Update: CPSC Gives Companies More Time to Comply with New Imitation Firearm Regulation

June 27, 2023 | The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which recently assumed authority over the regulation of toy, look-alike, and imitation firearms, has issued a temporary stay of enforcement notice regarding the issuance of general certificates of conformity (GCCs). 

Manufacturers, importers, or private labelers of non-toy imitation firearms now have a transition period until January 1, 2024 before the CPSC will begin enforcing the GCC requirement, in order to allow such parties time to set up and implement the necessary certification framework. Meanwhile, the CPSC says it will prioritize education and provide resources on its website to help manufacturers to comply with the GCC requirement.

In addition to the limited scope of covered products, this stay of enforcement only applies to the certification requirement itself – all other requirements from the previous 15 CFR 272 (and, by extension, the new 16 CFR 1272) remain in effect.

Notably, this stay of enforcement also does not extend to manufacturers, importers, or private labelers of applicable toys since they are already certified for conformance through the existing Children’s Product Certificate framework through ASTM F963.

Members may contact Jos Huxley, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association, with any questions.