Home / How to choose a CPSC-accepted testing lab
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link
How to choose a CPSC-accepted testing lab
The questions to ask before paying
- Is your laboratory CPSC-accepted for exactly these rules (list them)?
- What does the report include: rule citations, product photos, sample details, and the acceptance scope?
- What is the turnaround, and what would delay it?
- Will the report be accepted by Amazon and other marketplaces I sell on?
- How are variants, colors, and material changes handled?
Red flags
Quotes dramatically below the market, promises of testing without samples, reluctance to name the accreditation scope, and reports with typos in the rule citations are the classic warning signs. Marketplaces increasingly verify reports against the lab’s records: a dubious report fails exactly when you need it most.
Questions people ask
Where is the official list of accepted labs?
The CPSC maintains the list of accepted laboratories on its website, searchable by rule and by lab. Confirm acceptance for your specific rules, not just general acceptance.
Do big-name labs cost more?
Usually slightly, but their reports carry the least marketplace friction. Many sellers use a major lab for the flagship product and a competitive lab for variants.
Can the lab also write my CPC?
Some prepare drafts, but issuing the certificate is your role as importer or manufacturer. Generate the final document yourself from the report, which also keeps you familiar with what it says.
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