A General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) ensures that products meet specific safety and quality standards in the US. Widely recognized across industries, the GCC symbolizes compliance with Commission law, assuring consumers that the products they purchase adhere to established standards.
What is the General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)?
The General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is a written document issued by manufacturers and importers certifying that their products comply with applicable safety standards and regulations. It serves as a statement to the product’s conformity to the requirements set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, assuring consumers that it has undergone rigorous testing and meets necessary safety rules.
A GCC must be provided with the product/shipment of products covered by the certificate, electronically or as a hard copy. There is no obligation to file a GCC with the government.
History and significance of GCC
GCC was introduced to enhance consumer safety and protect against substandard products. Its origins can be traced back to recognizing the need for a standardized approach to product safety across diverse industries. Over the years, the GCC has become a symbol of quality assurance, helping consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase.
Types of General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)
The GCC is not a one-size-fits-all certification. Different industries and products may have specific GCC requirements. Two primary types include:
- Children’s Products GCC: This variant is particularly critical for manufacturers and importers of children’s products in the US. It ensures compliance with stringent safety standards, covering aspects such as lead content, phthalates, and other hazardous substances that could pose risks to children.
- Non-Children’s Products GCC: Applicable to a wide array of products outside the realm of children’s items, this certification addresses general safety standards, ensuring that products meet relevant regulations and guidelines (official list of product categories).
What to do to obtain a GCC certificate?
To have a certificate, you must meet the standards set by authorities overseeing GCC. You must meet the specifications of the safety standards or regulations that the product must comply with before entering the market. This can be checked by implementing a reasonable testing program.
How to obtain a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)?
To get certification, you must assess products against relevant safety standards to determine compliance. You have to contract applicable testing laboratories to conduct thorough testing to verify conformity with applicable regulations. You also should get comprehensive documentation, including test reports and product specifications. Once all requirements are met, the manufacturer or importer issues the General Certificate of Conformity.
The elements required in a GCC are:
- Identification of the product covered by this certificate
- Citation to each CPSC product safety rule to which this product is being certified
- Identification of the domestic manufacturer or importer certifying compliance of the product
- Contact information for the individual maintaining records of test results
- Date and place of manufacture
- Date(s) and place(s) of testing
- Identification of any third-party laboratory who conducted the testing
The manufacturer/importer does not have to sign the GCC, issuing it correctly is sufficient.
How much does a GCC cost?
The cost of obtaining a General Certificate of Conformity varies based on factors such as product complexity, testing requirements, and the size of the business. Generally ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, the investment is justified by its numerous benefits in market access, consumer trust, and legal compliance.
GCC (General Certificate of Conformity) – a summary
If you manufacture in the US or import into the US, you have to get familiar with the General Certificate of Conformity that covers a wide range of products to introduce your products legally.
