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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link
GCC for bicycles (16 CFR Part 1512)
Which bikes need the certificate
- Road, mountain, hybrid, and BMX bicycles sold at retail or online in the US.
- Low-speed electric bicycles with fully operable pedals are generally certified to Part 1512 as well — confirm the exact scope with your laboratory, since motor power and speed capabilities affect what applies.
- Children’s bicycles blur the line: a bike marketed primarily to children 12 and under can be a children’s product needing a CPC instead of (or alongside) the GCC. See the children’s bike helmet and CPC guidance for that case.
What the testing covers
- Braking performance and system strength.
- Steering and fork assembly durability.
- Reflector and lighting equipment requirements.
- Control positioning, sharp-edge, and fastener requirements.
- Your test report should map results to the exact subsections of Part 1512 — the certificate cites the part, the report proves the sections.
Issuing the certificate
The importer issues the GCC for imported bicycles; the domestic manufacturer issues it for US-made ones. Cite 16 CFR Part 1512, identify the certifying party with US contact details, and list the manufacture and testing dates and places. Marketplaces increasingly ask for this certificate when bicycle listings are flagged, and customs entry can require the certificate data electronically since the 2026 eFiling rules took effect.
Questions people ask
Do e-bikes need a GCC?
Low-speed electric bicycles with operable pedals are generally treated as bicycles under Part 1512, so they get certified the same way. Products that go beyond low-speed e-bike thresholds may face additional or different requirements — confirm scope with your lab before importing.
Do bike accessories need their own certificate?
It depends on the product. Helmets are their own rule (Part 1203). Trailer child carriers, child seats, and similar items can be children’s products with their own requirements. Assess each SKU, not the category.
Does my supplier’s test report satisfy the requirement?
A report supports the certificate, but the certificate must be issued by the importer or domestic manufacturer in their own name. Never resell a supplier’s certificate as your own — issue yours based on the testing.
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