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Pet products and pet toys manufactured or imported to the United States are subject to various regulations. The specific requirements depend on the product type, but can cover chemicals, labelling, and safety standards.
In this guide, we explain how the TSCA, Lacey Act, country of origin marking, and other compliance requirements relate to pet products and pet toys sold in the United States.
Note: We do not cover any requirements relating to pet food, and do not list requirements that apply to products in general or packaging. Also, this guide does not cover all possible US regulations that apply to pet products.
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Which US regulations apply to pet products and pet toys?
Below follows a list of selected compliance requirements for pet products and pet toys in the US. Note that additional requirements can apply. Further, the listed requirements are relevant to the following types of pet products:
- Bird houses
- Wood fences
- Electronic pet products like electric flea combs
- Textile products for pets
- Pet furniture and bedding products
40 CFR Chapter I Subchapter R – Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
| Overview | Information |
| Relevancy | 1. This Subchapter contains requirements covering chemical substances, mixtures, and articles. It ensures that the public is protected against risks associated with chemicals.
2. For instance, pet products that contain composite wood are covered. However, additional substance restrictions may also apply to other materials and components. |
| General requirements | Comply with the applicable substance restrictions |
| Documentation | Certification (for composite wood products) |
| Labeling | Composite wood product must contain a label that includes traceability information, certification number, and a compliance statement |
7 CFR Part 319 Subpart I – Logs, Lumber, and Other Wood Articles – wooden handicrafts
| Overview | Information |
| Relevancy | 1. 7 CFR Part 319 Subpart I contains requirements for importing logs, lumber, and other wooden articles in the United States, including wooden handicrafts.
2. This subpart covers pet products that are wooden handicrafts. Here are some examples of covered pet products:
|
| General requirements | Ensure that the product meets the treatment requirements |
| Documentation | 1. Comply with the permit requirements
2. Ensure that the product is accompanied by an import document |
| Labeling requirements | Comply with the relevant labeling requirements |
Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371-3378)
| Overview | Information |
| Relevancy | 1. The Lacey Act contains requirements that are designed to address the illegal trafficking of plants, wildlife, and fish. For instance, the Act makes it unlawful to import certain products without a declaration.
2. The Act applies to pet products that contain plant materials like wood. For instance, dog fences and dog houses that are made of wood are covered by the Act’s requirements. |
| General requirements | Exercise due care to verify that their products don’t contain illegally harvested wood. |
| Documentation | Comply with the Lacey Act Declaration requirements |
40 CFR Chapter I Subchapter E – Pesticide Programs
| Overview | Information |
| Relevancy | 1. 40 CFR Chapter I Subchapter E contains requirements for pesticides, pesticide products, and pesticide devices. It implements a number of statutes, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
2. This subchapter applies to some pet products. For example, according to the EPA’s website, it covers products that claim to control pests via electromagnetic or electrical means (e.g. an electric flea combs). The page also mentions air and water filters, although it does not specify if products filters that are specific for pets are covered. |
| General requirements | This subchapter sets many types of requirements, including substance restrictions, labeling, and registration. Note that the requirements are different for pesticide products, and pesticide devices. |
16 CFR PART 1262 – SAFETY STANDARD FOR MAGNETS
| Overview | Information |
| Relevancy | 1. 16 CFR Part 1262 contains a safety standard for products that contain loose or separable magnets and that are used for entertainment, jewelry, mental stimulation, and stress relief. The requirements reduce the risk of death or injury to consumers who swallow one or more magnets.
2. As such, it may apply to some pet products that contain magnets. Note that Part 1262 does not specifically mention pet products. |
| General requirements | Comply with magnet safety requirements / ASTM F963 – 17 |
16 CFR Part 1263 – SAFETY STANDARD FOR BUTTON CELL OR COIN BATTERIES AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS CONTAINING SUCH BATTERIES
| Overview | Information |
| Relevancy | 1. 16 CFR Part 1263 contains safety standards for button cells or coin batteries and consumer products containing them. The requirements ensure that children do not easily get access to such batteries and prevent the risk of injury and death due to the ingestion of batteries.
2. It applies to electronic pet products that contain button cell or coin batteries. That said, it does not specifically mention pet products. |
| General requirements | Comply with the incorporated safety standard: ANSI/UL 4200A |
| Labeling requirements | Ensure that the warning label is correctly displayed |
16 CFR Chapter II Subchapter D – Flammable Fabrics Act Regulations
The Flammable Fabrics Act regulations are contained in 16 CFR Part Chapter II Subchapter D. They contain flammability requirements for certain products like furniture products, mattresses, clothing, carpets, and rugs.
We could not find any evidence that pet products were exempted, and thus these regulations could apply to certain pet products, such as:
- Pet carpets
- Pet rugs
- Pet mattresses, pads, and sets
- Pet furniture
Here are some Flammable Fabrics Act regulations that we found that apply to certain pet furniture and bedding products:
16 CFR Part 1630 – Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (FF 1–70)
16 CFR Part 1631 – Standard for the Surface Flammabliity of Small Carpets and Rugs (FF 2-70)
16 CFR Part 1632 – Standard for the Flammability of mattresses and mattress pads (FF 4-72, Amended)
16 CFR Part 1633 – Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets
16 CFR Part 1640 – Standard for the Flammability of Upholstered Furniture
Textiles Labeling Rules
Textile labeling rules are contained in 16 CFR Parts 301 to 303. They require products that contain textile fibre, fur, and wool to disclose the textile names used and the textile fibre composition.
