Starting July 8, 2026, a major import compliance change is coming for companies importing consumer products into the United States.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has finalized its mandatory electronic filing (eFiling) requirement, meaning certain importers will now be required to electronically submit product certificate information at the time of customs entry through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s ACE system.
If your company imports products regulated by CPSC, waiting until the last minute may create shipment delays, missing document issues, or customs clearance problems.
Here is what importers need to know in simple terms.
What Is Changing on July 8, 2026?
Beginning July 8, 2026, importers must electronically provide product certificate information to CPSC when filing customs entries in ACE.
In simple terms, this means paper certificates alone will no longer be enough for many products. Instead, certificate information must be transmitted electronically during the customs filing process.
This requirement mainly affects products requiring:
- A Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) for children’s products
- A General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) for products subject to consumer product safety rules
CPSC has identified approximately 600 HTS classifications that may be impacted. However, importers should understand that the requirement is not limited only to those tariff numbers. Products outside that list may still require electronic certificate filing if subject to CPSC regulations.
Which Products May Be Affected?
Many common imported products may fall under this requirement, including:
- Children’s toys
- Baby products
- Furniture and household products
- Electrical consumer products
- Consumer goods subject to flammability or safety standards
- Products requiring laboratory testing and compliance certificates
The biggest mistake importers can make is assuming, “My product was never stopped before, so I’m probably fine.”
If your product requires a CPC or GCC today, there is a good chance you will be impacted by the new eFiling requirement.
How Will the New CPSC eFiling Process Work?
CPSC will allow two ways to submit certificate information into ACE.
Option 1: Full PGA Message Set
Under this method, importers provide all required product certificate information to their customs broker for every shipment.
The broker then transmits the information to CPSC through ACE at the time of entry.
The following 7 required data elements must be available:
- Product ID
A unique product identifier such as SKU, UPC, GTIN, model number, or serial number. - Citation Codes
The safety standards or regulations the product complies with. - Manufacturing Date
When the product was made. - Manufacturing Location
The complete location where the product was manufactured or assembled. - Product Test Date
The most recent compliance testing date. - Testing Laboratory Information
Details of the testing company or laboratory. - Point of Contact
The person or company maintaining testing records.
While this method works, it may become repetitive and time-consuming for importers shipping the same products repeatedly.
Option 2: Product Registry Method (Recommended)
This is the approach being recommended by both CPSC and many customs professionals.
Instead of sending the same certificate information over and over for every shipment, importers upload product certificate data into the CPSC Product Registry ahead of time.
Once uploaded, the importer simply provides the broker with:
- Certifier ID
- Product ID
- Version ID
The broker then references those identifiers during entry filing.
Why is this method better?
✅ Less repetitive work
✅ Faster customs filing process
✅ Easier certificate management for repeat imports
✅ Bulk uploads available through CSV files
✅ Better organization for multiple products and SKUs
For importers bringing in repeat shipments, this will likely be the most efficient long-term solution.
What Importers Should Do Right Now
Although enforcement begins in July 2026, importers should start preparing now.
Here is a simple action plan:
1. Create a CPSC Business Account
Do not wait until the last minute. Setting up accounts early avoids delays when enforcement begins.
2. Start Using the Product Registry
CPSC currently allows voluntary participation and testing. This gives companies time to learn the system before filing becomes mandatory.
3. Organize Your Product Certificates
Gather all current CPC and GCC certificates and make sure they are updated, accurate, and easy to access.
4. Speak With Your Manufacturers
Many importers may not currently have all required testing information, manufacturing details, or laboratory records readily available.
Start requesting this information now.
5. Coordinate With Your Customs Broker
Your customs broker will likely need specific data formats and identifiers before entries are filed. Early coordination can help avoid shipment delays.
What Happens If Importers Wait Too Long?
Companies that delay preparation may run into:
- Entry delays
- Missing certificate issues
- Last-minute manufacturer scrambling
- Incorrect or incomplete ACE filings
- Potential cargo holds or compliance problems
Think of this like ISF preparation years ago: companies that prepared early had fewer problems, while companies waiting until the last minute often faced unnecessary disruptions.
What This Means for Importers
The biggest takeaway is simple:
If your products require CPC or GCC certificates today, start preparing now.
Even if July 2026 feels far away, gathering manufacturer data, organizing testing records, and learning the Product Registry process can take time.
Companies that prepare early will likely experience a smoother transition and fewer customs clearance headaches once mandatory enforcement begins.
Helpful CPSC Resources
Official CPSC eFiling Website:
CPSC eFiling Website
CPSC Product Decison Robot:
CPSC Product Registry
Product Registry Training:
CPSC Training Video
If you are unsure whether your products will be impacted by CPSC Mandatory eFiling, speak with your customs broker or compliance team now rather than waiting until shipments are delayed.
You can always read the Latest Trade & Customs Updates here.
