CPSC Unveils New eFiling Rule for Safety Compliance Certificates

Understanding the New eFiling Rule Implemented by CPSC

The New Rule Aims to Better Target Risky Shipments and Protect Consumers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has officially approved a significant rule for the electronic filing (eFiling) of Certificates of Compliance. This decision comes following a unanimous vote from the Commissioners. This new rule aims to better protect consumers by improving the identification and inspection processes for imported products.

Key Components of the New Rule

The eFiling program will impact numerous imported consumer products that comply with mandatory safety standards. According to the provisions, implementation will commence within 18 months from the announcement date, allowing necessary adjustments for importers.

What Importers Need to Know

The new eFiling requirements will apply to all importers of consumer products that require certification. At the point of filing an entry, importers must provide detailed information such as:

• Identification of the finished product;
• Name of the entity certifying compliance;
• Each safety rule the product adheres to;
• Manufacturing date and location;
• Details about the most recent compliance testing;
• Contact details for the record-keeper of test results.

This comprehensive approach is designed to enhance the efficiency of product inspections and prioritize the evaluation of high-risk products entering the marketplace.

Reactions from CPSC Leadership

CPSC Chair, Alex Hoehn-Saric, emphasized the importance of this rule, stating, "The bipartisan passage of the eFiling rule is a pivotal step for CPSC in modernizing our screening processes at ports of entry. Ensuring the safety of imported products, especially those meant for children, is crucial. We aim to prevent unsafe products from being distributed in America."

Incorporating Feedback from Importers

The development of the eFiling program involved extensive collaboration with industry partners, with pilots conducted between recent years. CPSC has reached out to nearly 2,000 additional importers to participate in a voluntary stage, allowing them to refine their systems ahead of mandatory implementation.

Educational Efforts by CPSC

The CPSC is committed to providing resources and education about the eFiling process. This includes a dedicated document library stocked with guides, FAQs, and recordings from previous sessions. Furthermore, CPSC staff will engage actively with businesses at different conferences, ensuring companies receive the answers they need directly from experts.

Alignment with Existing Certification Rules

One of the essential aspects of this rule is that private labelers must certify domestic products unless a manufacturer certifies them. This change aims to create consistency with other CPSC regulations regarding testing and certification processes.

CPSC's Mission and Commitment

The primary mission of the CPSC is to safeguard consumers from unreasonable risks associated with thousands of consumer products. Reports indicate that incidents related to consumer products account for over $1 trillion in costs annually, underscoring the significance of the CPSC's work in ensuring product safety.

In addition to the new eFiling requirements, federal law prohibits the sale of products under recall, whether by CPSC mandate or through voluntary recall channels that involve CPSC consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new eFiling rule?

The eFiling rule aims to improve consumer safety by streamlining the process for certifying the compliance of imported products, targeting higher risk shipments more effectively.

Who is impacted by the new rule?

All importers of consumer products subject to mandatory safety standards must comply with the new eFiling requirements.

How long do importers have to adjust to the new rule?

Importers will have 18 months from the publication of the rule to comply with the new eFiling requirements.

What information must be provided during the eFiling process?

Importers must provide detailed product information, certifying parties, compliance rules, manufacturing location, testing records, and contact details for record maintenance.

How is CPSC supporting compliance for importers?

CPSC offers various educational resources, including a document library, FAQs, and engagement opportunities through conferences to help importers understand and implement eFiling processes.

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