New U.S. CPSC eFiling Requirements: What Importers Need to Know Before July 8

If you import consumer products into the United States, a regulatory change is coming that affects your customs clearance process. Effective July 8, all U.S. importers of Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-regulated products must e-file required compliance data at the time of entry. ShipX is informing customers now so you have time to prepare — and avoid costly shipment delays.

What Is CPSC and Why Does It Matter?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federal agency responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. CPSC has long enforced compliance through inspections and reviews at the border. The new eFiling mandate formalizes and digitizes that process: starting July 8, compliance data must be submitted electronically through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as part of every entry for regulated products.

Which Products Are Affected?

The requirement applies to a broad range of consumer goods. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Bicycles and recreational or sports equipment
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Children's cribs and other children's furniture
• Children's clothing
• Electrical items
• Fire safety equipment
• Holiday decorations
• Home heating equipment
• Household products and indoor air purifiers
• Outdoor power equipment
• Playground equipment
• Pool and spa equipment
• Toys

If your shipments contain any of these categories, you are likely affected. When in doubt, verify with your supplier or compliance team.

How CPSC eFiling Works: Two Methods

CPSC eFiling is submitted through CBP's ACE system as a Participating Government Agency (PGA) message set. Which method you use depends on whether your product is pre-registered in the CPSC Product Registry.

	Method 1: Full PGA Message Set	Method 2: Reference (Abbreviated) PGA Message Set
When it applies	Product is NOT registered in the CPSC Product Registry	Product IS pre-registered in the CPSC Product Registry
Data elements required	7	3
Best for	Occasional or one-time imports	Repeated imports of the same products

Method 1 — Full CPSC PGA Message Set (7 Required Data Elements)

For products not registered in the CPSC Product Registry, importers must provide all seven Certificate of Compliance data elements with each shipment:

1. Product identifier (e.g., Global Trade Item Number)
2. Each applicable CPSC safety rule (16 CFR part 1110)
3. Date of manufacture
4. Manufacturer / producer / assembler contact information (name, address, phone, email)
5. Date of most recent compliance test
6. Compliance test facility / laboratory contact information (name, address, phone, email)
7. Test records keeper / owner contact information (name, address, phone, email)

Method 2 — Reference (Abbreviated) PGA Message Set (3 Required Data Elements)

For products that have been pre-registered in the CPSC Product Registry, clearance is significantly simplified. Only three data elements are required:

1. Product ID
2. Certifier ID
3. Certificate Version ID

Method 2 is the faster, lower-friction option for importers who regularly bring in the same products. However, the registration process must be completed before the shipment arrives.

How to Get Started: CPSC Product Registry

Visit the CPSC Product Registry to begin registration: cpsc.gov/eFiling-CPSC-Product-Registry One important note on timing: the registration process can take up to six months to complete. If you import CPSC-regulated products regularly, act now. Also note: product registration is the responsibility of the direct supplier or shipper — not the customs broker. ShipX does not register products on behalf of customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

If CBP clears my shipment and I pay import duties, but CPSC later holds and denies entry — are my duties refunded?

No. Import duties and taxes paid to CBP are not refundable under these circumstances. CBP and CPSC are separate government agencies. If CBP assessed duties and released the shipment, those charges remain valid regardless of a subsequent CPSC hold.

What happens to shipments held by CPSC that fail consumer safety standards?

Resolution options are destruction of the goods or return to origin (RTO), both at the importer's expense. The specific outcome depends on CPSC's instructions for the subject shipment.

Are there penalties if a shipment does not include the required CPSC eFiling data?

Yes. CPSC may refuse entry and proceed with destruction or RTO. CPSC may also impose financial penalties depending on the specific circumstances.

My products are regulated by FDA. Do I also need to comply with CPSC eFiling?

Most FDA-regulated products (such as food) fall outside CPSC's jurisdiction. However, certain packaging components — including child-resistant packaging, packaging containing restricted substances, or packaging designed for children — may still be subject to CPSC oversight. Compliance should be reviewed for both the product and its packaging. Refer to the CPSC guidance on products outside its jurisdiction: cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws–Standards/Products-Outside-CPSCs-Jurisdiction

What are the advantages and disadvantages of registering in the CPSC Product Registry?

For shippers, registration offers faster customs clearance, greater transparency, and a reduced likelihood of inspections or document requests. The trade-off is additional compliance preparation, testing costs, and registration time. For consignees and importers, registration reduces the risk of importing non-compliant products and improves supply chain reliability. On the downside, it increases compliance responsibilities and introduces risk of storage costs, delays, or destruction if a product fails to meet CPSC requirements.

Start Preparing Now

The July 8 deadline is approaching, and with a registration process that can take up to six months, there is no time to wait. Review your product portfolio against the affected categories, consult with your direct suppliers about CPSC Product Registry registration, and ensure your compliance documentation is in order before your next shipment. For questions about how these changes affect your shipments or customs clearance process, contact your ShipX representative. We are here to help you navigate the transition.