Category: Product Compliance

Electrical Safety Standards For US Importers: By Joey Kwok of CMA Testing

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist

Today, US ecommerce companies and Amazon sellers, import electronics directly from Chinese manufacturers – without even having a basic understanding of product safety requirements and liability.

Electronics are high risk products. Reports of unsafe lithium batteries and chargers are frequent.

A major reason for this is the lack of information on what US electronics importers must do to ensure compliance. Believe it or not, but for many electronic products, there are not even mandatory safety standards.

Hence, many believe that they don’t need to care about compliance when importing power banks, or any widget that comes with an AC adapter.

That is not the case.

If, or when, something goes wrong – you will be liable. If someone is injured, or if property is damaged, you might be looking at millions of dollars in losses. It’s game over.

Instead, Importers and Amazon sellers must rely on ‘voluntary standards’ from UL and ETL, that are ‘de facto’ mandatory. At least for anyone who want to sleep at night.

These things are complex, but absolutely essential. Continue reading Electrical Safety Standards For US Importers: By Joey Kwok of CMA Testing

OEKO Tex Standard 100: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 10 Comments

OEKO tex standard fabrics

OEKO Tex Standard 100 is a standard used to check harmful chemicals and heavy metals in apparel and other textile products.

Many Importers are familiar with OEKO Tex Standard 100, but are still uncertain whether compliance is required by law, and how the entire certification process works.

In this article, we answer some of the most common questions clothing and textiles importers have about OEKO Tex Standard 100:

  • What is OEKO Tex Standard 100?
  • Is compliance required by law?
  • What is the difference between Standard 100 and REACH?
  • How do I find Standard 100 certified manufacturers?
  • How do I verify OEKO Tex Certificates?
  • How do I book lab testing?

What is OEKO Tex Standard 100?

OEKO Tex Standard 100 is an international lab testing and textile certification system, applicable to both fabrics and finished clothing.

OEKO Tex, which is an independent organization based in Switzerland, created the 100 Standard as a collection of several international regulatory frameworks:

However, OEKO Tex takes it one step further than the US and EU, as the 100 Standard also includes the following:

  • Important legal regulations, such as banned Azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel, etc.
  • Numerous harmful chemicals, even if they are not yet legally regulated.
  • Numerous also environmentally relevant substance classes

In other words, OEKO Tex Standard 100 sets the bar higher than any government or state agency in the world.

For Importers selling in several countries and markets, ensuring OEKO Tex Standard 100 is simply a matter of practicality, as you can be sure that you match the highest standard there is.

Notice: REACH is an EU regulation, that restricts hundreds of chemicals and heavy metals in textiles, CPSIA, which is only required for children’s products in the United States, restricts lead content in textiles. Continue reading OEKO Tex Standard 100: A Complete Guide

Shipping Lithium Batteries From China: UN 38.3, Packaging & Labels

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 4 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Importing standalone lithium batteries, or Li-ion powered electronic devices, from China?

Then you might be aware of the strict and complicated safety regulations, covering labeling, export packaging and documentation.

However, you might still struggle to understand how you should go about to actually follow these regulations when importing li-ion batteries and electronics from China.

In this article, we cover the following:

  • What types of lithium batteries and devices are regulated?
  • UN 38.3 and other safety standards
  • Export packaging requirements
  • Documentation requirements
  • Lab testing requirements
  • Shipping lithium batteries by sea
  • Shipping lithium batteries to Amazon

Notice that IATA and air couriers update these regulations on a yearly basis.
Continue reading Shipping Lithium Batteries From China: UN 38.3, Packaging & Labels

How to Write a User Manual When Importing Products to the EU: By Tom van de Wiel

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist

tom manualise

Product manuals, or user guides, are not just ‘nice to have’. At least if you are importing and selling in the European Union.

They are absolutely essential to many product categories, as product manuals are mandatory.

I am aware of several cases, when the customs authorities have seized shipments, simply because the product was not bundled with a manual.

So, we decided to ask an expert, Tom van de Wiel, CEO of Manualise.

In this interview, with one of Europe’s leading experts in this area, you will learn the following:

  • What kind of products require a manual?
  • In which cases is a product manual not required?
  • What information must be included in the manual?
  • What can happen if I don’t have a manual?

Continue reading How to Write a User Manual When Importing Products to the EU: By Tom van de Wiel

Product Labeling Regulations in the US, EU and Australia

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 42 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 20 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

About to import products from China or elsewhere in Asia? Then you need to ensure that the products are properly labeled.

In this article, we explain what every importer must know about labeling requirements in the EU, US and Australia.

