# Disclaim A or Disclaim B: what to file when no CPSC certificate is required

> When a product under a CPSC-flagged HTS code needs no certificate, the filer can send a Disclaim message. Disclaim A vs Disclaim B, the intended use codes, and how a testing exclusion differs.

Checked against sources: 22 September 2026 · https://complygoods.com/guides/cpsc-disclaim-a-vs-disclaim-b/

## Quick answer

File Disclaim A when the product is under a CPSC-flagged HTS code but no rule requiring a certificate applies, or it falls outside CPSC's jurisdiction. File Disclaim B when a rule applies but CPSC uses enforcement discretion so no certificate is required, as for adult apparel exempt under 16 CFR 1610.1(d)(1) or (d)(2); Disclaim B must use intended use code 130.006. A testing exclusion is different: it goes on a certificate that is still required.


## The decision in one table

| Does a rule requiring a certificate apply? | Enforcement discretion? | What to file | Intended use code |

| Yes | No | Certificate, with testing exclusion codes if any | 130.001–005 (optional) |

| Yes | Yes | Disclaim B | 130.006 (required) |

| No | n/a | Disclaim A | 081, 090, 100, 130 (not 130.001–005), 155, 940, 970, 980 (required) |

Source: CPSC, Citation, Testing Exclusion and Disclaim Guidance v3.</p>

## Disclaim A examples (from CPSC)

- Within CPSC's jurisdiction but no certificate rule: hats, scarves, gloves; collectible toys intended for adults; sport helmets other than bicycle helmets.

- Outside CPSC's jurisdiction: medical products similar to general-use products; non-consumer industrial equipment.

## Disclaim B examples (from CPSC)

- Adult wearing apparel claiming the exemption in 16 CFR 1610.1(d)(1) or (d)(2).

- Household refrigerators that display an appropriate safety certification mark.

## Testing exclusion vs disclaim

A testing exclusion is used when a certificate is required, but a specific test is not, because of an exemption or determination in the rule itself (for example, determinations for untreated wood under 16 CFR 1251.2). The exclusion code goes on the certificate. A disclaim replaces the certificate. CPSC's list of 53 testing exclusion codes is in the [citation codes dataset](https://complygoods.com/data/citation-codes/).</p>

## Why bother filing a disclaim

CPSC's HTS guidance says a voluntary disclaim "may benefit an importer's risk score in CPSC's system." For products under one of the 589 flagged HTS codes, a disclaim tells CPSC why no certificate is attached. See the [flagged HTS codes](https://complygoods.com/data/flagged-hts-codes/).</p>


## Sources

- CPSC: Citation, Testing Exclusion and Disclaim Guidance v3 (PDF): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/eFiling-Citation-Testing-Exclusion-Disclaim-Guidance-v3.pdf>
- CPSC: Product Registry FAQ V1.4 (PDF): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Product_Registry_Frequently_Asked_Questions_V1-4.pdf>
- CPSC: Guidance and HTS List, September 2026 (PDF): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/CPSC-Guidance-and-HTS-List-for-Filing-of-Electronic-Certificates-09142026.pdf>
- CPSC: eFiling Citation and Testing Exception Codes (Excel, Dec 2025): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2025-12-18_eFiling-Citation-and-Testing-Exception-Codes.xlsx>

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ComplyGoods · https://complygoods.com/guides/cpsc-disclaim-a-vs-disclaim-b/ · Independent. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).