Awareness among Asia Pacific exporters, including those in the Philippines, of the new mandatory U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) e-filing requirements is high, but most businesses are still unprepared for the new rules that took effect on July 8, 2026, according to Federal Express Corp. (FedEx).
Ahead of the implementation, FedEx, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, conducted customer education webinars across 12 Asia Pacific markets, reaching more than 5,000 participants from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinational companies. The sessions provided practical guidance on identifying regulated products, assembling the required compliance data, and establishing repeatable processes to minimize customs clearance disruptions once enforcement began.
FedEx said awareness among APAC exporters is growing, but operational readiness continues to lag.
“Post-webinar insights show awareness of mandatory CPSC e-filing is increasing, but operational readiness remains limited,” FedEx said.
Post-webinar findings showed that nearly two-thirds (64%) of APAC businesses shipping consumer products to the United States are not yet ready to comply with the new requirements. Of these, 28 percent understand the requirements but have yet to take action, while 18 percent expect significant disruption to their U.S.-bound shipments.
The remaining 36 percent reported some level of preparedness, but only 15 percent said they are fully operational.
The new requirement mandates that all U.S. importers of CPSC-regulated products electronically submit the data required for product clearance at the time of entry into the United States. The measure is intended to strengthen product safety oversight and improve compliance transparency.
Under the new rules, U.S. importers of CPSC-regulated products must include the full CPSC Partner Government Agency (PGA) message set for each imported product. To simplify the process, importers may pre-file product information through the CPSC Product Registry, allowing them to submit an abbreviated CPSC message set.
For Philippine exporters, the new requirement represents a significant shift, as product compliance information must now be made available before shipments leave for the United States. FedEx said six in 10 APAC exporters are seeking centralized compliance guidance and digital documentation tools to keep consumer product shipments moving smoothly.
To support businesses across Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, FedEx is helping customers prepare for the new requirements that took effect on July 8, 2026.
Businesses that have yet to address product safety data requirements, electronic documentation standards, and certificate referencing risk customs clearance delays, penalties, or even refusal of entry at U.S. ports. Registration in the CPSC Product Registry for the abbreviated message set may take up to six months.
Top APAC business needs
For APAC businesses, greater regulatory clarity remains the top priority. Identifying products covered by the CPSC requirements ranked as the leading need (32%), followed by digital tools to pre-validate compliance data (23%) and simplified guidance on product scope, registration, and documentation (19%).
As the new e-filing requirements take effect, businesses are prioritizing solutions that reduce clearance delays and integrate compliance into their day-to-day operations. The most valued capabilities include:
- Centralized compliance resources with timely regulatory updates and structured guidance (31%);
- Integrated workflow tools that streamline documentation and compliance processes (27%); and
- Access to trade compliance and customs expertise (17%).
Customer confidence
“Changes of this scale can introduce complexity for businesses operating across borders,” said Salil Chari, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “Our focus is on making compliance straightforward for customers, so they can continue to move goods seamlessly while meeting new standards with confidence.”
“Evolving global trade requirements underscore the importance of having the right partner to ensure compliance and continuity,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “FedEx is committed to equipping Philippine exporters with the insights, tools, and reliable solutions they need to remain competitive and resilient in the U.S. market.”
Compliance tools
FedEx said it is helping customers navigate the transition through integrated digital solutions, regulatory guidance, and operational expertise. By simplifying compliance processes and embedding regulatory requirements into existing shipping workflows, the company aims to reduce disruptions while supporting timely and accurate submissions.
FedEx has integrated CPSC e-filing capabilities directly into its digital shipping platforms, including FedEx Ship Manager and FedEx API, enabling businesses to submit Certificate of Compliance data as part of their existing shipping workflow.
These tools support both e-filing methods, allowing customers to submit either the full CPSC PGA message set or the abbreviated three-element reference set for products registered in the CPSC Product Registry.
FedEx’s digital solutions also provide step-by-step guidance for submitting CPSC compliance certificate data, helping businesses establish a streamlined and repeatable process for U.S.-bound shipments of regulated goods.
Registration under the CPSC Product Registry may take up to six months.
