CPSC eFiling Support

Simplify your eFiling importing
process with ACT Lab!

What is eFiling

Electronic Filing (eFiling) is a CPSC initiative that allows importers of regulated consumers products to electronically file date elements from a certificate of compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via a Partner Government Agency (PGA) Message Set. 

The CPSC has launched the eFiling initiative, mandating importers to electronically submit Certificate of Compliance data, as per 16 CFR 1110, through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This initiative enhances certification efficiency and accuracy, protecting consumers and facilitating smoother market access for businesses.

Download the detailed CPSC PPT presentation on eFiling process

Benefits on eFiling

Implementing eFiling will enable the CPSC to process import shipments more efficiently, allowing them to concentrate on higher-risk products. This initiative not only supports CPSC’s targeted risk management efforts but also offers the trade industry a streamlined and standardized method for electronically submitting product certificates.

  • Easier compliance with CPSC’s certification requirements
  • Multiple options for electronically filling a PGA Message Set before shipment arrival
  • Certificate data stored electronically in the secure CPSC Product Registry
  • Reduced cost and hold times for importers
  • Greater focus on higher-risk products, leading to fewer holds for certificates

Phrased Implementation

  • Phase 1

Alpha Pilot with 8 participants testing the PGA message Set and Product Registry

  • Phase 2

Beta Pilot with over 35 participants focusing on IT development and participant testing

  • Phase 3 

Final Rulemaking to integrate eFiling rule changes

  • Phase 4 (2025)

Full implementation with the rollout of the final eFiling requirements

Process of eFilling

The Reference Message Set via the Product Registry:
Importers enter certificate data into the CPSC Product Registry first, then submit a unique 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:
Importers submit all certificate data directly through the CBP’s ACE system.

Ensure your products meet CPSC regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our eFiling services.

Types of Certificates of Compliance

Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)

Certificates that a children’s products complies with all applicable safety rules.

General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)

Certifies that a general use product complies with all applicable safety rules.

Certificate Content

Specify the finished product(s) mentioned in the certificate. Certifiers should provide at least one unique identifier such as a global trade item number (GTIN), model number, registered number, serial number, stock keeping unit (SKU), universal product code (UPC), or another identifier, along with a detailed description that aligns the finished product with the certificate.

List all relevant CPSC rules, regulations, bans, or standards, individually identified, that the finished product complies with.

Include the following certification statement:
I hereby affirm that the finished product(s) referenced in this certificate comply with the specified rules, bans, standards, and regulations, and that the information contained in this certificate is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. I acknowledge that knowingly providing any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement, representation, or omission on this certificate is a federal crime in the United States.

Provide the details of the party certifying the compliance of the finished product(s), including their name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and phone number.

Provide the contact information for the individual responsible for maintaining the records, including at least their name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and phone number.

Include the date (month and year at a minimum) and location (including the manufacturer’s name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and phone number) where the finished product(s) were manufactured, produced, or assembled. For manufacturing runs over multiple days, provide the start date of production (month and year at a minimum).

Include the most recent date and locations (with the name of each third-party conformity assessment body or other entity whose testing the certificate relies on: name, street address, city, state or province, country or administrative region, email address, and phone number) where the finished product(s) were tested for compliance with the applicable CPSC rule(s), ban(s), standard(s), or regulation(s).

Key Requirements

Data Elements

Manufacturers and importers must submit specific data elements, including product identification, compliance testing results, and manufacturer details. 

Regulatory Compliance

The eFiling system ensures adherence to the latest CPSC regulations, improving transparency and traceability.

The rollout date for mandatory eFiling is still under discussion, but stakeholders are encouraged to begin familiarizing themselves with the process to ensure a smooth transition. 

What can ACT Lab assist you with?

Data Requirement Gathering

  • Conduct an initial consultation to identify the range of products that require testing.
  • Gather all necessary information about the products, including product descriptions, intended use, and relevant safety standards.
  • Identify and list all CPSC regulations and citations applicable to each product category.

Product Identification and Regulatory Citation Matching

  • Cross-reference the importer’s product data with CPSC regulations.
  • Create a comprehensive list of applicable citations for each product.
  • Provide a detailed report to the importer, outlining the necessary testing and regulatory requirement.

Collaboration for Data Transfer Protocol Establishment 

  • Work Closely with the importer and their broker to establish a data transfer protocol that suits both parties.
  • Determine the preferred data formats, transfer methods, and security measures.
  • Implement the agreed-upon protocol, ensuring all parties are trained and informed about the process

Data Transfer Execution and Report Generation

  • Execute the data transfer as per the established protocol, ensuring all necessary details are included
  • Validate the transferred data for completeness and accuracy.
  • Generate and deliver the final test report to the importer, including all applicable CPSC citations and compliance confirmations.

Ensure your products meet CPSC regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our eFiling services.