Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation (UPLR): A Complete Guide

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The Uniform Packaging and Labelling Regulation applies to product packaging in most US states. It requires importers and manufacturers to include specific information about the product, seller, and packaging contents. In this guide, we explain the basics of UPLR labeling requirements.
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Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) for Importers & Manufacturers

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Fair Packaging and Labeling Act

The FPLA covers labeling requirements for consumer products sold in the United States. It requires that packaging content is correctly declared, which includes weight, quantity, and measurements.

That being said, its application can differ depending on the product inside the packaging. In this guide, we explain what US importers and manufacturers must know about the FPLA.

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Hair Extension Standards and Regulations in the European Union

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Hair Extension Standards and Regulations in the European Union

This guide covers regulations, standards, and labelling requirements applicable to hair extensions sold in the European Union. We also explain the differences between non-flame-retardant and flame-retardant synthetic fibres used for manufacturing hair extensions, and how certain brands opt to comply with standards not originally intended for hair extensions. Continue reading Hair Extension Standards and Regulations in the European Union

An Essential Guide to the REACH Regulation in the EU

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REACH Guide

Are you a manufacturer or importer interested in placing consumer products in the EU market? Most consumer products have to comply with the REACH regulation.

Complying with the regulation may involve observing specific labelling, testing, registration, and documentation requirements. In this article, we cover the regulation’s applications and its requirements and address common questions associated with the topic. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s official site is used as a source in this article.

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Voluntary Product Safety Standards: An Essential Guide

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Are you thinking about having your product meet voluntary product safety standards? Some might consider it to be costly and time-consuming. However, there are compelling reasons to do so, not to mention that it may help you avoid civil liability in some jurisdictions.

In this article, we present common questions associated with voluntary product safety standards and present the business case for adopting such voluntary standards.
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ETL Certification and Marking: A Complete Guide

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ETL Certification & Marking

Intertek has a long history of providing testing and certification services to clients wanting to ensure their products conform to relevant safety standards and regulations. This includes the ETL Certification Program. ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories, which is Interteks lab testing branch.

When products have been tested and found to be compliant with the program’s requirements, manufacturers and importers can affix the ETL Mark on their products.

There are several types of ETL marks that can be used by companies whose products have been found compliant, including the ETL Listed Mark and the ETL Verified Mark.

This guide includes a list of ETL-covered products, information about ETL Certification, ETL Mark, and ETL Listing. Additionally, we explain the necessary steps that must be taken to ensure compliance, and how much it costs to have your products certified via Intertek’s ETL Certification Program.

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How to Verify Lab Test Reports & Product Certificates: A Practical Guide

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Verify Test Reports and Product Certificates

Accepting lab test reports from suppliers at face value can be extremely costly. We have dealt with many cases in which importers have assumed the validity of lab test reports that later on turned out to be completely useless.

When using existing test reports, you need to be absolutely certain that it’s not only an authentic document – but also valid for your supplier and product. Often that is not the case.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to “read” and verify lab test reports. Continue reading How to Verify Lab Test Reports & Product Certificates: A Practical Guide

Walmart Marketplace Product Compliance Requirements: An Overview

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Walmart Marketplace Product Compliance Requirements

The Walmart Marketplace can be an attractive alternative to Amazon for e-commerce businesses looking to diversify their sales channels. In this guide, we explain what third-party sellers must know about product safety, labeling, and certification requirements when selling on Walmart Marketplace.

This guide is largely based on seller requirements on their page titled Supplier Expectations Compliance Areas. We help you understand these requirements from a more practical perspective. Keep in mind that their requirements may have been updated since the date of publication. Further, these guidelines are not specifically targeting Walmart Marketplace sellers, but to Walmart’s suppliers in general.
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eBay Product Compliance & Safety Requirements for Sellers: An Overview

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eBay Product ComplianceRequirements for Sellers

Selling products on eBay in the US, EU, UK, and Australia requires that your products are safe and compliant. In practice, this means that you need to arrange lab testing, create label files and certain documentation – before you list your items on eBay.

In this guide, we take a closer look at the eBay Product Safety Policy, and what it means for sellers. We also cover recalls, actions against non-compliant products, and seller pre-approvals. Continue reading eBay Product Compliance & Safety Requirements for Sellers: An Overview

Etsy Product Compliance & Safety Requirements for Sellers: An Overview

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Etsy Product Compliance

In 2021 we started receiving reports from Etsy sellers having their products removed from the marketplace. We have recently studied Etsy’s seller and product compliance policies, and their reasoning for removing certain items.

In this article, we share our findings to help Etsy sellers better understand their product safety obligations – and why it can be challenging to make the numbers work when it comes to lab testing and certifying handicrafts, and limited production runs. Continue reading Etsy Product Compliance & Safety Requirements for Sellers: An Overview