We also explain why you cannot rely on your manufacturer to ensure compliance on your behalf. In fact, most of them don’t even know how products must be labeled in your market.

Keep reading, to ensure that your products are not seized by the customs authorities!

What is ‘Product Labeling Requirements’?

Most countries have legal requirements for how a product shall be labeled. A label can, for example, inform the customer about the following:

  • The manufacturing country
  • If the product meets certain legal safety requirements (i.e., compliance marks)
  • Size, material and other general product information
  • Warning labels and user instructions

Some labeling requirements apply to all, or a wide range of, product categories.

For example, all products in the US must be labelled with the country of origin (i.e., Made in China). In the European Union, many products must be CE marked.

Other labeling requirements apply to specific products. Examples include toys, electronics and textiles – each with their own set of unique labeling requirements.

Notice that labeling requirements are usually just one of many requirements that importers must fulfil to ensure compliance with certain regulations.

In addition, you may need to keep track of the following:

Technical Compliance: This means that the product is manufactured according to certain technical standards, or substance restrictions. The product is therefore able to pass the necessary tests.

Documents Requirements: The Importer is required to create and store a set of documents. Such documents may include circuit diagrams, component lists, design drawings and risk assessments.

It is important to underline that this article does not include information above the two points above. Continue reading Product Labeling Regulations in the US, EU and Australia

FDA Certification & Labels When Importing from China: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 17 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 20 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Planning to import kitchen utensils, food products or medical devices from China, and sell in the United States? Then you need to ensure compliance with all mandatory FDA administered regulations.

In this comprehensive guide to FDA regulations and requirements for importers, you will learn what you must know about FDA labeling requirements, premarket approvals, documentation and lab testing.

In addition, you will also learn how Amazon.com is enforcing FDA regulations, such as 21 CFR, and why you should not rely on your manufacturer in China to manage the process for you.

Which products are regulated by the FDA?

FDA, standing for the Food and Drug Administration, is a government agency, not a standard or regulation in itself. The FDA administers regulations that affect various product categories.

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a. Food Contact Materials / Kitchen Utensils

The FDA administers 21 CFR, which regulates all types of materials made to be in contact with food and beverages.

21 CFR covers plastics, ceramics, coatings, glass and metal used in both food packaging and all types of kitchen utensils.

For example, food packaging and kitchen utensils may not contain toxic or harmful chemicals and heavy metals – or affect the taste and smell of the food or beverage.

21 CFR mainly concerns the substances used in kitchen utensils (both electrical and non-electrical) and food packaging. Continue reading FDA Certification & Labels When Importing from China: A Complete Guide

What is the cost of CE marking and certification?

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 4 Comments

CE marking cost

CE marking is mandatory when importing many products to the European Union. The stakes are high, as your shipment can be seized by the customs authorities if it’s not properly CE marked and certified.

But what is the cost of CE marking and certification? And, who should pay for it?

In this article, you will learn how you can manage the CE process on your own without paying a single euro – but why it makes sense to hire a consultant to handle certain parts of the process.

At least the first time you import a product that must be CE marked.

But first, let’s recap on what CE marking actually is:

CE is a framework, rather than a standard. Many, but not all, EU directives require that a product is CE marked.

To CE mark a product, you must take these steps:

a. Create the CE label file (and make sure that your products get labelled correctly)

b. Confirm all applicable directives (i.e., RoHS and LVD)

c. Create a User Manual, Technical file and Declaration of Conformity

1. You can practically do it yourself without spending a cent

CE marking involves creating label files and a set of documents. That’s really how simple it can be to get your product CE compliant.

You can find a lot of information about applicable directives and EN standards for free on the internet, including here on Chinaimportal.com.

It’s indeed time consuming, but you can do everything by yourself, for free.

For most products, third party lab testing is not even mandatory, even though it’s recommended.

If you decide to go through the CE marking process on your own, you need to take the following steps:

a. Research all applicable directives

b. Create label files

c. Create Declaration of Conformity, Manual and Technical file

While a test report may not be mandatory, notice that the authorities in any EU state can require that you provide a test report to prove that the product is compliant with all relevant EN directives.

Normally, you don’t need to submit the documentation or get any form of third party approval. You just create the documents and keep them for at least 10 years.

It’s indeed time consuming to figure out how these documents should look the first time, but it’s highly rewarding as you can easily replicate the process when importing other products in the future. Continue reading What is the cost of CE marking and certification?

