What is the CPC certificate that has been repeatedly mentioned when exporting baby and mother products?
Jul 30, 2026
The CPC certificate, or Children's Product Certificate, is a mandatory compliance document required for exporting baby and maternal products to the United States. It is a written certification that a product complies with all applicable U.S. children's product safety rules.
Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
What is it?
Full Name: Children's Product Certificate (CPC).
Purpose: It's a self-issued "declaration of conformity", similar to a quality inspection report, that proves your product meets U.S. safety standards. The manufacturer or importer is fully responsible for its accuracy.
Not a Government-Issued License: It is not a license or certificate issued by a government agency. Instead, it's a document you draft based on mandatory testing.
Who Does It Apply To?
Product Scope: The CPC is required for all products designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger.
Common Examples: This includes a wide range of baby and children's items such as:
Toys
Baby strollers, cribs, and car seats
Baby carriers and bouncers
Children's clothing and footwear
Pacifiers and teethers
The Core Requirements
Third-Party Testing: You cannot simply write a CPC yourself. The product must first be tested by a laboratory that is accepted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Key Standards: The testing usually covers a range of safety rules, including but not limited to:
CPSIA: Limits on lead and phthalates.
ASTM F963: The standard consumer safety specification for toy safety.
16 CFR Parts: Specific regulations for products like pacifiers (Part 1511), rattles (Part 1510), and children's sleepwear (Parts 1615 & 1616).
Key Information on the Certificate
A valid CPC must include seven specific elements, all in English:
Identification of the product covered by the certificate.
Citation to each CPSC children's product safety rule to which the product is being certified.
Identification of the U.S. importer or domestic manufacturer (name, address, phone).
Contact information of the person maintaining records of test results.
Date and place of manufacture.
Date and place of testing.
Identification of the CPSC-accepted third-party laboratory.
If you want to learn about the latest CPSC information in the United States, please click to read the previous article!
