Compliance is the importer’s legal responsibility, not the factory’s. Collect the documents before production starts, because retrofitting compliance after a container lands is far more expensive.
Electrical products
UL, ETL or CSA listing (NRTL) for anything plugging into mains; FCC Part 15 for all digital devices (SDoC) and intentional radiators (certification with FCC ID); DOE energy standards for appliances and lighting; California Title 20 for chargers and lighting.
Children’s products (under 12)
CPSIA: third-party testing by a CPSC-accepted lab for lead, phthalates, and the applicable ASTM standard (F963 toys, F833 strollers, etc.); Children’s Product Certificate; permanent tracking label.
Food, cosmetics, drugs, medical devices (FDA)
Food: facility registration, FSVP, prior notice, labelling per 21 CFR 101. Cosmetics: MoCRA facility registration and product listing. Medical devices: establishment registration, device listing, 510(k) where Class II. Food-contact materials: 21 CFR 174–190.
Textiles and apparel
FTC fiber content and care labelling; CPSC flammability (16 CFR 1610); children’s sleepwear rules; UFLPA cotton traceability.
Chemicals
TSCA certification at entry; SDS in GHS format; DOT hazmat packaging; EPA registration for pesticides and antimicrobial claims.
Everything sold in California
Proposition 65 warning assessment; many factories can supply test reports for the listed substances most relevant to your material.
Documents to put in your compliance file
- Test reports naming the standard, lab, product model and date.
- Certificates (UL file, FCC grant, CPC, FDA registration numbers).
- Declaration of conformity signed by you, the importer.
- Factory address and production dates (required for CPC and tracking labels).
- Photos of labels and packaging as shipped.
Keep the file for at least five years; CBP, CPSC and marketplaces can request it at any time.