Toys are one of the most tightly regulated consumer categories worldwide: mechanical safety, flammability and chemical limits are tested for every design, with extra electrical tests for battery-powered toys. In the USA, the FCC, the Department of Energy, the CPSC and California's Prop 65 set the legal baseline, and retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy usually add NRTL safety listing (UL or ETL) on top.
To import and sell toys in the USA you will typically need:
Each row links to our detailed guide for that scheme. “Conditional” means it depends on the model’s features, packaging or sales channel – we confirm this in the free applicability check.
| Certification | Why it applies to toys | Authority | Mark | Typical timeline | Local representative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSC Children's Product Certificate (CPC) / GCC Mandatory |
Toys for children 12 and under need third-party testing to ASTM F963 and CPSIA limits, and a Children's Product Certificate. | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) | Tracking label | 2–4 weeks | Depends – US importer issues the certificate |
| California Proposition 65 Compliance Conditional |
Needed if the toy exposes users in California to listed chemicals such as certain phthalates above safe-harbour levels. | California OEHHA | Prop 65 warning label | 1–3 weeks | No |
| TSCA Title VI – Composite Wood Formaldehyde Conditional |
Applies to wooden toys made with plywood, MDF or particleboard. | U.S. EPA / EPA-recognised Third-Party Certifiers | TSCA Title VI Compliant label | Varies – ask us | No |
Exact standards and editions depend on the model and the scheme; we confirm the test plan before any sample is shipped.
Yes. Toys for children 12 and under need third-party testing to ASTM F963 and CPSIA limits, and a Children's Product Certificate. Children's products need third-party testing at a CPSC-accepted lab and a CPC. General-use products subject to a CPSC rule need a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC).
The core requirements are CPSC CPC. Depending on the exact model, Prop 65, TSCA Title VI may also apply. The table above explains why each one applies.
Often yes. FCC Certification needs a designated US agent for service of process, SDoC needs a US-based responsible party, and CPSC certificates are issued by the US importer. By scheme – CPSC CPC: Depends – US importer issues the certificate; Prop 65: No; TSCA Title VI: No.
Typical timelines by scheme: CPSC CPC: 2–4 weeks; Prop 65: 1–3 weeks; TSCA Title VI: Varies – ask us. Schemes can run in parallel once samples and documents are ready. Send us your model details for a realistic plan.
Usually. FCC accepts reports from FCC-recognised accredited labs worldwide, and NRTLs such as UL and Intertek can often build on existing IEC 62368-1 or CB reports with US national differences. Test to FCC rules from the start rather than converting European radio reports.
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Send us the model datasheet – we will confirm every approval it needs, the test plan, cost and timeline within 24 hours.
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