Children's Product Certificates: Testing, Certifying and Staying Current
Test at a CPSC-accepted lab, issue a certificate that names every rule, and keep testing on a schedule.
In Short
- Third-party lab for children's products.
- Name every applicable rule.
- Periodic tests at least yearly.
Quality Management Buyer Guide
For quality, regulatory and operations teams choosing quality management software. Use it with or without V5.
- Map every issue from raised to human closure.
- Set CAPA effectiveness criteria before you act.
- Separate regulation, configured workflow and lab features.
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Quality Management Buyer Guide
For quality, regulatory and operations teams choosing quality management software. Use it with or without V5.
A children's product sold in the US needs a certificate based on testing by a CPSC-accepted third-party laboratory. The certificate rule in 16 CFR 1110 now sets detailed content and, for imports, electronic filing of certificate data at entry. This guide covers testing, certificate content and periodic testing. It is orientation, not legal advice. Sources checked 4 Oct 2026.
Which products need what
Under 16 CFR 1110.5, finished products subject to a CPSC rule, ban or standard must be accompanied by a certificate. For children's products, primarily intended for children 12 or under, certification must rest on testing by a CPSC-accepted third-party conformity assessment body.
More on which products need what
General-use products can be certified on a reasonable testing programme.
What the certificate says
Section 1110.11 requires a product identifier with enough description to match the product, each applicable rule listed separately, the certifier's name and contact details, a records contact, the date and place of manufacture and, for children's products, testing details and the lab. Each certificate describes one product.
What a certificate must carry (1110.11)
Getting it to CPSC
Section 1110.13 requires the certificate to accompany the product. For imported products, certificate data is eFiled at entry in CBP's system; US-made products need the certificate on or before distribution.
More on getting it to CPSC
Check CPSC for current phase-in dates for your product types.
Periodic and Material-Change Testing
Section 1107.21 requires children's product manufacturers to keep testing by a third party, at least once a year under a periodic testing plan unless a longer interval applies under the production testing or lab options. Material changes to design, process or components need new testing before the product is certified again.
Worked Example: a New Toy SKU
- SampleProduction samples sent to an accepted labQuality
- ResultsEach applicable rule passesLab
- ReleaseCertificate issued; tracking label approvedCertifier
- Within a yearPeriodic test per the written planQuality
Tracking Labels and Records
Children's products also need permanent tracking information on the product and packaging where practicable, such as manufacturer, date and batch, so a recall can be scoped. Keep test reports, certificates and records of the batches they cover together.
Questions
Can we test in-house?
Not for children's product certification. Testing must be done by a CPSC-accepted third-party lab. In-house checks can support production control.
How often must we retest?
At least once a year under a periodic testing plan, unless a longer maximum interval applies, and after any material change.
Do imports need eFiling?
Yes. Section 1110.13 requires certificate data to be eFiled at entry for imported finished products. Confirm phase-in dates with CPSC.
Where does V5 fit?
V5 keeps product records, supplier documents, test results, lot labels and complaints. Your certifier decides what to certify and signs.
Practical orientation, not legal advice. Rules differ by jurisdiction; your quality and compliance team decides what applies.
Keep reading
Global Consumer Product Safety Readiness Guide (2026)
ASTM F963-23 and EU Toy Safety Regulation 2025/2509: Readiness
California Prop 65 Warnings: Labels, Short Form, Online Sales and Supplier Notices
EU General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988: Duties for Manufacturers and Importers
REACH SVHC in Articles and RoHS: Supplier Data Readiness