Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Categories
< All Topics
Print

Must products comply with every standard?

No, consumer products do not need to comply with every single standard available, but they must strictly comply with all mandatory legal regulations and safety directives applicable to their specific category in the US, Canada, and the EU. Technical standards (like ISO or specific ASTM/CSA/EN norms) are often voluntary on paper, but failing to meet them means you must prove an alternative way your product achieves legal safety compliance.

United States:

  • Regulatory Agencies: Governed federally by bodies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Consumer Product Safety Act and CPSIA, plus the FDA or EPA depending on the item.
  • Mandatory vs. Voluntary: Some industry standards become legally mandatory if adopted by federal regulation. State-specific laws (such as California’s Proposition 65 for chemicals) also apply.
  • Proof: Manufacturers issue a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) or Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) based on testing by accepted labs.

Canada

  • Regulatory Agencies: Overseen federally by Health Canada under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).
  • Mandatory vs. Voluntary: Specific regulations dictate performance and design limits for high-risk goods (e.g., children’s sleepwear, cribs). Bilingual labeling (English and French) is strictly required.
  • Proof: Pre-market assessments and testing by accredited laboratories are required to demonstrate risk mitigation.

European Union:

  • Regulatory Frameworks: Governed by harmonized EU regulations and the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), alongside specialized rules like REACH (chemicals) and RoHS (electronics).
  • Mandatory vs. Voluntary: Harmonized European Standards (EN standards) offer a “presumption of conformity.” Using them makes compliance easier, but you can use other technical solutions if you legally prove the product is completely safe.
  • Proof: Many goods require a CE mark and a designated EU Responsible Person to manage market surveillance and technical documentation.
Table of Contents