US import compliance — free guide
CPSC eFiling: exactly what to send your customs broker
Since July 8, 2026, CPSC-regulated consumer products imported into the US must have certificate data transmitted with every shipment — whatever the value (16 CFR part 1110). Your broker files it; you own its accuracy. Here are the seven data elements your broker needs, a free worksheet, and the email to send with it.
The seven data elements (16 CFR 1110)
Product ID type + value (GTIN, SKU, UPC, model, serial, Registry product ID…) + product name
Must match what is declared on the entry. If your broker cannot reconcile the ID, the data gets kicked back.
The CPSC rule(s) the certificate covers (16 CFR part + section)
Same product class can sit on both lists (bicycles, bunk beds) — children's toys (1250) must list the specific ASTM F963 sections. The citation logic is where most errors happen.
Date of manufacture (day-level precision is normally acceptable)
Needed so the broker can confirm the certificate covers the actual goods in the shipment.
Name, full address, contact
The party issuing the certificate and maintaining the test records.
Date the test was completed / test report issued
CPC path: testing must be by a CPSC-accepted third-party lab. GCC path: any qualified lab or first-party program.
Lab name, address, contact (include the CPSC lab ID for CPCs if you have it)
Your broker does not verify lab standing — you (importer of record) own the accuracy of this element.
Name, address, contact of the person the broker/CPSC can reach
Often the importer of record or a compliance manager — whoever answers if CBP queries the entry.
The email to send your broker
Copy, fill the placeholders, attach the worksheet CSV:
Hi {broker contact},
Please find attached the CPSC certificate data for the below shipment entry.
This product is subject to the CPSC eFiling rule (16 CFR part 1110) — in force
since July 8, 2026.
Product: {product name} ({product id})
Certificate type: {CPC or GCC}
Covered rules: {16 CFR citations}
Filing path: {Full PGA message set | Reference (registry IDs included)}
Certificate issue date: {date}
The seven data elements are in the attached CSV. The importer of record
maintains the underlying certificate and test records (retention: 5 years).
Regards,
{your name} · {your company} · {email / phone}Reference vs Full PGA message set
Two filing paths exist. In the Reference path you register each product in the free CPSC Product Registry and give your broker three IDs (Certifier, Product, Version) per shipment. In the Full PGA message set path, the seven elements ride directly in ACE with the entry — which is what the worksheet above assembles. If you have a handful of SKUs shipping repeatedly, the Registry route is often simpler; if your mix is wide or you want one validated pack per shipment, the full message set keeps control with you.
Frequently asked questions
Does this apply to my shipment? If your product is a children's product (CPC) or general-use product under a CPSC rule (GCC) — toys, nursery gear, apparel, mattresses, bikes, batteries, magnets and more — it is in scope. Check your product free in seconds with the rule checker.
Is there a de minimis / small-shipment exemption? No. The eFiling rule applies to every shipment of CPSC-regulated products, whatever the value — including Section 321 and de minimis entries. Express carriers collect the data at booking.
What if I get it wrong? CPSC's enforcement posture is "warning not rejection" at the border, with risk scoring and the possibility of exams or holds — but the importer of record remains responsible for accuracy, and penalties under CPSA apply. Accuracy is cheaper than a hold.
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Working at a brokerage or forwarder rather than importing yourself? See CPSC eFiling for brokers and forwarders →
EntryReady is compliance software, not legal advice. Rule data transcribed from CPSC.gov; review with a qualified compliance professional before filing. Not affiliated with CPSC or CBP.