The BCIA has put together a how-to guide to support our members in the complex process of CPSC eFiling for Slings and Carriers. Following this guide should make it significantly easier for you to complete the process if you are a small or mid-sized company doing your own eFiling for slings or baby carriers.
Who needs to complete this process?
As we explained in our overview of the eFiling rules, the US importer of record (IOR) is responsible for eFiling. An importer of record is any entity importing for resale.
US consumers who are importing products clearly and exclusively for personal use (not for resale) do not need to complete the eFiling. However, if a US consumer purchases a product in bulk to distribute to others at a discount (for instance, a cooperative), they may be considered a reseller and may therefore have responsibilities as the “importer of record.” The laws and regulations also apply to slings and carriers distributed for free as part of a charitable or other effort.
Not only is eFiling required for slings and baby carriers imported to the United States, it is required for any consumer product for which regulatory standards apply. This includes all children’s products, not just durable nursery products, as well as many products designed for adults.
Our guide includes more information to help you determine if you are responsible for the eFiling for your company’s slings or baby carriers.