EU-type Examination Certificates for Importers: A Practical Guide

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EU Type Examination Certificate

Many products that require the CE mark can be ‘self-certified’ in the sense that you as an importer or manufacturer can arrange testing and prepare documentation (e.g. DoC and technical file) entirely on your own. However, when it comes to some product categories – an external review of the compliance procedure, including the DoC and technical file, is required.

In this guide, we explain how this works and why an EU-type examination certificate is a central component in this process.

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List of TSCA Lab Testing Companies: Our Top 10 Picks

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TSCA Lab Testing Companies

Planning to get your products tested according to Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) requirements? In this guide, we list several lab testing companies offering TSCA-related testing services for a wide range of products.

Learn more about TSCA

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CE Marking Responsibilities for Importers: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 2 Comments

Planning to import electronics, toys, protective equipment, or medical devices to the European Union? If yes, then you need to ensure that your imported products are correctly CE marked. However, CE marking is far more complex than simply affixing the compliance mark itself.

In this guide, I explain the CE marking process, including risks and common misconceptions, when importing products to the European Union. Continue reading CE Marking Responsibilities for Importers: A Complete Guide

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for US Importers: A Complete Guide

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Toxic Substances Control Act

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulates both chemicals and substances in articles. In this guide, we explain what Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) means in practice for importers and manufacturers, in terms of scope, certification, labeling, and lab testing requirements.

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List of Products Covered by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

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TSCA Covered Products List

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) restricts chemicals and products that may contain restricted chemicals. In this guide, we list various products and materials that are more likely to contain substances restricted by TSCA. This includes composite wood, plastics, batteries, and electronics.

Further, some products are also listed in TSCA, while others are covered in this guide as they are generally more likely to contain the restricted substances – without being explicitly mentioned in the TSCA. Also, this is not a definitive list, and other products and materials may be subject to the TSCA.

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EN 71 Toy Safety Lab Testing: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 21 Comments

EN 71 is harmonised in the European Union, under the Toy Safety Directive. This means that toys imported and manufactured in the EU must be fully tested and compliant with all applicable EN 71 standards.

In this guide, we explain what EN 71 is, how to assess which parts apply, whether testing is mandatory, costs, and much more.

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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