Which rules apply to home and kitchen goods?

Products subject to a CPSC rule, ban, standard or regulation other than the furniture rules, not children's products

Declaration required

General Certificate of Conformity: a certificate of compliance that must accompany each product or shipment subject to a CPSC rule, ban, standard or regulation. The importer certifies a product made outside the United States; for a product made in the United States the manufacturer certifies, or the private labeler if the product bears a private label, unless the manufacturer issues the certificate.

• It is a consumer product subject to a CPSC safety rule, ban or standard and sold or held for sale to consumers (16 CFR 1110.3(b) (Finished product))
• Your role: Manufacturer or Importer

Depends on: economic operator role

In force since 12 Nov 2008

Applies to products distributed on or after 12 Nov 2008

The certificate duty took effect on November 12, 2008, 90 days after the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was enacted. The current text of part 1110, as revised by the Commission final rule published on January 8, 2025, applies from July 8, 2026.

Report to CPSC within 24 hours when you learn your product may have a defect, break a safety rule, or create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death

Notification to US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Section 15(b) report: every manufacturer (including an importer), distributor and retailer of a consumer product who obtains information that reasonably supports the conclusion that the product fails to comply with a consumer product safety rule or a relied-on voluntary standard, contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death must immediately (within 24 hours) inform CPSC (15 U.S.C. 2064(b); 16 CFR 1115.2(b), 1115.12, 1115.14(e)); the report gives the firm, the product, the nature of the defect or risk, and the corrective action (1115.13)

• It is a consumer product subject to regulation under the CPSA, Refrigerator Safety Act, FFA, FHSA or PPPA (16 CFR 1115.2(d))

In force since 7 Aug 1978

Applies to products distributed on or after 7 Aug 1978

Part 1115 source: 43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978; the duty is in CPSA section 15(b) (1972, as amended).

A claim that the product or its package is free of BPA or does not contain or use BPA.

Must meet the conditions of A claim that the product is free of BPA must be truthful and be clearly and prominently qualified to the extent necessary to avoid deception. Even a truthful claim may be deceptive if the product contains or uses substances that pose the same or similar environmental risks, or if BPA has not been associated with the product category. A free-of claim can be appropriate for a trace amount only if the level is no more than an acknowledged trace contaminant or background level, its presence does not cause material harm that consumers typically associate with the substance, and it was not added intentionally. These Guides are the FTC's guidance on how Section 5 of the FTC Act applies to environmental claims; they do not ban the claim, but the FTC can act against a claim that is inconsistent with them.

• Claim: BPA-free

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A compostable claim made for the product or its package.

Must meet the conditions of Do not misrepresent, directly or by implication, that the product or package is compostable.

• Claim: compostable

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A degradable or biodegradable claim (including oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable and photodegradable claims) made for the product or its package.

Must meet the conditions of Do not misrepresent, directly or by implication, that the product or package is degradable, biodegradable, oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable or photodegradable.

• Claim: biodegradable

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A claim that the product or its package is free of formaldehyde or does not contain or use formaldehyde.

Must meet the conditions of A claim that the product is free of formaldehyde must be truthful and be clearly and prominently qualified to the extent necessary to avoid deception. Even a truthful claim may be deceptive if the product contains or uses substances that pose the same or similar environmental risks, or if formaldehyde has not been associated with the product category. A free-of claim can be appropriate for a trace amount only if the level is no more than an acknowledged trace contaminant or background level, its presence does not cause material harm that consumers typically associate with the substance, and it was not added intentionally. These Guides are the FTC's guidance on how Section 5 of the FTC Act applies to environmental claims; they do not ban the claim, but the FTC can act against a claim that is inconsistent with them.

• Claim: formaldehyde-free

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A general environmental benefit claim (for example "eco-friendly" or "green") made for the product or its package.

Must meet the conditions of Do not misrepresent, directly or by implication, that the product, package or service offers a general environmental benefit.

• Claim: eco-friendly

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A claim that the product or its package is free of lead or does not contain or use lead.

