Age determination guidelines for sellers

CPSC age determination guidance helps classify who a product is for — which drives small-parts requirements, warning labels, and play pattern expectations. Your labeled age grade must match testing; changing the box after testing without re-testing is a common Amazon rejection and recall pattern.

On this page

Steps before testing Marketing traps

Generate CPC for your grade

Steps before testing

Define intended age from design and marketing — not just competitor boxes.
Run small-parts prototype checks for under-3 if considering toddler grades.
Align Amazon listing age range with certificate.
Document why a 6+ grade was chosen if design looks toddler-friendly.

Marketing traps

“Family game” copy with tiny components still fails for under-3. Gift guides aimed at parents of toddlers pull enforcement even if you print 8+ on the corner.

Questions people ask

Can the factory pick the age grade?

The certifying importer owns the grade. Factory suggestions are input — you sign the CPC.

Do age grades affect cost?

Under-3 testing is often broader (small parts, phthalates, abuse). Price the grade before tooling.

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