CPSC to Launch Electronic Filing System Pilot Program for Imported Products in 2016

The test program is due to begin in July 2016 and will run for approximately six months. The goal of the new interface is to improve the system US Customs and Border Protection uses to collect and analyze product testing compliance data.

Currently, under 16 CFR Rule 1110 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, import documentation is not “required” to be presented with each shipment, rather only available upon request; a change that alters the original ruling. The amended rule will require importers to file five data elements of imported consumer products, which will be used to more accurately identify noncompliant and unsafe products before they are imported.

The five data elements include:

• Identification of the finished product

• Each consumer product safety rule to which the finished product has been certified

• Where the finished product was manufactured, including the name and address of the manufacturer

• The parties who tested the product to certify its compliance with applicable regulations

• A check box indicating that a required certificate currently exists for the finished product

The new filing program is part of CBP’s Single Window program, which is aimed to create a single automated trade processing platform for all import documentation within the ACE Portal. This new approach aims to simplify the filing of data, automate the decision making process, reduce costs, and enhance accuracy and speed of identifying noncompliant shipments.

While the new rule is considered a burden for importers, technology is available to address the change if/when it moves ahead. Amber Road’s Product Testing module allows for the creation of CoC/CPC directly from the lab information, product and supplier master, and other data housed in the system.