Must meet the conditions of A claim that the product is free of lead must be truthful and be clearly and prominently qualified to the extent necessary to avoid deception. Even a truthful claim may be deceptive if the product contains or uses substances that pose the same or similar environmental risks, or if lead has not been associated with the product category. A free-of claim can be appropriate for a trace amount only if the level is no more than an acknowledged trace contaminant or background level, its presence does not cause material harm that consumers typically associate with the substance, and it was not added intentionally. These Guides are the FTC's guidance on how Section 5 of the FTC Act applies to environmental claims; they do not ban the claim, but the FTC can act against a claim that is inconsistent with them.

• Claim: lead-free

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A non-toxic claim made for the product or its package.

Must meet the conditions of Do not misrepresent, directly or by implication, that the product, package or service is non-toxic. Qualify a non-toxic claim clearly and prominently to the extent necessary to avoid deception.

• Claim: non-toxic

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A claim that the product or its package is free of PFAS or does not contain or use PFAS.

Must meet the conditions of A claim that the product is free of PFAS must be truthful and be clearly and prominently qualified to the extent necessary to avoid deception. Even a truthful claim may be deceptive if the product contains or uses substances that pose the same or similar environmental risks, or if PFAS has not been associated with the product category. A free-of claim can be appropriate for a trace amount only if the level is no more than an acknowledged trace contaminant or background level, its presence does not cause material harm that consumers typically associate with the substance, and it was not added intentionally. These Guides are the FTC's guidance on how Section 5 of the FTC Act applies to environmental claims; they do not ban the claim, but the FTC can act against a claim that is inconsistent with them.

• Claim: PFAS-free

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A claim that the product or its package is free of PTFE or does not contain or use PTFE.

Must meet the conditions of A claim that the product is free of PTFE must be truthful and be clearly and prominently qualified to the extent necessary to avoid deception. Even a truthful claim may be deceptive if the product contains or uses substances that pose the same or similar environmental risks, or if PTFE has not been associated with the product category. A free-of claim can be appropriate for a trace amount only if the level is no more than an acknowledged trace contaminant or background level, its presence does not cause material harm that consumers typically associate with the substance, and it was not added intentionally. These Guides are the FTC's guidance on how Section 5 of the FTC Act applies to environmental claims; they do not ban the claim, but the FTC can act against a claim that is inconsistent with them.

• Claim: PTFE-free

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A recyclable claim made for the product or its package.

Must meet the conditions of Market the item as recyclable only if it can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from the waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or for use in making another item. Make an unqualified claim only when recycling facilities are available to a substantial majority (at least 60 percent) of consumers or communities where the item is sold; otherwise qualify the claim. Qualify which portions are recyclable when only some components are, and do not call the item recyclable if any component, or its shape or size, significantly limits recycling. These Guides are the FTC's guidance on how Section 5 of the FTC Act applies to environmental claims; they do not ban the claim, but the FTC can act against a claim that is inconsistent with them.

• Claim: recyclable

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the current Guides (October 11, 2012); it states no separate effective date.

A label that represents the product as Made in the United States without qualification.

Must meet the conditions of Label a product as Made in the United States only if its final assembly or processing occurs in the United States, all significant processing that goes into it occurs in the United States, and all or virtually all of its ingredients or components are made and sourced in the United States. The same applies to a seal, mark, tag or stamp in a mail order catalog or mail order promotional material. A violation is treated as a violation of a trade regulation rule under section 18 of the FTC Act.

• Claim: Made in USA

In force, start date unknown

The text states only the Federal Register publication date of the rule (July 14, 2021); it states no separate effective date.

If you give a written warranty, put all its terms in one clear document: who and what is covered, what you will do, how long, how to claim, and the required State-rights statements

Disclosure to buyer

Written warranty terms (16 CFR 701.3(a)): a warrantor who gives a written warranty on a consumer product costing the consumer more than $15.00 must clearly and conspicuously disclose, in a single document in simple and readily understood language: (1) who the warranty is extended to, if limited to the original purchaser or otherwise; (2) the products, parts or components covered and, where needed, excluded; (3) what the warrantor will do on a defect or failure, and what it will pay for or provide; (4) when the term starts if not on the purchase date, and how long it lasts; (5) step by step how to claim, with the warrantor's name and mailing address or responsible department, or a free telephone number; (6) any informal dispute settlement mechanism (part 703); (7) any limit on the duration of implied warranties, with "Some States do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you."; (8) any exclusion or limit on incidental or consequential damages, with its State-law statement; (9) "This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State." If return of a registration card is a condition of coverage, the warranty must say so (701.4).

