Pet product compliance: what importers must check before shipping
Getting compliance wrong is the most expensive mistake in pet-product importing — goods can be held, fined or destroyed at the border. This checklist covers the main requirements for the US, EU, UK and Australia.
United States
- CPSIA — children’s-product rules apply only where a product is marketed to children; verify labelling scope.
- CARB / TSCA Title VI — formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood (critical for cat trees and pet furniture).
- CA Prop 65 — chemical warning labelling where thresholds apply.
- FDA — for items contacting food/water (bowls, bottles) or with intended health claims.
European Union
- CE — where a product falls under a harmonised directive.
- REACH — chemical restrictions, especially in textiles, dyes and coatings.
- GPSR — General Product Safety Regulation: a responsible person in the EU and traceability labelling.
- EPR / packaging — producer responsibility registration in many member states.
United Kingdom & Australia
- UKCA / UK REACH — parallel to EU CE and REACH for the UK market.
- AU — comply with Australian Consumer Law and applicable mandatory standards; biosecurity/fumigation for wood packaging (ISPM 15).
Documents to request from your factory
- Test reports (CARB/TSCA, REACH, material safety).
- FSC certificate for wood sourcing.
- Factory audit (SGS or equivalent).
- ISPM 15 fumigation certificate for wooden packaging.
- Declaration of conformity / technical file where CE applies.
GMT Pet is SGS-audited and ships full export documentation for EU, US, UK and Australian customs. Ask for our compliance pack.
Do cat trees need CARB/TSCA compliance for the US?
Yes — composite wood products such as cat trees and pet furniture fall under TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde emission limits, and documentation is required.
What is REACH and does it apply to pet products?
REACH restricts chemicals in products sold in the EU, including textiles, dyes and coatings used in pet products. Your factory should provide REACH-aligned test reports.
What is the GPSR and who is the responsible person?
The EU General Product Safety Regulation requires an EU-based responsible person and traceability labelling for many consumer products, including pet products.
Do you provide test reports and certificates?
Yes — we provide CARB/TSCA and REACH test reports, an FSC certificate and SGS audit documentation with each export order.
