and use.

2. Chemical Performance Testing: Detects potential migratory substances, including heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury), plasticizers (e.g., phthalates), flame retardants, bisphenols (e.g., BPA), residual monomers, solvent residues, and antibacterial agents.

3. Microbiological Testing: Assesses potential microbial contamination during production, storage, and use.

4. Specific Substance Testing: Conducts targeted tests for specific materials or applications, such as migration tests for food-grade silicone.

How to Handle VOM Testing for Food Contact Materials?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOM) Testing is a subset of FCM testing that focuses on detecting volatile organic compounds released from food contact materials under normal use conditions. These compounds can pose risks to food safety and human health, necessitating strict control.

The process for conducting VOM testing for food contact materials includes the following steps:

1. Sample Preparation: Prepare representative samples as required by the testing protocol.

2. Selection of Testing Methods: Choose appropriate testing methods and standards based on the material type and intended use. Common standards include U.S. FDA regulations, EU regulations (e.g., EC 1935/2004), and Chinese GB standards.

3. Laboratory Testing: Submit samples to an accredited third-party testing agency. Testing may involve simulated food extraction, heat treatment, or aging procedures, typically conducted using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

4. Results Analysis: Evaluate test results to determine compliance with relevant regulatory standards.

5. Report Issuance: Upon successful testing, the agency issues a formal test report confirming compliance.

6. Follow-Up Actions: If results indicate non-compliance, modify the material (e.g., reformulate or change suppliers) and retest until standards are met.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and state-of-the-art equipment, provides comprehensive VOM testing solutions for food contact materials. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our reports carry international credibility. We assist clients in managing risks, meeting market requirements, and ensuring their products succeed globally.