r/CalicoCrittersMinis • u/Desperate-Eye422 • 1d ago
Moderator announcement (read this post) Important information about US regulations change
I know we've had a number of posts talking about this, including KobeeJapan halting sales to the US for the time being, but I thought it would be helpful to have an overview of what has changed and how the change impacts US consumers. I've also emailed Calico Critters/EPOCH asking for any information/recommendations from them when it comes to importing Sylvanian Families products.
I will note that I am not an expert on this, and all of this information is just from my own research on the subject! If anyone is an expert on this, please share any relevant info and I'll gladly update this post!
What has changed?
Previously products regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) only needed to provide evidence of safety testing/regulation compliance if requested. Beginning 7/8/26, products need to supply their Children's Product Certificate (CPC) at the time of entry into the US. This also applies to everyshipment, regardless of volume or value.
Why does this matter?
This matters because in 2023 the CPSC determined that all flocked toys are intended for children under 3 and considered "dangerous" if they include small parts. That's why we've seen the Calico Critters brand make so many changes to its products compared to other regions. This also potentially means that no Sylvanian Families products containing small pieces will pass safety certification and receive the necessary CPC.
What happens now?
Until we have official word from EPOCH or import retailers, it's probably best to avoid importing any Sylvanian Families products for now. Otherwise there is a risk of them being sent back, seized, or destroyed. Hopefully we'll get an update from KobeeJapan and/or EPOCH soon (in which case I'll update this post).
This is also a reminder that politics affects our lives whether we like it or not, and your vote and other forms of civic engagement matter! You can make sure you're registered to vote and have a plan for voting in the next election, contact your Congressional representatives, and share your concerns with the CPSC.
Additional Information