# Which CPSC rules apply to a walk-behind power lawn mower?

> Which CPSC rules apply to a walk-behind power lawn mower, 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/lawn-mower/

## Quick answer

A walk-behind power lawn mower is a general-use product. It needs a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) if a CPSC rule applies to it; a GCC may rest on a reasonable testing programme rather than third-party testing. The rules CPSC lists for it: 1205 (16 CFR 1205: Safety Standard for Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers).

## Citation codes

| Code | Regulation | When it applies | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1205 | 16 CFR 1205: Safety Standard for Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mowers | Always, for this product type | — |

## Certificate

Certificate type: General Certificate of Conformity (GCC).

CPSC flags 3 HTS codes in its "Lawn Mowers" category: https://cpsccomply.com/data/flagged-hts-codes/

## Recalls of this product type

Since 2018, 3 CPSC recall notices carry this product type in their title, 1 of them for China-made goods (33.3%), covering about 2,950 units. Hazards cited most often: Fire / burn (2), Crash / impact (1).

Most recent:

- 2019-10-30: Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Lawn Mower Engines Due to Burn and Fire Hazards (Recall Alert) <https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Kawasaki-Motors-USA-Recalls-Lawn-Mower-Engines-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards-Recall>
- 2019-10-08: Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Lawn Mower Engines Due to Burn and Fire Hazards (Recall Alert) <https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Kawasaki-Motors-USA-Recalls-Lawn-Mower-Engines-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards-Recall-1>
- 2018-01-04: SureFit Recalls Riding Lawn Mower Blade Spindle Shafts Due to Impact Hazard (Recall Alert) <https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/SureFit-Recalls-Riding-Lawn-Mower-Blade-Spindle-Shafts-Due-to-Impact-Hazard-Recall-Alert>

## 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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