What is a CPSIA Report? How to Obtain a CPSIA Report?
With the continuous growth of the children’s toy market, consumer focus on toy safety has intensified. Countries and regions have established stringent safety standards to ensure toys do not harm children. Standards such as ASTM F963-23, CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), and CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) are critical compliance benchmarks for toy production and sales. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains what a CPSIA report is and outlines the process for obtaining one.
What is a CPSIA Report?
A CPSIA report is a detailed test report issued by a CPSC-accredited laboratory to demonstrate that a children’s product complies with the safety requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The CPSIA, enacted in 2008, imposes strict safety standards for products intended for children aged 12 and under, such as toys, clothing, bedding, and other children’s items. The report verifies compliance with specific safety tests, including:
Lead Content: Total lead in accessible components must not exceed 100 ppm (substrates) or 90 ppm (surface coatings).
Phthalates: Limits on six specified phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP, BBP) to 0.1% (1000 ppm) each.
Flammability: Compliance with standards like 16 CFR 1610 (textiles) or 16 CFR 1611 (vinyl films).
Heavy Metals: Testing for substances like cadmium or mercury, if applicable.
Physical and Mechanical Safety: Ensuring no small parts, sharp edges, or other hazards (per ASTM F963 for toys).
Other Requirements: Depending on the product, additional tests (e.g., FDA 21 CFR for food contact materials or LHAMA for art materials) may apply.
The CPSIA report is a prerequisite for issuing a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), which is required for market entry in the United States, including sales on platforms like Amazon and Temu.
Process for Obtaining a CPSIA Report
Determine CPSIA Applicability:
Identify whether the product falls within the scope of CPSIA, which applies to all products designed or intended primarily for children aged 12 and under. Different product types (e.g., toys, apparel, scissors) have specific testing requirements under standards like ASTM F963, 16 CFR 1303 (lead in coatings), or 16 CFR 1307 (phthalates). Use the CPSC’s Regulatory Robot tool or consult a testing agency to confirm applicable standards.Prepare Product Samples:
Gather representative samples of the product, ensuring they reflect all models, colors, or variations intended for the market. For example, if a toy has multiple color variants, test samples should cover all materials used.Select a CPSC-Accredited Laboratory:
Choose a third-party laboratory accredited by the CPSC, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., which is also CMA/CNAS-accredited. Verify the lab’s accreditation for specific CPSIA tests on the CPSC website.Submit Samples for Testing:
Send the prepared samples to the laboratory, along with technical documentation, including:Product specifications (e.g., name, model, material composition).
Bill of Materials (BOM).
Intended use and age group. The laboratory conducts tests based on CPSIA requirements, such as:
Chemical Testing: Lead, phthalates, and other substances using XRF (X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer) or GC/MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry).
Physical Testing: Small parts, sharp edges, or pinch points (per 16 CFR 1500.48/49 or ASTM F963).
Flammability Testing: Compliance with 16 CFR 1610/1611. Testing typically takes 5–15 working days, depending on product complexity.
Receive and Review the Test Report:
The laboratory issues a detailed CPSIA test report indicating whether the product complies with all applicable standards. The report includes:Test methods and standards applied.
Results for each tested parameter (e.g., lead <100 ppm).
Laboratory details and accreditation. If the product fails, adjust materials (e.g., switch to lead-free coatings) or design (e.g., remove small parts) and retest.
Prepare the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC):
Upon receiving a compliant CPSIA test report, the manufacturer or importer drafts the CPC, which includes:Product Description: Name, model, or SKU (e.g., “Children’s Plush Toy, Model XYZ”).
Applicable Standards: List all relevant CPSC standards (e.g., CPSIA, ASTM F963, 16 CFR 1303).
Manufacturer/Importer Details: Name, address, and contact information.
Testing Details: Date, location, and CPSC-accredited laboratory information.
Production Details: Date and place of manufacture.
Tracking Label Information: Batch number for traceability.
U.S. Authorized Representative (USAR): Required for platforms like Temu (as of December 19, 2024). The CPC must be provided to distributors, retailers, or platforms and retained for at least 5 years.
Market Access and Compliance:
Submit the CPSIA test report and CPC to U.S. customs, retailers, or e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Temu) to meet market entry requirements. For Temu, upload the CPC to the Seller Central compliance center, ensuring inclusion of USAR details. Regularly retest products (annually or per new batch) and monitor CPSC regulatory updates to maintain compliance.
Recommended Testing Agency
Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. is a trusted third-party testing agency with extensive experience in CPSIA testing and CPC certification. Key advantages include:
Accreditation: CMA/CNAS qualifications and CPSC-recognized laboratory status.
Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of CPSIA, ASTM F963, and related U.S. safety standards.
Comprehensive Services: Support from sample testing to CPC preparation and compliance guidance.
Global Credibility: Test reports recognized internationally, ensuring compliance with U.S. market requirements.
Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive CPSIA certification solutions. 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.