• It is a consumer product (tangible personal property normally used for personal, family or household purposes) (16 CFR 701.1(b), 702.1(b))
• You give a written warranty on a consumer product that costs the consumer more than $15 (16 CFR 701.2: the rules apply to "written warranties on consumer products actually costing the consumer more than $15.00"; 701.1(h): a warrantor is "any supplier, manufacturer, or other person who gives or offers to give a written warranty")

In force since 1 Jan 1977

Applies to products manufactured on or after 1 Jan 1977

Parts 701 and 702 apply only to written warranties on products manufactured after December 31, 1976 (16 CFR 700.12); 702.3 was last revised at 81 FR 63669, Sept. 15, 2016 (online warranty terms option).

Make the written warranty's text available to the buyer before the sale (in store, catalog or online listing, door to door); the warrantor supplies the text or posts it online

Disclosure to buyer

Pre-sale availability of written warranty terms (16 CFR 702.3), for consumer products costing the consumer more than $15.00. Seller (702.3(a)): make the warranty text readily available before sale by displaying it close to the product, or by furnishing it on request with signs telling buyers it is available. Catalog and mail order sellers, including any offer whose ordering does not need a visit to the seller (702.3(c)): give the full text, or the warrantor's web address plus where to request a free copy, beside the product description or in a referenced section. Door-to-door sellers: say before the sale that the warranties may be inspected (702.3(d)). Warrantor (702.3(b)(1)): give sellers the warranty materials (a copy with every product, a tag or label with the full text, the text on a display carton, or a sign or poster, with a copy in the box), and give catalog, mail order and door-to-door sellers copies; or (702.3(b)(2)) post the terms on its website, state the web address and a non-Internet way to request them in the manual or on the product or package, and send a free hard copy on request.

• It is a consumer product (tangible personal property normally used for personal, family or household purposes) (16 CFR 701.1(b), 702.1(b))
• You give a written warranty on a consumer product that costs the consumer more than $15, or sell such a product with one (16 CFR 702.3: "The following requirements apply to consumer products actually costing the consumer more than $15.00"; the seller's duties are in 702.3(a), the warrantor's in 702.3(b))

In force since 1 Jan 1977

Applies to products manufactured on or after 1 Jan 1977

Parts 701 and 702 apply only to written warranties on products manufactured after December 31, 1976 (16 CFR 700.12); 702.3 was last revised at 81 FR 63669, Sept. 15, 2016 (online warranty terms option).

Food additives (substances whose intended use results in their becoming a component of food)

Must meet the conditions of Substances whose intended use results or may reasonably be expected to result in their becoming a component of food, and that are not exempted by section 201(s) of the Act, are food additives

• The intended use of a substance in it results or may reasonably be expected to result, directly or indirectly, in its becoming a component of food

In force, start date unknown

In force no later than 2026-10-07 (the date of the version ClaraDB holds); earlier commencement is not stated in the published text.

Substances added to food claimed to be generally recognized as safe

Must meet the conditions of General recognition of safety may be based only on the views of qualified experts, by scientific procedures or by common use in food before January 1, 1958; a substance not so recognised is a food additive requiring approval

• A substance in it that may become a component of food is used as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) rather than as an approved food additive

In force, start date unknown

In force no later than 2026-10-07 (the date of the version ClaraDB holds); earlier commencement is not stated in the published text.

