List of FCC Lab Testing Companies: Our Top 11 Picks

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 2 Comments

FCC Testing Companies

Lab testing is generally necessary to ensure that your electronic and electrical products comply with the requirements set by the FCC, which regulates the electromagnetic radiation and other aspects of such equipments in the United States. This includes both products products that intentionally emit radio frequency energy (e.g. bluetooth speaker) and unintentional radiators (e.g. wired mouse).

This guide list some of the leading testing and certification companies that offer FCC testing and other related services. It includes companies based in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Continue reading List of FCC Lab Testing Companies: Our Top 11 Picks

PFAS Regulations in the United States: An Essential Guide

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 2 Comments

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that can be added to certain materials to enhance their ability to resist water, stains, and flames. Products that might contain PFAS include non-stick cookware, apparel, furniture, and building materials.

In recent years, some federal and state regulations in the United States have been regulating PFAS due to their toxicity to humans and the environment. In this article, we explain what PFAS are, as well as how these substances are restricted in the United States.
Continue reading PFAS Regulations in the United States: An Essential Guide

Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — Leave a comment

CLP Regulation
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation classifies and regulates substances, mixtures and some articles in order to protect people and the environment.

The scope of the regulation also includes consumer products mainly composed of substances, such as candles, or finger paints.

In this guide, we explain how the CLP Regulation applies to those substances and products, including requirements regarding labelling, packaging, and lab testing.
Continue reading Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation: An Overview

Extended Producer Responsibility in the United Kingdom: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 1 Comment

Extended Producer Responsibility in the United Kingdom
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) extends a producer’s financial and operational responsibility regarding packaging and packed goods past the post-consumer stage. In practical terms, this means that UK importers and manufacturers may need to pay for the collection and disposal of packaging waste generated from sales.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements also cover registration, collection, and reporting – and labelling of the packaging.

In this guide, we explain EPR requirements in detail and provide information on a few EPR compliance scheme companies, which can help you to comply with the requirements.
Continue reading Extended Producer Responsibility in the United Kingdom: An Overview

PFAS Regulations in the European Union: An Essential Guide

Posted on by Yvette Shen — Leave a comment

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been used in certain consumer products for their ability to resist water and stains.

Such products include cookware, clothing, furniture, and building materials. In recent years, PFAS has been restricted by various regulations in the European Union because of their toxicity to humans and the environment.

In this article, we list examples of products that might contain PFAS, as well as regulations that restrict them, including REACH, the POPs Regulation, and the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Continue reading PFAS Regulations in the European Union: An Essential Guide

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

Packaging Recycling and Sustainability Symbols in the US: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 3 Comments

In the United States, there are various recycling and sustainability symbols for packaging materials like paper and plastic. Some symbols are codes that indicate material type, while others claim environmental attributes or responsibly sourced materials from audited forests.

In this guide, we explain what you need to know regarding Resin Identification Codes, Environmental Claims (16 CFR Part 260), USDA Certified Biobased Product Labels, and FSC Recycled Labels.
Continue reading Packaging Recycling and Sustainability Symbols in the US: An Overview

Machinery Regulation: An Essential Guide

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 2 Comments

The Machinery Regulation lays down health and safety requirements for machinery, as well as partially completed machinery. As the definition of machinery includes products with moving parts, the regulation is also relevant for consumer products such as e-bikes or trademills.

In this guide, we explain what importers and manufacturers should know about the Machinery Regulation, including documentation, CE marking, labelling, and testing requirements.
Continue reading Machinery Regulation: An Essential Guide

Chemical Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment

Chemical Regulations European Union

Practically all consumer products sold in the European Union are subject to regulations governing the use of heavy metals, chemicals, and other substances. Specific bans and restrictions on substances like lead and phthalates apply to essentially all consumer products – including textiles, childcare items, toys, cosmetics, and kitchenware.

Despite bans and restrictions, some products sold in the EU continue to contain high concentrations of restricted chemicals.

In this article, we list some of the most important EU regulations that cover substances in consumer products. We also explain how you can check if a product contains regulated or prohibited substances.
Continue reading Chemical Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

Children’s Product Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment

Children's Product Regulations in the European Union

Children’s furniture and various types of childcare articles are usually not considered toys, which means that the Toy Safety Directive is normally not applicable. However, such children’s products are subject to safety standards, substance restrictions, labelling, documentation, and testing requirements.

In this guide, we explain how the GPSR, EN standards, REACH, and food contact materials regulations relate to children’s products. Note that this guide does not cover all EU requirements for children’s products, but it provides a broad overview and can help you understand the basics.

Continue reading Children’s Product Regulations in the European Union: An Overview