# Which CPSC rules apply to a bicycle?

> Which CPSC rules apply to a bicycle, which certificate it needs, the citation codes to put on it, and how the data is eFiled at entry. From CPSC's own citation code list.

Checked 2026-09-22 · https://cpsccomply.com/rules/bike/

## Quick answer

A bicycle needs a Children's Product Certificate if it is designed or intended primarily for children 12 and under, and a General Certificate of Conformity if it is general-use. The rules CPSC lists for it: 1512 (16 CFR 1512: Requirements for Bicycles).

## Citation codes

| Code | Regulation | When it applies | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1512 | 16 CFR 1512: Requirements for Bicycles | Always, for this product type | — |
| 1278a | 15 USC 1278a: Total Lead Content for Children's Products | if a children's bicycle | — |

## Certificate

Certificate type: CPC or GCC, depending on whether it is designed primarily for children 12 and under.

For a bicycle the testing laboratory must be one CPSC has accepted for this rule. CPSC's list holds 737 accepted laboratories: https://cpsccomply.com/data/labs/

CPSC flags 8 HTS codes in its "Bicycles" category: https://cpsccomply.com/data/flagged-hts-codes/

## Recalls of this product type

Since 2016, 101 CPSC recall notices carry this product type in their title, 47 of them for China-made goods (46.5%), covering about 2,570,527 units. Hazards cited most often: Fall / general injury (84), Other (9), Poisoning / lead / chemical (4), Battery / ingestion of magnets or batteries (3).

Most recent:

- 2026-09-17: Tongyang Cycling Recalls Basecamp Bicycle Helmets Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Head Injury; Violate Mandatory Standard for Bicycle Helmets <https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Tongyang-Cycling-Recalls-Basecamp-Bicycle-Helmets-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Head-Injury-Violate-Mandatory-Standard-for-Bicycle-Helmets>
- 2026-09-10: Victgoal Recalls Bicycle Helmets Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Head Injury; Violate Mandatory Standard for Bicycle Helmets <https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Victgoal-Recalls-Bicycle-Helmets-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Head-Injury-Violate-Mandatory-Standard-for-Bicycle-Helmets>
- 2026-08-13: Ritchey Design Recalls Carbon Bicycle Forks Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fall and Crash Hazards <https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Ritchey-Design-Recalls-Carbon-Bicycle-Forks-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Fall-and-Crash-Hazards>

## Sources

- CPSC: eFiling Citation and Testing Exception Codes (Excel, Dec 2025): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2025-12-18_eFiling-Citation-and-Testing-Exception-Codes.xlsx>
- CPSC: Update on Certificates of Compliance and eFiling: <https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Certificates>
- Federal Register: Certificates of Compliance, 90 FR 1800 (8 Jan 2025): <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/08/2024-30826/certificates-of-compliance>

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