Since the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) E-Filing regulations were fully enforced on July 8, 2026, the DONHO LOGISTICS U.S. customs clearance team has processed a high volume of shipments. Combining the latest on-the-ground operational feedback, we have observed a transitional trend: "lenient front-end inspection, but strict back-end compliance."
To help our clients using our US ocean freight dedicated line and US double-clearance tax-inclusive door-to-door services ship smoothly, this article outlines the latest customs clearance dynamics and provides the complete CPSC E-Filing registration process.
1. Latest Customs Clearance Operational Feedback (Important Update)
According to frontline feedback from our U.S. customs clearance partners, here are the essential operational details you must know:
- Current Release Status: Currently, shipments involving CPSC-regulated goods can generally be released normally even if the three corresponding IDs (Certifier ID, Product ID, Version ID) are not entered. The clearance status remains largely unchanged.
- Updated Customs System Labels: The customs system tariff code identifiers have been updated, distinguishing CPSC-controlled goods into two categories:
- CP1 Category: Eligible for exemption, but requires specific product exemption documentation.
- CP2 Category: Primarily children's products, subject to strict key regulation. Clients are strongly advised to prepare corresponding compliance certificates (CPC) in advance.
- Consistency of Declaring Entities: Many clients ask if they can clear customs when the CPSC certificate filing importer differs from the actual Importer of Record (IOR). Conclusion: As long as the E-Filing electronic filing is successfully declared, normal customs clearance is permitted.
- Document Submission Policy: We received official notification from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that the CPSC does not currently mandate the simultaneous upload of declaration documents during customs declaration, though active submission is encouraged.
- Post-Entry Audit Risks: A key reminder is that even after goods are released, the CPSC may still conduct post-entry audits. Please ensure you have a complete set of compliance documents (CPC/GCC certificates, test reports, etc.) ready for inspection.
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2. Complete CPSC E-Filing Registration and Declaration Process
Although front-end release is currently more lenient, mastering the complete registration and declaration process is crucial to cope with potential post-entry audits and ensure long-term shipping stability.
Step 1: Essential Preparations Before Registration
Before starting registration, please ensure you have the following ready:
- Corporate Qualifications: EIN tax number of the U.S. Importer of Record (IOR), IOR number, U.S. physical address, contact person + email + phone number, and the Broker code of the cooperating customs broker.
- Product Compliance Documents:
- Children’s Products: CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) + CPSC-accepted laboratory test reports.
- General Consumer Products: GCC (General Certificate of Conformity) + corresponding test reports (in English).
- Seven Mandatory Declaration Fields (Core E-Filing Data):
- Product ID (Model/SKU)
- Regulatory Standard Number (ASTM/16CFR)
- Date of Manufacture
- Country/City of Production
- Date of Last Test
- Testing Laboratory Name
- Certificate Issuer + Records Custodian Contact Information
Step 2: CPSC Corporate Account Registration (5-Step Method)
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the CPSC official Product Registry homepage and click the "Register Now" entry.
- Fill in Information: Enter the full name of the U.S. importer, company EIN, IOR number, corporate email, and U.S. address, then submit the form.
- Activate Account: Check for the CPSC verification email, click the link to activate your account, and set an administrator password.
- Complete Profile: Log in to the backend, complete the corporate entity profile, and enter the U.S. company's business information and person-in-charge details.
- Authorize the Customs Broker: Enter the customs broker filing code of your cooperating broker in the backend to grant the broker permission to reference product data.
Step 3: Product Filing Entry (Two Methods)
After logging into the Product Registry, choose one of the following methods to enter product archives and generate the unique "Three Codes" (Certifier ID + Product ID + Version ID).
- Method 1: Single Manual Entry (Suitable for few SKUs / sporadic shipments)
Fill in product model, HS code, product name, and applicable regulations one by one. Completely enter the 7 mandatory declaration fields mentioned above and upload the CPC/GCC English certificate PDF. Submit for review; the CPSC system will automatically validate it instantly, generating the product Three Codes upon approval.
- Method 2: CSV Batch Import (Suitable for multiple SKUs / recurring annual orders)
Download the CPSC standard template and batch-fill the 7 data points for all products. Batch upload the CSV file in the backend. The system will batch-validate, allowing you to modify and resubmit any abnormal data individually. Once all pass, batch export the product Three Codes list for archiving.
Step 4: Two E-Filing Declaration Modes During Customs Declaration
- Mode A: Full PGA Declaration
Features: No need to register a product library in advance; commonly used by small and medium sellers.
Operation: Send the 7 complete data points to the customs broker before shipment; the broker directly fills in the full data in the ACE system for declaration.
Pros & Cons: Avoids the hassle of early registration, but requires repeatedly providing data for each shipment. Incorrect entries can easily lead to cargo detention.
- Mode B: Reference Declaration
Features: Requires registering a product library in advance; the preferred choice for long-term shipments.
Operation: Before shipment, simply send the 3 codes (Three Codes) to the customs broker. The broker enters the codes in the ACE system, and the system automatically retrieves the filed data.
Pros & Cons: Register once and reuse permanently. Reduces repetitive data entry and lowers error rates, making it ideal for large-volume shipments.
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3. Common Misconceptions and DONHO LOGISTICS Recommendations
- Misconception: Domestic factories can register.
Correct Understanding: Registration must be done by the U.S. IOR (Importer of Record). The issuing entity of the CPC/GCC must match the registered entity; otherwise, the cargo will be detained.
- Misconception: Section 321 small parcels or low-value goods are exempt.
Correct Understanding: All CPSC-regulated categories, regardless of value (including Section 321 simplified imports), are subject to mandatory E-Filing.
- Certificate Information Must Match Registration Information:
The importer, laboratory, and standards on the CPC certificate must exactly match the system filing information.
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4. Partner with a Professional US Freight Forwarder
In the face of complex U.S. customs policies, choosing a professional and transparent US freight forwarder is key. DONHO LOGISTICS has been deeply involved in US logistics for many years, offering stable US ocean freight dedicated line and US DDP door-to-door services.
Whether you need consultation on the new CPSC regulations or daily US double-clearance tax-inclusive door-to-door services, DONHO LOGISTICS can provide you with the most timely policy interpretations and the most reliable logistics solutions, making your cross-border trade worry-free!