What is General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) Testing?

A GCC, or general certificate of conformity, is required of manufacturers and importers of certain “general use” products, certifying their product has been tested and complies with all applicable consumer safety rules, standards, and regulations. “General use” products refer to non-children’s products such as furniture, appliances, home goods, clothing, carpet and rugs, candles, matches, lighters, etc.

The GCC must be issued by the manufacturer if the product is manufactured in the U.S. or the importer if the product is manufactured overseas. Certification is based on the results of product testing. The GCC must then accompany the product to the distributor or retailer, either physically or electronically by providing a website URL where the certificate can be viewed.

Purpose of GCC Testing

GCC testing serves to:

• Verify Compliance: Ensure that products conform to relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Enhance Consumer Safety: Protect consumers from hazardous products by ensuring that items sold in the market are safe for use.
• Facilitate Trade: Provide a clear and standardized method for manufacturers and importers to demonstrate compliance, thus streamlining the process of bringing products to market.

Importance of GCC Testing

1. Regulatory Compliance: GCC testing ensures that products meet all necessary safety standards, helping companies avoid legal penalties and recalls.
2. Consumer Trust: Certification reassures consumers that the products they purchase are safe and have been tested rigorously.
3. Market Access: Products with GCC can be sold in the U.S. market, allowing manufacturers and importers to expand their business.
4. Risk Management: Identifying and addressing potential safety issues before products reach consumers reduces the risk of harm and associated liabilities.

GCC Testing Process

1. Identify Applicable Standards: Determine the relevant CPSC safety regulations for the product.
2. Conduct Testing: Have the product tested by a CPSC-accepted laboratory to ensure compliance with the identified standards.
3. Issue Certificate: Upon passing the tests, issue a GCC that includes all required information.
4. Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of the testing process and results to provide evidence of compliance if needed.

There are 11 required elements in a GCC

1. Identification of the product
2. A detailed description of the product
3. Citation to each of the consumer product safety regulations the product is certified
4. Separately identify each consumer product safety rule applicable to the product
5. Identify the importer or manufacturer certifying compliance
6. Include the name, address, and phone number of the importer or manufacturer
7. Contact information for the person maintaining the test results
8. Name(s), address, e-mail, and phone number of person maintaining test records in support of certification
9. Date (at least month and year) and location of where the product was manufactured
10. Date and location when the product was tested for compliance
11. Location of testing and dates of tests that certification is based on

Learn more about GCC on cpsc.gov.

Contract Laboratory has helped facilitate many organizations’ GCC testing, such as:

• Analytical chemistry laboratory needed for GCC General Conformance Certificate Testing on a dietary supplement
• A CPSC product safety laboratory is needed for CPSC testing of new folding bicycles to meet CPSC and earn GCC.
• Indian Toxicology Laboratory is needed for toxicology testing for the export of perfume in compliance with the toxicology evaluation report for GCC countries
• Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Middle East, GCC Plastics analytical chemistry laboratory needed Analytical Chemistry Laboratories for carbon black testing of recycled tires and to analyze the chemical characteristics/specifications/ Contents of the recycled tire-derived products such as Pyrolytic Oil and Pyrolytic Carbon Black. Product samples shall be sent to the qualified laboratory upon receipt of the acceptable price quote.
• USA Consumer Products Safety Laboratory needed for testing following GCC16 CFR 1633 labeling review sample size 1 law label. More specifically… Code of Federal Regulations 16 part 1000 to end. Commercial practices.Part 1633 – Standard for the flammability (open flame) of mattress sets. Only part 1633.12 Labeling.
• Consumer Products Safety Laboratory needed for Consumer Safety Protection Testing of 100% cotton diapers for babies require GCC to satisfy the Consumer Safety Protection
• USA GCC Materials Testing Laboratory is needed for testing diapers for child safety – lead, flammability, and phthalates.
• These test requests and more can be seen here

If your organization requires a laboratory to perform GCC testing, contact us for more information, or submit a request online.