CPSC Issues Guidance on E-Filing Compliance Certificates for Mail Shipments

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a guidance document to help importers and customs brokers comply with the CPSC’s eFiling requirement for mail shipments using the new entry type 13.

The CPSC’s eFiling program requires importers to electronically file data elements at the time of filing an entry, including (1) identification of the finished product, (2) the party certifying compliance, (3) each consumer product safety rule to which the finished product has been certified, (4) the date and place the finished product was manufactured, (5) when and where the finished product was most recently tested for compliance, and (6) contact information for the person maintaining test records. This requirement applies to imports of all CPSC-regulated consumer products and substances that require certification, including de minimis shipments.

In conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s upcoming launch of a test of a new electronic informal entry type 13 for international mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less, beginning Oct. 22 the CPSC will require eFiled certificates for mail shipments via a full or reference message set in the Automated Commercial Environment.

The CPSC notes that the importer is responsible for eFiling a certificate whenever one is required and that for purposes of this requirement the importer is a party eligible to make entry pursuant to CBP statutes and regulations (e.g., an owner, purchaser, consignee, or authorized customs broker).