US Toy Compliance Checklist

The main steps to sell a toy or other children's product (for ages 12 and under) in the United States, in plain language. Each step links to the official U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or Federal Register page, which is the real rule.

New in 2026: Since July 8, 2026, importers must eFile certificate data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at entry (products entered from a Foreign Trade Zone: January 8, 2027). CPSC: certificates and eFiling

Not legal advice. This is a plain-English summary written by TDmonthly. Rules change; always check the official CPSC pages linked in each step, and talk to a compliance professional or CPSC's Small Business Ombudsman about your product.

1. Confirm it is a children's product

   If the product is designed or intended primarily for children 12 and under, CPSC children's product rules apply, including third-party testing and a Children's Product Certificate.

   manufacturerimporter

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

2. Find the rules that apply

   Toys must meet ASTM F963 (16 CFR part 1250). Other rules may also apply, such as lead in paint (16 CFR 1303), phthalates (16 CFR 1307), magnets (16 CFR 1262) and button or coin batteries. CPSC keeps the full list of rules that require third-party testing.

   manufacturerimporter

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

3. Check which ASTM F963 sections apply

   CPSC publishes a chart of the ASTM F963 sections that likely apply to toys in general and to specific toy types, and which ones need third-party testing.

   product developer

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

4. Test at a CPSC-accepted lab

   Children's product testing must be done by a third-party laboratory whose accreditation CPSC has accepted for that rule. Registered small batch manufacturers may get relief from some (Group B) tests.

   manufacturerimporter

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

5. Issue a Children's Product Certificate (CPC)

   The CPC must identify the product, cite each applicable rule, name the certifying firm and the records contact, give the date and place of manufacture and testing, and identify the CPSC-accepted lab. CPC and test reports must be in English.

   manufacturerimporter

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

6. Add permanent tracking labels

   Product and packaging (where practicable) must carry permanent marks showing the manufacturer or importer, production location and date, and batch or run information.

   manufacturerimporter

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

7. eFile certificate data when importing

   Since July 8, 2026, importers of CPSC-regulated products must electronically file certificate data with CBP at entry. Products entered from a Foreign Trade Zone follow on January 8, 2027. eFiling does not apply to domestic manufacturers, but the updated certificate content rules do.

   importer

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

8. Know the eFiling details

   CPSC eFiling FAQ: dates, FTZ rules, and what counts as a commercial shipment (including marketplace sales).

   importercustoms broker

   Official source: cpsc.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

9. Read the final rule

   Federal Register final rule: Certificates of Compliance (90 FR 1800, January 8, 2025).

   compliance lead

   Official source: federalregister.gov · Link checked Oct 23, 2026

10. Watch recalls in your category

    Check the TDmonthly Recall Tracker (CPSC data) for recalls of similar products before you launch.

    everyone

    Open the Recall Tracker

Checklist reviewed Oct 23, 2026 (PT).

This checklist is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Corrections and questions: [email protected]