Compliance and product labels

A product that does not comply with market rules may be held at customs or pulled from sale. That is worse than any loss of sales.

What to check

• The composition and care label and country of origin according to your market.
• Chemical restrictions in textiles and trims.
• Special rules for children’s clothing, which are usually stricter.
• Size and measurement requirements and importer details if any.

Ask the supplier for

• Test reports for the fabric or product.
• Which certificates they hold and their expiry dates.
• Confirmation that they meet the requirements of your specific market.

Consult a specialist

Compliance rules differ between markets and change. Consult a customs broker or a specialist in your market before your first order.

Exercise

Write a list of your market’s requirements for your product: labels, tests and documents. Ask a specialist about the points you do not know.