FCC Bans on Imported Robots

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FCC robot bans

The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) provides a list, called “Covered List”, of equipment and services that are deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security in the United States.

The list was initially published in 2021, and it mainly included some types of video surveillance and telecommunications equipment. However, the list has been updated several times since then.

On 28 July 2026, the list was updated to include some types of:

  • Foreign-produced advanced robotic devices
  • Foreign-produced power inverters

In this guide, I take a close look at the update concerning advanced robotic devices.

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Guide to EU PPWR Testing Requirements

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment
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Packaging testing

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40 sets requirements concerning the design and materials of packaging. The purpose of testing is to validate that a particular packaging type is technically compliant with these requirements.

This guide explains when testing is required to validate PPWR compliance, and to what extent you can use existing documentation and self-assessments.

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PPWR Requirements for Transport Packaging: Boxes, Pallets & More

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Transportation packaging

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40 sets requirements for packaging used for handling and delivery of products. This includes shipping cartons, pallets, protective plastic and other packaging used for transporting cargo.

Does this mean that you now need to create or obtain a DoC and other documentation for every single cardboard box arriving in your warehouse? The answer is that it depends.

This is a complex area, and this guide is our effort to piece together what we could find about transportation packaging in the PPWR text. It may not cover everything, and it will likely be updated, but it can hopefully help you understand some areas.

  • The PPWR covers packaging used for transportation
  • Transportation packaging is defined under Article 3
  • Specific requirements apply to certain types of transportation packaging
  • Transport packaging is exempt from some PPWR requirements
  • EPR obligations also apply to transportation packaging

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REACH Declaration Guide & Template

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment
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A REACH declarations generally state that a product complies with Annex XVII restrictions and whether any SVHCs are present. These documents can be valuable when based on actual testing or other validation.

That said, some companies use REACH declarations as a cheap substitute for lab testing, which comes with serious risks.

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EU Batteries Regulation Documentation Guide

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Battery Documentation

Ensuring compliance with the EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 involves various documents. This guide serves as an introduction to several key documents and their role in the compliance process for batteries sold in the European Union.

  • Test reports are required to verify compliance
  • The manufacturer must create an EU declaration of conformity
  • The manufacturer must create technical documentation
  • Instructions are required for batteries

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Guide to EU Batteries Regulation 2023/1542 Standards

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Batteries Regulation Standards

The Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 sets performance and safety requirements that must be met before batteries can be manufactured or imported for use in the European Union. These requirements can, in many cases, be met by ensuring that a particular battery complies with applicable harmonised standards.

This guide lists related battery standards that have been published or are currently in development

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EU Batteries Regulation Timeline: 2023 to 2050

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EU Batteries Regulation Timeline

The Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 is applicable from 18 February 2024. That said, many requirements under the Regulation will only apply at a later date. This guide serves as a timeline for EU Batteries Regulation requirements and their respective dates.

  • The Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 applies from 18 February 2024
  • Some requirements apply at a later date
  • For example, battery replacement requirements apply from 18 February 2027

Methodology

Step 1: I mapped out all the articles mentioning a date*

Step 2: I determined if the requirement is relevant to either:

  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other economic operators, or
  • EU Commission or Member States

Step 3: The respective Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 requirements tied to a particular date were added to one of the two tables below

*Note that the table contains the dates identified during this stage. I cannot guarantee that I identified every single article or requirement tied to a specific date.

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A Quick Guide to CPSC General-Use Products

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General-Use Products

Planning to manufacture or import general-use products to the United States? This guide explains what you must know about product safety rules, testing, certification, labeling, and other requirements.

  • Compliance with product safety rules is mandatory
  • Testing is required to verify compliance
  • You must issue a GCC
  • eFiling is mandatory for general-use products

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Dropshipping Product Safety and Compliance Risks: An Overview

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 6 Comments
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If you’re reading this article, you’re likely a dropshipping seller concerned about the prospect of unknowingly selling unsafe and non-compliant products. If you ask me, you have reason to be.

There are 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.

Note: 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. Further, this guide does not cover issues related to VAT or import duties.

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PPWR Producers Requirements in 3 Steps

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — Leave a comment
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Companies that first introduce packaging or packaged products in an EU member state are generally considered to be producers under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40. This can also be the case for companies selling directly to end users in other EU member states.

The entity defined as a producer is generally responsible for extended producer responsibility tasks. This includes reporting packaging materials and volumes, and paying corresponding fees.

This guide explains how you can determine which company is the PPWR producer. I also share several practical examples of supply chains involving both EU and non-EU-based companies.

  • Manufacturers, importers, and distributors can be defined as producers
  • The producer is often the first entity that introduces packaging in a particular EU member state
  • The producer must comply with EPR obligations

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