10 December 2021Article
CPSC eFiling Update: Mandatory Requirements Begin July 2026

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will require all importers to electronically file product certificate data for consumer goods beginning July 8, 2026. This update outlines what eFiling is, what data importers must submit, how to register with the CPSC Product Registry, and the steps businesses should take now to avoid costly shipment delays.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is moving forward with its nationwide eFiling program, a significant modernization effort that changes how importers submit product certificate information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With mandatory compliance set for July 8, 2026, all importers of regulated consumer products must prepare to transition to electronic filing to ensure uninterrupted entry into the United States.

What the CPSC eFiling Program Means for Importers

The CPSC eFiling initiative does not change existing safety, testing, or certification requirements. Instead, it introduces a standardized electronic process for submitting product certificate data at the time of entry. This new process enhances transparency, speeds up customs review, and strengthens product safety oversight.

Beginning July 8, 2026, importers will be required to transmit specific certificate data to CBP’s ACE system during entry filing. Shipments missing accurate eFiling data may face delays, examinations, storage fees, or refusal of customs clearance.

Required Data Elements for eFiling

Importers must electronically provide the following information for each regulated product:

  • Identification of the finished product
  • The party certifying compliance
  • The consumer product safety rules applicable to the product
  • Date and place of manufacture
  • Date, place, and details of the most recent compliance test
  • Contact details for the records keeper

These requirements ensure that testing and certification records are complete, traceable, and accessible for review.

CPSC Product Registry Now Open to All Importers

The CPSC Product Registry is now available for all companies to register and begin uploading certificate data. Key points:

  • The registry is a secure platform that serves as a central repository for product certificates.
  • Importers are responsible for ensuring data accuracy and timely submission during entry.
  • Testing must be performed by a CPSC-accepted laboratory to be valid.

Importers should begin familiarizing themselves with the Registry now to ensure a smooth transition before the mandate.

Why Preparing Early Matters

With broad Congressional and administrative support, CPSC is moving rapidly toward the mandatory implementation deadline. Importers who delay adoption may encounter:

  • Incomplete or missing certificate data
  • Improper testing documentation
  • Internal system interruptions
  • Shipment delays and increased compliance costs

Early preparation minimizes operational risk and ensures smooth customs clearance once the mandate is active.

Woodland Brokerage is committed to guiding importers through the transition to eFiling. Compliance requirements vary by product type, so we provide curated resources to help importers understand what applies to them.

For additional questions, you may also email eFilingSupport@CPSC.gov.

Support links & PDFs:

eFiling - CPSC’s Modern Approach for Filing Certificate Data | CPSC.gov

eFiling Voluntary Stage Introduction - YouTube

CPSC Business Desktop Reference Guide

eFiling Participant Welcome Packet

eFiling Quick Start Guide

CPSC Product Registry | CPSC.gov

eFiling Implementation Guide V2.2 (CATAIR)

eFiling Frequently Asked Questions

eFiling Product Registry SOP

User Guide for CSV Upload

CPSC Small Business Resource

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