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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link

CPC rules for toy resellers

Secondhand toy sellers do not need to issue new CPCs for used toys, but they cannot sell recalled or banned products: the CPSC’s reseller guidance makes checking recall lists a core duty. New-in-box toys are the gray area: if you are effectively acting as a retailer of new goods, the full certification expectations apply.
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The reseller checklist before listing a used toyWhere new-in-box gets complicated

The reseller checklist before listing a used toy

  • Check the toy against the CPSC recall list (saferproducts.gov) by brand and model.
  • Look for small parts hazards if the toy could reach a child under 3.
  • Avoid toys with powerful magnets or button batteries unless compartments are secure.
  • Discard damaged items where hazards are visible (broken parts, exposed stuffing).

Where new-in-box gets complicated

A sealed toy bought at wholesale and resold is closer to retail than to a garage sale: marketplaces may request the CPC and test report for children’s listings, and resellers of new goods are expected to provide them. If the original manufacturer’s documents are available, list them; if not, decide carefully whether the margin justifies the risk.

Questions people ask

Is a recall check really necessary for old toys?

Yes: recalled toys remain dangerous forever, and some of the largest toy recalls involved exactly the secondhand channels. The CPSC and marketplaces expect resellers to check.

Do thrift stores follow the same rules?

The CPSC’s reseller guidance covers thrift and consignment stores too: they must avoid selling recalled and banned products, and many train staff with checklists.

What documents should I ask for on new-in-box toys?

The CPC and the test report. If a wholesale supplier cannot produce them, the product’s compliance status is unknown and the resale risk is yours.

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