Eurofins CPSC eFiling Services

eFiling: Welcome to the Future of Import Compliance!

In today’s fast-paced global market, ensuring your products meet safety standards before they reach consumers is more crucial than ever. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has finalised the electronic Filing (eFiling) rule, mandating importers to electronically submit the Certificate of Compliance data elements for the regulated consumer products via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Discover how eFiling can transform your import processes and how the Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines network of companies can support you every step of the way.

Purpose and Benefits

Purpose:

The eFiling system streamlines the certification process, reduces paperwork, and improves data accuracy.

Benefits:

• Reduced Hold Times: Electronic certification data minimises the need for physical document inspections, speeding up goods clearance.
• Cost Efficiency: Importers incur lower costs due to fewer holds and inspections.
• Enhanced Focus: CPSC can allocate resources to higher-risk shipments, improving overall product safety oversight.

Implementation Timeline

• December 18, 2024: CPSC approved the final eFiling rule. ​
• January 8, 2025: Final rule published in the Federal Register.​
• July 8, 2026: eFiling becomes mandatory for most regulated consumer products.​
• January 8, 2027: eFiling becomes mandatory for products imported into a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) and subsequently entered for consumption or warehousing.

Voluntary Participation Phase

CPSC is inviting up to 2,000 additional importers to participate in the voluntary phase of eFiling. This phase allows importers to familiarize themselves with the system and adjust operational processes before the mandatory compliance dates. Participation requests can be made by contacting efilingsupport@cpsc.gov.

Process of eFiling

The CPSC offers importers two methods for entering certificate data into the eFiling system:

• The Reference Message Set via the Product Registry:

• • Enter certificate data into the CPSC Product Registry.​
  • Submit a unique Certificate ID through the ACE system.​
  • The Product Registry allows importers to manage and view their certificates and grant access to third parties like brokers or testing labs.

• The Full Message Set:

• • Submit all certificate data directly through the CBP’s ACE system.

Image source: CPSC

Types of Certificates of Compliance

• Children's Product Certificate (CPC):
  This certificate is required for children's products, ensuring they comply with applicable safety rules such as those for lead content, phthalates, and small parts.
  
  
• General Certificate of Conformity (GCC):
  This certificate applies to general-use products, confirming compliance with relevant consumer product safety standards.

Certificate Content

Importers must electronically file the following CPC/GCC data elements at the time of entry:

• Identify the finished product(s) covered by the certificate. Certifiers must provide at least one of the following unique identifiers: global trade item number (GTIN), model number, registered number, serial number, stock keeping number (SKU), universal product code (UPC), or alternate identifier, along with a sufficient description to match the finished product to the certificate.
• The list of all applicable CPSC rules, regulations, bans or standards, identified separately, to which the finished product is certified.
  
  
• Identify the party certifying compliance of the finished product(s), including the party's name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, electronic mail (email) address, and telephone number.
  
  
• Identify and provide contact information (consisting, at a minimum, of the individual's name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and telephone number) for the individual maintaining the records.
  
  
• Provide the date (month and year, at a minimum) and place (including a manufacturer name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and telephone number) where the finished product(s) were manufactured, produced, or assembled. For manufacturing runs over a series of days, provide the initial date of manufacture (month and year, at a minimum).
  
  
• Provide the most recent date and places (including the name of each third-party conformity assessment body or other party on whose testing the certificate depends: name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and telephone number) where the finished product(s) were tested for compliance with the applicable CPSC rule(s), ban(s), standard(s), or regulation(s).
  
  
• Include the following attestation:
  I hereby certify that the finished product(s) covered by this certificate comply with the rules, bans, standards, and regulations stated herein and that the information in this certificate is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. I understand and acknowledge that it is a United States federal crime to knowingly and willfully make any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement, representation, or omission on this certificate.

 Note: These requirements apply to all regulated consumer products requiring certification, including de minimis shipments valued under $800.

Historical Background and Implementation Timeline

Challenges and Considerations

While eFiling streamlines the certification process, importers must ensure compatibility with the ACE system. Additionally, partner with industry experts like Eurofins that can facilitate electronic submission of Certificate of Compliance data elements.

For the latest detailed information on eFiling, visit the CPSC eFiling page.

How Can the Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines Network of Companies Help?

The Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines network of companies has a long history of assisting the consumer products industry with compliance. Our experts have designed solutions to ease the transition to eFiling, ensuring your products comply and reach the U.S. market efficiently.

Contact us to avoid supply chain disruptions and ensure compliance with regulations.

Watch the webinar recording for more!

This webinar provides insights and guidance on:

• eFiling Essentials: Understand the critical steps in the eFiling process for the Certificates of Compliance
• eFiling Timeline: Understand the critical steps and timelines for eFiling
• Quick Start Guide: Get a detailed overview of the CPSC eFiling Quick Start Guide to streamline your efforts
• Best Practices: Discover tips and strategies for efficient and error-free eFiling

Ready to Streamline Your Import Process?

Contact Softlines & Hardlines network today for a personalised consultation. Our experts are here to ensure your products comply with U.S. safety standards efficiently and effectively.

Don’t let compliance hurdles slow down your business. Reach out to us now and stay ahead of the curve!