For importers of regulated consumer products, certificate information is now part of the customs-entry workflow. CPSC states that, beginning July 8, 2026, importers of most regulated consumer products must electronically file certificate-of-compliance information with CBP through a Partner Government Agency Message Set.
What changed?
The practical change is that importers can no longer treat the certificate as something entirely separate from entry preparation. The information needed for the applicable certificate must be available in a form that can be transmitted electronically as part of the import process.
What should importers do before shipment?
- Determine whether the product is subject to a CPSC certification requirement.
- Confirm whether the applicable certificate is a Children's Product Certificate or General Certificate of Conformity, as relevant.
- Organize product and certificate data before the shipment reaches the entry stage.
- Coordinate product identifiers and other filing data with the customs broker.
- Establish a repeatable process for products imported on a recurring basis.
The broker's role is not the importer's certification decision
A customs broker can transmit importer-provided CPSC data, but the importer remains responsible for the underlying product and certification information. Large product sets, missing data or substantive questions about applicability may require work beyond routine entry transmission.
One useful clarification
CPSC's current FAQ states that Disclaim PGA Message Sets are not required under the new eFiling requirements, although CPSC encourages their use because they may improve risk scoring.