Here are the US textile regulations that apply to pet products that contain textile fibre, fur, or wool:
16 CFR PART 303 – Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
16 CFR PART 300 – Rules and Regulations under the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939
16 CFR PART 301 – Rules and Regulations under Fur Products Labeling Act
Electronic Pet Products
Many US electronic regulations apply to electronic pet products due to the product’s characteristics, components, or accessories. Here are some examples of pet products that are covered by US electronic regulations:
- Electronic pet products
- Their batteries
- Their chargers
We found the following US electronic regulations and acts that apply to certain electronic pet products, their chargers, and batteries:
47 CFR PART 15 – Radio Frequency Devices
10 CFR PART 430 – Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products
10 CFR PART 429 – Certification, Compliance, and Enforcement for Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment
47 CFR Part 8 Subpart B – Cybersecurity Labeling Program for IoT Products
49 CFR Subtitle B Chapter I Subchapter C – Hazardous Materials Regulations
Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
California Proposition 65
California Proposition 65 requires warning labels to be displayed on products that contain chemicals that are risky to the public. As such, it is relevant to pet products that contain chemicals that are on the California Proposition 65 list.
To comply with the requirements, manufacturers and importers must approach a lab testing company to have their pet products tested for chemicals on the California Proposition 65 list and to assess whether a warning label needs to be displayed.
US Law Labels
This refers to requirements found in several US states that require certain products with filling materials to display a label referred to as the Law Label. The scope and requirements can differ between states.
The Law Label generally contains information about the product’s filling material and includes other information (e.g., information about the manufacturer). These requirements apply to products that contain filling materials like:
- Stuffed toys
- Mattresses and beds
- Bean bags
According to the American Pet Products Association, the law is ambiguous in many states, and some manufacturers decide to use the law labels. They also claim that some retailers may require such labels.
Country of origin marking
Country of origin marking requirements are contained in 19 CFR Part 134. The part requires that imported products contain a label that provides information about where the product originates from.
Pet products that are imported into the United States must be accompanied by a country of origin mark (e.g., “Made in China”) disclosing where the product was made.
US pet product standards
ASTM and UL Solutions publish standards that set performance and safety requirements for products, including those that relate to pet products. There are cases where standards must be applied to comply with US regulations (in case a standard is incorporated by reference).
Even if a standard is not incorporated in a given regulation, it is often a good idea to comply with safety requirements, as long as the standard is relevant to your product. That is because you are ultimately required to supply a safe product (even for pets). Furthermore, the application of such standards may be required by Amazon, other marketplaces, distributors, and retailers.
We could not find US standards specific to pet products. However, we found that there are standards that are relevant to certain pet products based on their characteristics. Here are some examples:
ANSI/UL 4200A – Standard for Safety for Products Incorporating Button Batteries or Coin Cell Batteries
UL 1642 – Standard for Safety for Lithium Batteries
ASTM E1590-23 – Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses
ASTM F963-17 – Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
Note that although ASTM F963 applies to children’s toys, you can still elect to apply the standard’s requirements to pet toys, as you are ultimately required to supply only safe products.
Also, pet products containing loose or separable magnets are subject to the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1262 and are required to adhere to some of the requirements set by ASTM F963.
Testing requirements
Testing is generally required to comply with the performance and safety requirements of the relevant US regulations or applicable standards. A lab testing company is typically needed to test the product.
Here are some examples of tests that can be applied to pet products:
- Flammability requirements
- Physical property testing
- Substance testing
- Electrical safety
- Formaldehyde emission testing
After your pet product has been tested, you can expect your lab testing company to send you test reports. These documents serve as evidence that you have met the requirements of an applicable US regulation or safety standard.
FAQ
Are pet products and pet toys regulated in the US?
Although we did not find any regulation that is specific to pet products and pet toys, these are still consumer products that must follow general product regulations. For example, pet products made of wood would have to comply with regulations that cover wood, while pet products made of textiles should comply with textile regulations.
Are pet products covered by the CPSIA?
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act covers children’s products. As such, it does not cover pet products.
However, you can still choose to apply some of the CPSIA requirements, such as substance restrictions, safety rules, and safety standards, in order to ensure that your product is safe for the pets and children interacting with the products as well.
Are there UL standards for pet products?
Although we could not find any UL standards specific to pet products, we found standards that are relevant to pet products containing parts or characteristics that are covered by UL standards.
Here are some examples of standards that may be relevant to pet products:
UL 1642 – Standard for Safety for Lithium Batteries
ANSI/UL 4200A – Standard for Safety for Products Incorporating Button Batteries or Coin Cell Batteries
Are there ASTM standards for pet products?
As with UL standards, we could not find ASTM standards that are specific to pet products, but found that there are standards that apply to pet products that have certain characteristics.
For example, some parts of the ASTM F963 standard are applicable to pet products containing magnets to ensure that the product is safe for handling.
Hi!
Which regulations or requirements do wooden dog chews need to comply with for import to the US?
Thank you for your advice.
Hello,
we produce cat toys (cuddle pillows) with own prints on fabrics. In the EU we need for designs which looks like animals, etc a CE certifikation. Is there similar in the US?
Hi Sandra,
Might be. I suggest you read this guide from the CPSC:
https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/childrens-products
Hi, Do pet products (hard goods) like dog bowls need to be tested for food contact (FDA) like it would have to be tested for a plate or a spoon for humans? Thanks!
Hi,
we are a small company and now is ready to release a new Window Bird Feeder on amazon. However, we want to make sure if our product is qualified to sell in the States and want to make sure if it’s safe for kids and pets. Please help us to check if the materials below are qualified :
Polycarbonate Bird House
PVC suction cups
PA plastic nut
TPE
ABS seed tray
wooden perch
Look forward to your reply. Thanks
Hi Lisha,
Nobody can “check” your materials based on a list… you need to contact a lab