Product Safety Standards & Labeling in Canada: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 6 Comments

Canadian Product Regulations

Consumer product safety standards and labeling laws and regulations are designed to ensure the safety of consumers in Canada. They provide a detailed guideline and safety requirements (and more) to sellers, manufacturers, and dealers who want to import goods to Canada.

To import, manufacture, advertise or sell a product in Canada, you must possess certifications, lab tests, compliance with the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, Consumer Packaging, and Labeling Act, and other regulations based on the type of product you want to import or manufacture.

In this article, I have provided detailed information about the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, also known as CCPSA, what it means for importers, and what is required if you want to import products to Canada.

What is Canada Consumer Product Safety Act?

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act was passed as a law by the government in 2010 and went into effect in 2011 to ensure the safety of Canadian consumers. With proposed changes to the Hazardous Products Act (HPA), it replaced the 40 years old HPA with new regulations and amendments.

According to the act, all consumer products in Canada must be regulated under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). The law was proposed after the growing consumer complaints about the safety of consumer products in the country.

As the HPA was not amended for the last 40 years, it failed to provide safety and protection against many modern products and gadgets, especially toys. There was a need for a new act with a set of modern regulations and laws to ensure public safety.

Under the new act, manufacturers and importers are now required to obtain safety information in the form of mandatory checks, tests, and certifications (if required by the inspectors from Health Canada), to meet the requirements of Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).

The CCPSA is designed to prohibit the importers and manufacturers from importing, manufacturing, selling, and even advertising consumer products that are in any way poses danger to safety and health of humans.

The new act along with also Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act prohibits importers and manufacturers to misrepresent a product, misguide or mislead consumers.

Health Canada is responsible to enforce the CCPSA regulations and amendments within the borders of Canada. The inspectors from Health Canada have an authority to inspect any product and ask seller, importer, or manufacturer to provide certificates or test results to ensure compliance with CCPSA. Continue reading Product Safety Standards & Labeling in Canada: A Complete Guide

UL Certification When Importing from China: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 21 Comments

UL standards

UL (Underwriter Laboratories) develops electronics safety standards for the United States, and provide related testing, certification and auditing services.

Unlike the EU, where importers must comply with a set of harmonized electronics safety standards – American electronics importers are free to choose which standards to comply with.

UL standards are developed for specific electronic products, or components, such as cords, batteries and plugs.

Below follows a few examples:

  • UL 1642 – Standard for Lithium Batteries
  • UL 20 – General-Use Snap Switches
  • UL 2595 – General Requirements for Battery-Powered Appliances
  • UL 2089 – Standard for Vehicle Battery Adapters
  • UL 1740 – Standard for Robots and Robotic Equipment
  • UL 879A – Standard for LED Sign and Sign Retrofit Kits

You can buy UL standard catalogs directly from standardscatalog.ul.com. Each standard (more than one may apply to your product) costs from US$400 to 1000.

Assuming you, or your supplier, lack the technical skills to implement a standard in a real life product, you may also need to budget for consulting fees.

That, and much more, is covered in this comprehensive guide for complying with UL standards, when importing electronic products from China. Continue reading UL Certification When Importing from China: A Complete Guide

Product Regulations in the United States: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 11 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 20 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

About to import products to the United States, or sell on Amazon.com? Then you must stay on top of the whole spectrum of mandatory safety standards, labeling, documentation and lab testing requirements.

It’s a heavy topic, but one you need to know inside out – or face the risk of having your goods seized by the US customs, getting your Amazon account shut down – or worse (yes, it can get a lot worse than that).

In this beginners guide to US safety standards and regulations, you will learn what every importer and ecommerce seller must know – including safety standards (both mandatory and non-mandatory), labeling requirements, document requirements and lab testing requirements.

Why product compliance is so complicated for US importers

In the European Union, there are mandatory directive and EN standards for hundreds of different products. Some complain that the EU is too heavy handed, and force unnecessary regulation on its member states.

There’s some truth to that, but what if there was no set of mandatory safety standards for most products? What if Importers had to make a complex regulatory assessment of their own (for which most are not qualified), rather than relying on a clear product compliance framework?

Enter the United States.

For many products, even electronics, there are no mandatory safety standards or directives. Instead, it’s up the Importer to make an assessment and apply ‘the necessary standards and procedures” to ensure that the imported products are safe.

Instead, product standards are developed by private organizations such as UL, ASTM and ANSI.

This is ideal, if you know how to make that assessment.

But if you’re just starting out, and don’t happen to have a team of lawyers and engineers by your side, it’s a lot more complicated. That, and much more, will be covered in this guide. Continue reading Product Regulations in the United States: A Beginner’s Guide