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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link
Small-batch manufacturer exemptions
How the small-batch relief works
- Volume-based qualification: manufacturers below the CPSC’s annual production threshold for a product can claim the relief for specific materials and rules.
- It reduces third-party testing for some components: it does not remove lead-in-paint, and it never removes the certificate or tracking label duties.
- Registration with the CPSC’s small-batch registry is part of claiming the exemption for covered rules.
Claim it honestly, document it fully
The exemption file should show the volume calculation, the rules claimed, and the materials covered. And the practical advice stands regardless: a small-batch maker’s reputation lives in a handful of customers, so most makers still test the flagship product and use the exemption for the long tail.
Questions people ask
Where do I register as a small-batch manufacturer?
The CPSC runs a small-batch manufacturer registration on its website; registration is free and is one of the conditions for claiming the relief on covered rules.
Does the exemption remove all testing?
No: it removes certain third-party testing duties for specific materials and rules. Lead in paint and several other hazards still require testing. Read the rule text or ask your lab.
Can I claim it and still get a test report?
Yes: nothing stops voluntary testing, and many small makers test anyway because retailers and customers ask for reports regardless of exemptions.
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