Category: Compliance Strategy

ASTM F963-23 Children’s Product Safety Standard: An Overview

Posted on by Ivan Malloci — Leave a comment

ASTM F963-23 is the latest version of ASTM F963, a safety standard that sets requirements for children’s products in the US. Compliance with ASTM F963-23 will become mandatory on April 20, 2024.

It covers requirements regarding chemical and heavy metals, mechanical, physical, and electrical safety, and more.

In this guide, we explain what you must know about ASTM F963-23, which products must comply with it, how you should ensure compliance, and where to buy the standard.

Continue reading ASTM F963-23 Children’s Product Safety Standard: An Overview

CE Certificate of Conformity: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 30 Comments

A CE Certificate of Conformity (CoC) essentially states that a certain product is compliant with one or more regulations, directives or standards. It also includes information about the conformity assessment performed, the issuing company, product information, and suppliers.

In theory, this certificate is issued based on the issuing company reviewing or creating certain documents. This includes test reports and technical files.

However, as I will explain in this guide, far from all documents titled ‘Certificate of Conformity’ are valid and based on an actual conformity assessment. In short, many of these documents are invalid and can result in your products being subject to a recall, fines, or other penalties.

Alternative terms

Certificate of Conformity documents can have the following titles:

  • CE Certificate
  • Attestation of Conformity
  • Verification of Conformity
  • Certificate of Compliance

Some service providers also refer to these as voluntary certificates.

Continue reading CE Certificate of Conformity: A Complete Guide

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Guide For Importers & Amazon Sellers

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 13 Comments

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often mandatory when importing or exporting certain products. This includes batteries, chemicals, cosmetics, oils, and other products that require certain precautions during storage and transportation.

Further, Safety Data Sheets are required by Amazon when selling products classified as Hazmat or Dangerous goods.

Continue reading Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Guide For Importers & Amazon Sellers

FCC Certification Guide: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 1 Comment

FCC Certification

Planning to import or manufacture electronics in the United States? In this guide, we explain the certification authorization procedure requirements for devices that fall under the scope of FCC 47 CFR Part 15. This includes documentation, labeling, and testing requirements.
Continue reading FCC Certification Guide: An Overview

SCIP Database Guide for Importers and Manufacturers

Posted on by Yvette Shen — Leave a comment

scip database
If you import or manufacture products for sale in the European Union, you likely need to comply with the requirements set by the Waste Framework Directive (WFD). This includes submitting information to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) via the SCIP database, when necessary.

In this guide, we explain when you need to submit information concerning your product via the SCIP database, how to submit the required information, what is the relation between the database and the REACH regulation, and more.

Continue reading SCIP Database Guide for Importers and Manufacturers

Amazon Dangerous Goods Guide for Importers and Manufacturers

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 1 Comment

Amazon Dangerous Goods

Are you planning to sell products potentially classified as “dangerous goods via the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service? In this case, you might need to ensure that your product complies with Amazon’s dangerous goods policy and submit documentation such as safety data sheets (SDS), exemption sheets, or test reports.

In this guide, we explain what products are classified as dangerous goods, what kind of documentation and information sellers need to provide, and the dangerous goods review process.

Continue reading Amazon Dangerous Goods Guide for Importers and Manufacturers

What is fake CE marking?

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment

fake ce mark on charger

Some products bearing the CE mark do so without actually being compliant with the required safety and technical requirements. Importing and selling such products can result in fines and sales bans.

In this guide, we explain what fake CE marking is, why such products are available, and what you as a business owner or consumer can do to reduce your risk.

Continue reading What is fake CE marking?

OK Compost Certification Scheme: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — Leave a comment

OK compost

Do you plan to affix either the OK compost INDUSTRIAL label or the OK compost HOME label to your products or packaging?

This article explains what importers and manufacturers should know about the OK compost certification scheme, including its application process, required documentation, testing, and labelling.
Continue reading OK Compost Certification Scheme: An Overview

Lacey Act Guide for US Importers and Manufacturers

Posted on by John Vinod Khiatani — Leave a comment

Lacey Act
The Lacey Act is relevant for consumer brands in the sense that it covers wood and other plant products. It also covers animal and other wildlife products. In this guide, you will learn what US companies must be aware of when it comes to its product scope, declaration requirements, and much more.

Continue reading Lacey Act Guide for US Importers and Manufacturers

For how long are lab test reports valid?

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 1 Comment

Lab Test Report Validity

Test reports usually don’t have a clearly defined validity date. However, that does not mean that the test report is valid indefinitely. There are many scenarios in which a test report is rendered either outdated or for other reasons no longer applicable to a certain product.
Continue reading For how long are lab test reports valid?