Licenses Required for Wholesale Toy & Game Trading (US Focus)

Licenses vary by location (country/state/city) and product type. Consult a local attorney/CPA. Common US requirements:

Federal

• EIN (Employer Identification Number): IRS — for taxes, banking, hiring.
• Import/Export License: CBP — if importing toys (customs bond, HTS codes, CPSC compliance).
• CPSC Compliance: Critical. All toys must meet ASTM F963 (safety standard), lead/phthalate limits, tracking labels, certificates (Children's Product Certificate).

State

• Business License / Registration: Secretary of State (LLC/Corp) or County (DBA).
• Sales Tax Permit / Seller's Permit: Collect & remit sales tax.
• Resale Certificate: Buy wholesale tax-free (present to suppliers).
• State-Specific Toy Regulations: Some states add labeling, chemical restrictions (CA Prop 65, WA, ME, NY).

Local

• City/County Business License: Often separate from state.
• Zoning Permit: Warehouse/office must be zoned commercial.
• Fire/Building Inspections: For warehouse inventory.

Other Essentials

• Insurance: General liability, product liability, cargo.
• Contracts: Supplier agreements, NDAs, terms of sale.
• Age Grading / Warning Labels: Mandatory on packaging (small parts, choking hazards).

Research Resources

• State gov website: "Business license", "Toy safety".
• Local gov: "Business license", "Zoning".
• SBA.gov: Federal/state/local guide.
• CPSC.gov: Toy safety regulations.

Compliance is non-negotiable—especially child safety laws.