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New U.S. CPSC Compliance Update: What Importers Need to Know Before July 8, 2026

Sabira Kassam

Sabira Kassam

July 7, 2026

Sabira Kassam has over five years of experience supporting eCommerce brands with FBA, FDA compliance, and prior notices. She helps businesses identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize carrier selection, and streamline cross-border shipping, enabling scalable growth and operational efficiency.

If you are a business importing regulated consumer goods into the United States, an important compliance change is coming into effect soon.

Starting July 8, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will require importers to electronically submit Certificate of Compliance information through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Until now, importers only needed to provide compliance documentation if requested. According to the new change, certificate information must be filed electronically before or when the shipment enters the U.S.

Although the CPSC plans to issue warnings during the initial rollout, businesses should start preparing well in advance to smoothly complete this transition.

Here's what Canadian businesses shipping to the U.S. need to know about this change.

What Is CPSC eFiling?

CPSC eFiling is a new electronic reporting process that requires importers to submit product compliance data directly through ACE.

Introduction of this change will improve border screening by allowing customs officials to verify product compliance before shipments enter the country.

Which Products Are Affected?

Commonly affected categories include:

  • Toys 
  • Children's products and furniture 
  • Children's apparel 
  • Bicycles and bicycle helmets 
  • Button cell batteries 
  • Mattresses 
  • Carpets and rugs 
  • ATVs 
  • Imitation jewelry 
  • Certain household goods 
  • Consumer electronics 

Not every product within these categories will require eFiling. Eligibility depends on your HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code and the applicable CPSC safety regulations.

ExampleA Canadian retailer shipping children's toys to the U.S. will likely need to submit a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) through the new eFiling process.On the other hand, a shipment of adult clothing may not require CPSC eFiling unless it falls under a regulated consumer product category.

GCC vs. CPC: Which Certificate Do You Need?

The type of compliance certificate depends on your product.

General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)

This certificate is required for general-use consumer products that are subject to CPSC regulations.

Examples include:

  • Electronics 
  • Household appliances 
  • Mattresses 

It is issued by the manufacturer or importer based on testing that demonstrates that the product complies with applicable CPSC safety standards.

Children's Product Certificate (CPC)

Products intended for children under 12 require a CPC.

Examples include:

  • Toys 
  • Cribs 
  • Strollers 
  • Children's furniture 

Unlike a GCC, a CPC must be supported by testing conducted at a CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

DateWhat Happens
Now – July 7, 2026Voluntary registration is open. No shipment risk while you prepare.
July 8, 2026Mandatory eFiling begins. CPSC starts flagging HTS codes in ACE.
January 8, 2027Requirement extends to goods imported through Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs).

How to Prepare for the New Requirements

If you ship regulated consumer products into the United States, now is the time to review your compliance process.

We recommend taking the following steps:

  • Determine whether your products are covered by CPSC regulations. 
  • Review your HTS codes against CPSC requirements
  • Obtain the appropriate GCC or CPC certificates. 
  • Confirm children's products have been tested by a CPSC-accredited laboratory. 
  • Gather compliance information from your suppliers, including manufacturing details and testing records. 
  • Review your existing GCC and CPC certificates to ensure they include all required compliance information and meet the latest CPSC certificate requirements for electronic filing.

Preparing in advance can help minimize disruptions once mandatory eFiling begins.

How eShipper Is Supporting Customers

At eShipper, we're working to make this transition as seamless as possible.

To support the new CPSC requirements, our platform will introduce additional fields that allow customers to provide the required compliance information during shipment creation

The required fields include:

  • Registry Product ID 
  • Registry Certificate Version 
  • Registry Certificate ID 
  • Product ID Type 
  • Product Compliance ID 

Providing complete and accurate information will help facilitate customs clearance and reduce the likelihood of shipment delays. This information will be transmitted electronically to carrier systems, helping facilitate customs clearance for applicable shipments.

We'll also provide additional guidance on affected HTS codes and platform updates to help customers prepare before the July 8 implementation date.

Helpful Resources

To learn more about the new requirements, visit the official CPSC resources:

Prepare Before the Deadline

The introduction of CPSC eFiling is changing how regulated consumer goods are imported into the United States. Businesses that prepare early will be better positioned to avoid delays, maintain compliance, and keep their supply chains moving.

At eShipper, we're committed to helping our customers navigate regulatory changes with clarity. As we roll out platform enhancements and additional guidance, we'll continue to provide the tools and support you need to simplify compliance and keep your shipments moving across the border.

If you're unsure whether your products are affected or need help preparing these new requirements, contact your Account Manager or to learn more Book a call

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