# How does the CPSC Product Registry work? Certifier ID, Product ID and Version ID

> The CPSC Product Registry stores certificate data once so a broker can file a short Reference PGA Message Set. Who creates the account, the three identifiers, the 7 Product ID types, trade partner access and the 48-hour editing window.

Checked against sources: 22 September 2026 · https://complygoods.com/guides/cpsc-product-registry/

## Quick answer

The CPSC Product Registry is a free, secure CPSC application where an importer stores certificate data once, then gives its customs broker three identifiers (Certifier ID, Product ID and Version ID) to file a short Reference PGA Message Set at each entry. It is optional: importers can file Full message sets without it. It does not connect to CBP's ACE system. The importer creates the Business Account and can invite brokers, labs, manufacturers and consultants to help.


## The three certificate identifiers

| Identifier | What it is | Rule to know |

| Certifier ID | The importer's ID, created with the Business Account | In most cases it cannot be changed once established |

| Product ID | Identifies the certified product: GTIN, SKU, UPC, Model Number, Serial Number, Registered Number or Alternate ID | CPSC recommends an ID that appears on the packaging, packing list or invoice |

| Version ID | Identifies one version of that product's certificate | Any alphanumeric string, usable once per Primary Product ID within a Business Account |

## Who does what

The Business Account must be created by the importer. The importer can then invite users from trade partners (brokers, labs, manufacturers and others) into specific Product Collections. One person's email can join several importers' collections. Certification stays the importer's responsibility even when the administrator delegates the certifying permission.</p>

## Changing a certificate

After certifying, there is a 48-hour grace period to edit under the same Version ID (CPSC notes the duration may change). After that, or once the certificate has been used in a Reference message set, you create a new version with a new Version ID. Certificates are archived, not deleted.</p>

## One product per certificate

You cannot put several similar products on one certificate. CPSC treats products as separate when there has been a material change, such as a new design, manufacturing process or component source; different colours of the same model are separate if a material change applies. Apparel of the same material in several styles, sizes and colours counts as one product if manufactured and tested together. More in [does every SKU need its own certificate?](https://complygoods.com/guides/does-every-sku-need-a-cpsc-certificate/)</p>

## Bulk upload and API

Certificates can be entered one by one, uploaded in bulk from CPSC's CSV template, or pushed through the Product Registry API, whose specification (V4, January 2026) is in CPSC's document library. CPSC's rule estimated a custom API integration at $9,750 to build and $2,880 a year to maintain.</p>


## Sources

- CPSC: Product Registry: <https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling-CPSC-Product-Registry>
- CPSC: Product Registry FAQ V1.4 (PDF): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Product_Registry_Frequently_Asked_Questions_V1-4.pdf>
- CPSC: Product Registry User Guide V3 (PDF): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/eFiling_Product_Registry_User_Guide_V3.pdf>
- CPSC: eFiling FAQ: <https://www.cpsc.gov/FAQ/eFiling-Frequently-Asked-Questions-FAQ>
- CPSC: eFiling Quick Start Guide V1.1 (PDF): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/eFiling_Quick_Start_Guide_V1-1.pdf>
- CPSC: eFiling Document Library: <https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling-Document-Library>

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