ASIA-PACIFIC firms, including Philippine businesses, are beset with a readiness gap as the United States tightens import rules that could impact international trade, according to logistics giant Federal Express Corporation (FedEx).
FedEx said 64 percent of firms surveyed across the region are not yet ready for the mandatory US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) e-filing requirements on July 8, and while 36 percent report some readiness, only 15 percent are fully operational.
The new requirement mandates all importers of CPSC-regulated products to e-file the data elements needed for clearance at the time of entry into the US to improve safety oversight and compliance transparency.
US importers of CPSC-regulated products must include the full CPSC PGA message set for each product imported.
‘Businesses that have yet to address product safety data requirements, electronic documentation standards, and certificate referencing risk clearance delays, penalties, or refusal of entry at US borders. Registration for businesses in the CPSC Product Registry for a reduced message set can take up to six months,’ FedEx said.
The survey showed that identifying products within the CPSC scope and digital tools for prevalidating data emerged as leading needs for firms across the region at 32 percent and 23 percent, respectively.
FedEx said it would help businesses navigate the transition through integrated digital solutions, regulatory guidance, and operational expertise.
The logistics company has integrated CPSC e-filing capabilities directly into its shipping platforms to simplify compliance.
With registration in CPSC’s Product Registry taking up to six months and the July deadline approaching, FedEx said it has launched a proactive customer support program.
This includes direct outreach and step-by-step guides on identifying CPSC-regulated products; access to its trade compliance and customs clearance specialists; and up-to-date guidance on customs policies and required documentation.
‘Changes of this scale can introduce complexity for businesses operating across borders,’ FedEx Asia Pacific President Salil Chari said.
‘Our focus is on making compliance straightforward for customers, so they can continue to move goods seamlessly while meeting new standards with confidence.’
The logistics giant gathered insights from over 5,000 businesses across 12 Asia Pacific markets, including the Philippines, through customer webinars conducted in April and May. More than 500 survey responses were collected from firms of various sizes and industries.