Supplement Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

Posted on by Vincent Cheng — 4 Comments

Supplements

Planning or import or manufacture supplements in the European Union? In this guide, we cover the basics of substance restrictions, labeling, notification, documentation, and lab testing requirements for a range of supplements products in the EU.

Supplements are considered as food products in the EU and are mainly regulated by Directive 2002/46/EC – which we cover in more detail in this guide. That said, other regulations may apply if the supplements contain colorants or sweeteners. Continue reading Supplement Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

Amazon Manufacturer & Importer Address Requirements Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 2 Comments

As you’re reading this you’ve likely received a message from Amazon rejecting your packaging labels as non-compliant. We keep receiving such reports from Amazon sellers on a weekly basis, with increasing frequency – and decided it was about time to dig deeper into this. Continue reading Amazon Manufacturer & Importer Address Requirements Guide

Occupational Safety and Health Act Guide for US Importers: An Overview

Posted on by Vincent Cheng — Leave a comment

Safety goggles and Helmet

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) sets safety requirements for various types of PPE, workwear, and other related products. Such products include face shields, safety glasses, N95 masks, helmets, and work shoes.

Ensuring compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act may require that you follow certain ANSI (or other) product standards, arrange lab testing, and issue certain documents – such as a safety manual.

Keep reading, and learn what American importers must know about the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Continue reading Occupational Safety and Health Act Guide for US Importers: An Overview

California Proposition 65 Product Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 2 Comments

California Prop 65 lab testing

California Proposition 65 restricts more than 800 chemicals and heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and phthalates. Further, California Proposition 65 applies to consumer products for all age groups.

In this guide, we explain what Amazon sellers, importers, and manufacturers must know about California Proposition 65 lab testing – including costs, sample submissions, lead times, failed test results, and more. Continue reading California Proposition 65 Product Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

Dropshipping Product Safety and Compliance Risks: An Overview

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 6 Comments

If you’re reading this article you’re likely a dropshipping seller worried about the prospect of unknowingly selling unsafe and non-compliant products. If you ask me, you have reason to be.

There’s are far more questions than answers when it comes to product safety and compliance when it comes to dropshipping. As such, I wrote this article as a reflection on my experience with both sellers and suppliers in the dropshipping world.

Important: This article is not aimed at any particular dropshipping supplier, online marketplace, or service. This article only raises broad and general issues related to product compliance and dropshipping. Continue reading Dropshipping Product Safety and Compliance Risks: An Overview

Product Traceability Requirements in the United States: An Overview

Posted on by Chuiyan Mo — Leave a comment

Product Traceability Requirements

Product traceability includes batch numbers, and other product and packaging labels, that can help in tracing products to a certain production run, and factory. Tracing products is critical when it comes to recalling defective and potentially unsafe products, or for the sake of linking products to certain documents. Traceability is often part of mandatory compliance requirements, such as the CPSIA Tracking Label.

In this guide, we cover what American importers and manufacturers must know about product traceability requirements for children’s products, apparel, medical devices, and more. Continue reading Product Traceability Requirements in the United States: An Overview

Single-Use Plastics Regulations in the United States: An Overview

Posted on by Chuiyan Mo — Leave a comment

Single-use cutlery

Single-use plastic products, such as plastic straws, cutlery, and cups, are slowly being phased out in the United States. In this guide, we explain what American importers and manufacturers must know about single-use plastic regulations, bans, and exemptions in California, New York, Oregon, and many other states. Continue reading Single-Use Plastics Regulations in the United States: An Overview

RoHS Product Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 2 Comments

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive restricts chemicals and heavy metals in electronic products imported to or manufactured in the European Union. Ensuring compliance requires lab testing at some level in the supply chain – be it the final assembled product, individual components, or even raw materials. In many cases, importers opt for a combination of these.

In this guide, we explain what you must know about RoHS lab testing options, costs, substance limitations, compliance risks, Amazon requirements, and more. Continue reading RoHS Product Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

Notified Bodies in the European Union: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Chuiyan Mo — 6 Comments

The role of a Notified Body is to assess if a product is technically safe and compliant, correctly documented, and (in some cases) manufactured under the right conditions. In a way, the Notified Body act as a gatekeeper to the EU market – for more ‘high-risk’ and ‘sensitive’ products that cannot be ‘self-certified’.

That said, Notified Bodies are not government organizations. Instead, companies like Intertek and TUV are appointed to act as Notified Bodies for certain product categories.

In this guide, we explain what importers, exporters, and manufacturers must know about Notified Bodies and how they operate. Continue reading Notified Bodies in the European Union: A Complete Guide

Selling Unsafe and Non-Compliant Products: 7 Potential Outcomes

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment

Broken cable

Product testing and certification may seem overly expensive and bothersome for some importers. That said, selling unsafe and non-compliant products is not only a severe risk for the consumers in your target market but also something that can massively backfire on your own business.

Keep reading, and learn what can happen if you fail to ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, certification requirements, and labeling rules. Continue reading Selling Unsafe and Non-Compliant Products: 7 Potential Outcomes