Stop Overpaying for Certifications You Don't Need
This is the #1 way Amazon sellers waste money on China sourcing. They pay $500-2,000 for certifications their product doesn't legally require. This guide tells you exactly which marks your product needs — and which ones are optional.
United States: What Amazon FBA Sellers Actually Need
For selling on Amazon US, your requirements depend on product type:
General Consumer Products (Most Categories)
No federal certification required to sell on Amazon US. Amazon's own testing requirements are based on product category — not federal law. However, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) compliance is required by law for all consumer products sold in the US.
✅ Required: CPSA (Consumer Product Safety Act) compliance. This means your product must not contain banned substances, must meet applicable safety standards, and must be traceable to the manufacturer. No certificate needed for most categories — but you are legally responsible.
Children's Products (Under 12)
Children's products require: CPSIA testing (third-party lab), tracking label on product/packaging, and Lead/Phthalates compliance. Cost: $200-800 per test, depending on material complexity.
FCC Certification (Electronics)
Products with wireless capability (Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID) require FCC certification (47 CFR Part 15). Cost: $1,500-4,000. Non-wireless electronics may only need FCC SDoC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity) — cost: $500-1,000.
FDA Regulated Products
Food-contact items, cosmetics, supplements, and medical devices require FDA registration or approval. Cosmetic sellers: FDA facility registration ($5,000+ annually). Food contact: Food contact notification required.
European Union: CE Marking Requirements
CE marking is a legal requirement for selling in the EU. Unlike FCC, CE is not optional — it's enforced at customs and by Amazon EU marketplace.
Products Requiring CE
CE is required for: Electronics (LVD + EMC directives), toys (EN 71), PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), medical devices, construction products, pressure equipment. Cost: €500-3,000 depending on product and testing laboratory.
🚩 Critical: CE marking is NOT optional. Products without valid CE documentation will be seized at EU customs. Amazon EU also requires Responsible Person (RP) registration — usually a EU-based entity. Budget €500-1,000/year for RP services.
UK (Post-Brexit)
UKCA marking replaced CE for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland uses CE + UKNI. UKCA requirements are nearly identical to CE. Budget an extra £500-1,500 for UK-specific testing if you sell on Amazon.co.uk.
How Yeatru Helps with Certifications
We work with accredited testing labs in China (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TUV) to coordinate testing at preferential rates. We handle: lab selection, sample preparation, test coordination, and report delivery. Most certifications take 2-4 weeks. Cost savings vs. using a US-based lab: 40-60%.
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