The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a final rule on the “e-Filing” program to digitize the import process and enable more efficient management of certificates of conformity for consumer products. This new regulation requires products to be registered with electronic certification information at the time of import. The program requires importers to submit information verifying that products comply with safety standards.
Program Objectives and Impacts
The final rule is designed to identify the safety risks of imported products and prevent unsafe products from entering the supply chain. The electronic system will make CPSC inspections at ports more targeted and faster. It is also expected to reduce wait times for compliant products.
The program will be implemented in two phases:
- For general products: As of July 8, 2026.
- For goods from Free Trade Zones (FTZ): As of January 8, 2027.
New Obligations
All importers subject to the CPSC’s regulations will have to submit certification data for products electronically. The information that must be included in the certificates includes:
- Product description,
- Information on the manufacturer and the person responsible for the certificate,
- Production and testing dates and locations.
Lessons Learned from Pilot Projects
The CPSC ran alpha and beta pilot programs between 2016 and 2024. These programs tested the effectiveness of electronic data management systems and provided improvements based on industry feedback. The final rule provides an 18-month period for importers to comply with the program’s requirements.
Conclusion
The CPSC’s e-Filing program takes an important step forward in product safety by increasing digitalization in the import process. This innovation will streamline compliance for importers, while creating a critical barrier to consumer safety.
Source: CPSC Rule on e-Filing Program
