Buying ASTM Standards Online: A Complete Guide

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ASTM (American Society for Testing Material) is a non-profit organization in the United States that develops consensus standards for toys, furniture, cosmetics, construction materials, electronics, and other products. It’s often necessary to incorporate ASTM standards into product design and specifications – which in turn requires that you have access to the actual standards.

In this article, we list seven online stores that sell ASTM standards in PDF and hardcopy versions. Continue reading Buying ASTM Standards Online: A Complete Guide

Laser Device Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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Laser Devices Regulations US

Laser devices imported or manufactured in the United States are subject to safety standards, labeling, certification, and testing requirements. This guide serves as a basic instruction to a wide range of laser devices – including barcode scanners, cosmetic laser devices, laser welding machines, and more. Continue reading Laser Device Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Selling Unsafe and Non-Compliant Products: 7 Potential Outcomes

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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