TSCA Title VI import certification for articles containing composite wood

Declaration required

Import certification under 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127 (Chemical Substances in Bulk and As Part of Mixtures and Articles)

• Material: Composite wood (type not stated)

Depends on: materials

In force since 22 Mar 2019

Applies to products imported on or after 22 Mar 2019

Supplier statement of TSCA Title VI compliance for composite wood in finished goods

Declaration required

Bills of lading, invoices or comparable documents with a written statement from the supplier that the composite wood products, component parts or finished goods are TSCA Title VI compliant or were produced before June 1, 2018

• Material: Composite wood (type not stated)

Depends on: materials

In force since 1 Jun 2018

Applies to products sold on or after 1 Jun 2018

Composite wood products manufactured (including imported) before June 1, 2018 may be sold at any time (§770.2(e)(4)).

finished goods containing composite wood products

Label required

fabricator's name (or consenting downstream fabricator, importer, distributor or retailer); date the finished good was produced (month/year); statement that the finished goods are TSCA Title VI compliant

• Material: Composite wood (type not stated)

Depends on: materials

In force since 1 Jun 2018

Applies to products manufactured on or after 1 Jun 2018

Beginning 2018-06-01 all fabricators, importers, distributors and retailers must comply (§770.2(e)). Label may be on each finished good or on each box or bundle; importers, distributors and retailers must keep labels intact (§770.45(c),(d)).

US: consumer-products-with-button-cells

Must meet the conditions of ANSI/UL 4200A, Standard for Safety for Products Incorporating Button Batteries or Coin Cell Batteries (approved August 30, 2023)

• It is a consumer product containing a button cell or coin battery, or such a battery sold on its own or packaged with one (16 CFR 1263.2 (Consumer product containing button cell or coin batteries))
• Contains a button or coin cell

Depends on: button or coin cell

In force since 23 Oct 2023

Applies to products placed on the market on or after 23 Oct 2023

Effective October 23, 2023 (§1263.1(b)).

Products subject to a CPSC rule, ban, standard or regulation (not children's products, which take the Children's Product Certificate of 2063(a)(2)): a General Certificate of Conformity.

Declaration required

General Certificate of Conformity: issued by the manufacturer (and the private labeler of a private-label product) for a product subject to a CPSC rule, ban, standard or regulation; it certifies, on a test of each product or a reasonable testing program, that the product complies with every such rule that applies to it, and names each one. A children's product takes the Children's Product Certificate of 2063(a)(2) instead.

• Not a children's product
• Covered by a CPSC rule, ban, standard or regulation
• Your role: Manufacturer or Importer

Depends on: whether it is a children's product, cpsc rule subject, economic operator role

In force since 12 Nov 2008

Applies to products distributed on or after 12 Nov 2008

The certificate duty took effect on November 12, 2008, 90 days after the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was enacted.

Children's products: permanent tracking marks on the product and its packaging.

Label required

Permanent, distinguishing marks on the product and its packaging, to the extent practicable; Manufacturer or private labeler; Location and date of production; Cohort information (batch, run number or other identifying characteristic)

• Children's product
• Your role: Manufacturer or Importer

Depends on: whether it is a children's product, economic operator role

In force since 14 Aug 2009

Applies to products manufactured on or after 14 Aug 2009

§14322(b)(1)

Label required

3 chasing arrows or a comparable recycling symbol

• Battery chemistry: Nickel-cadmium or Lead-acid
• Rechargeable
• Contains a battery

Depends on: battery chemistry, rechargeable, contains battery

In force since 13 May 1997

Applies to products sold on or after 13 May 1997

§ 14322(a)(1): applies to batteries and products "manufactured on or after the date 12 months after May 13, 1996" (computed as 1997-05-13).

Rechargeable consumer product and regulated battery packaging label (§ 14322(b)(4))

Label required

on packaging, unless visible through it: "CONTAINS NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY. BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY." or "CONTAINS SEALED LEAD BATTERY. BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED.", as applicable

• Battery chemistry: Nickel-cadmium or Lead-acid
• Rechargeable
• Contains a battery

Depends on: battery chemistry, rechargeable, contains battery

In force since 13 May 1997

Applies to products sold on or after 13 May 1997

§ 14322(a)(1): applies to batteries and products "manufactured on or after the date 12 months after May 13, 1996" (computed as 1997-05-13).