Need information on CPC (Children's Products Certificate)

Product Development & Sourcing

Topic summary

Seller of baby products seeks guidance when overseas suppliers can’t provide a CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) for U.S. sales, including for dropshipping and POD.

Key points and actions:

  • Determine if the item is a children’s product (primarily for under 12). If not, a GCC (General Certificate of Conformity) may apply instead.
  • Ask suppliers for third-party test reports from a CPSC-accepted lab (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). If valid reports exist, the seller can issue their own CPC based on them.
  • If no testing exists, arrange testing at a CPSC-accredited lab (U.S. or abroad) and use results to create the CPC. Testing costs may be ~$100–$500 per test.
  • If suppliers refuse testing, either switch suppliers or negotiate cost-sharing.

Compliance notes:

  • Do not sell without a CPC for children’s products; risks include seizure, fines, and recalls.
  • Dropshipping does not remove compliance obligations; the seller/importer of record remains responsible.
  • Seeking professional legal advice is strongly recommended.

Status: No resolution yet; recommended path is obtain valid testing and issue CPC or change suppliers; consult an attorney for legal certainty.

Summarized with AI on December 11. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi,

I’m new here. My niche is baby products. I need CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) to sell the products in US. Most of my suppliers are not from US. What to do if suppliers can’t provide CPC? Anybody has any suggestions?

2

Hi @BaeSprout

Welcome to the community.

I am not from the US, so this is my first time hearing about CPC so below is an AI-generated response. But in general, if the supplier can not provide it then you should arange testing, or just change supplier. I mean, for sure, you do not want to sell products with no certificate. Most suppliers do have that prepared; if not, to me, that is a red flag.

I must ask, are you doing dropshipping? If you do, please check topics with store feedback or “no sales” as there is good advice.

If a supplier can’t provide a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), you cannot legally import or sell that product in the U.S. until compliance is proven. Here’s what to do:

1. Confirm if CPC is actually required

CPCs are mandatory only for children’s products (intended primarily for kids under 12).
If the product isn’t marketed for children, a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) or no certification may be required instead.

2. Ask for test reports

Request third-party test reports from a CPSC-accepted lab that cover all applicable standards (like ASTM F963 for toys, CPSIA lead limits, etc.).
If they can provide test reports but not a CPC, you can create the CPC yourself based on those valid reports.

3. If no testing exists

You must arrange testing yourself:

  • Send product samples to a CPSC-accredited laboratory.
  • Have them test against all relevant U.S. safety standards.
  • Use those lab results to issue your own CPC as the importer or brand owner.

4. If the supplier refuses testing

You have two choices:

  • Switch suppliers to one that can meet U.S. compliance requirements.
  • Negotiate testing costs (often $100–$500 per test) and share them if you want to keep that supplier.

5. Never import without a CPC

U.S. Customs and CPSC can:

  • Seize shipments
  • Issue fines
  • Order recalls

Even if a supplier says “we ship to the U.S. all the time,” you’re still legally responsible for certification as the importer of record.

3

Hi,

All of my products are dropshipping. Some are POD dropshipping. I’m not importing anything. Any suggestions?

4

Importing is irrelevant don’t try to selectively choose wording, or parsimony through this.

For legal matters talk to an ACTUAL lawyer don’t seek opinions from people online who are not lawyers.
Random opinions online will NEVER protect you from legal or financial ramifications.

Either find different providers with CPC, or invest in the path towards getting domestic CPC(lab testing === $$$).
Do not pass go without lawyer.
Seriously seek legal advice for stuff like this, don’t even respond just go do it.

1 Like
5

Hey @BaeSprout,

If your suppliers can’t provide a CPC, you’ll need to have your products tested by a CPSC-accepted lab in the U.S. or abroad and then create your own CPC based on those test results.

Cheers :slight_smile: