Good news for companies exporting CE marked products to the United Kingdom. Today, the UK regulator has extended the foreseen deadline for the replacement of the CE marking for the UKCA marking with one more year until the 1st January 2023. This means that exporters that sell into the UK have one more year to sell their CE marked products, and to change their product labels.
Transition from the CE Marking to the UKCA Marking
This measure has been taken to grant the industry additional time to make the transition. The extension applies provided that the UK and EU product requirements are the same. The rule also includes products which have been assessed by an EU recognised notified body. Those companies that already want to affix the UKCA marking are free to do so, provided of course that their products comply with the applicable UK regulations.
We continue to continue to monitor the regulatory developments in the UK and in the EU.
To ensure exhibitors have a successful Expo, ABC Kids Expo has partnered with Jacoby Solutions to help them prepare for the 2022 Show so that you have all the compliance requirements in place to show Proof of Compliance so you can expedite the onboarding process into new sales channels.
As product sellers expand into new markets and sales channels, they are confronted with new standards, regulations, and retailer requirements that may require new compliance processes. An effective compliance program improves your product’s quality and safety, broadens your product’s market, ensures compliance with regulations and laws, and can also help provide protection from future product liability issues.
By attending the Seller P.O.C. Trade Show Sales Ready webinar you will be able to:
Realize that proof of compliance is more than a test report and a CPC.
Understand how a formal compliance program adds value to your company brand.
Know the major elements of a consumer product safety compliance program
Conduct a compliance census for your company so you know where you stand and can identify areas in need of improvement.
Develop corrective action plan to Be Trade Show Sales Ready ASAP, so you can align upcoming production to meet major retailer requirements.
Adapt your documents to be one size for proof to all.
We also will provide a state of compliance enforcement update so you:
Prepare for the new aggressive enforcement stance of the CPSC at the ports.
Understand the Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 Market Surveillance law that went into effect July 16, 2021.
Know about Authorized Representative requirement for the EU and UK
Can plan for implementation of the UKCA mark on your products that goes into effect Jan 1, 2023.
Covid has disrupted the supply chain for everyone, everywhere. How do you know that the products you tested 8 months ago are still compliant with the current shipment? If you are planning to expand to new channels at the ABC Kids Expo, you need to plan now so your upcoming production meets the requirements of your targeted sales channels.
ABC Kids Expo will Offer a Series of Webinars ahead of the show with topics such as: “Preparing for Day 1 as a first-time exhibitor.”-“Selling in the EU and UK, Understanding CE / UK CA Marking and new harmonized enforcement law.” “Selling on Amazon / Instituting a Quality Program to ensure great reviews”. and ” How to use technology for better Customer Service and Warranty” Support
Complete Compliance with an Eye on Business Transformation!
Jacoby Solutions is a brand protection consulting practice specializing in helping companies achieve operational readiness for ongoing CPSIA and CPSC required compliance via improved process and systems. A one-stop shop for manufacturing, distributors, and Amazon sellers in need of a partner who can help them evolve their business while keeping an eye on compliance, Jacoby Solutions saves companies time and resources by helping them develop compliance related standard operating procedures in all areas from manufacturing and distribution to supply chain management and customer service.
Jacoby Solutions is a CPSC approved Product Safety Coordinator and since 2011, we have been helping companies with CPSIA, implementing compliance programs, and implementing technology to help companies centralize their compliance activities and reduce their risk.
https://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.png00B Jacobyhttps://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.pngB Jacoby2022-01-06 03:58:442022-01-12 03:15:38Seller Proof Of Compliance = Trade Show Sales Ready
We are getting ready to start another year, and it looks like it will be at least another year until we can again travel to our factories and suppliers. On top of that, the CPSC has gone into aggressive enforcement mode, so how can you be sure that you have the right policies and procedures in place to protect your brand and reduce your risk of importing a non-compliant product?
The supply chain shortages you have heard about are real, so how can you be sure that the product you tested eight months ago is the same as the one on the shipment you are expecting for delivery before Chinese New Year? A material change is your most significant threat to the compliance of your products, so here are a few things you can do to lessen your risk with upcoming shipments.
Implement a supplier guide to outline your requirements that address everything from packaging, labeling, product testing, and material change.
Implement language into your Purchase Orders related to the compliance of your products. Get the factory to agree that it will be liable for your company’s economic loss that results from its failure to comply with its product safety obligations.
Implement a material change policy with forms to document any material changes, so your factory can notify you of any changes that might affect the certification of your products, as new testing may be warranted if new raw materials or components are used.
Perform pre-shipment checks using a third-party inspection company so you can verify both the quality and compliance of your products. Tracking labels for children’s products and incorrect Children’s Product Certificates are low-hanging fruit for the CPSC, so make sure these are in order.
Do an unannounced factory inspection and test for lead or phthalates to ensure that your products comply. Be mindful of who selects the product sample to be tested, as it must be a representative sample of the product you are introducing into commerce.
Your factories and suppliers are your business partners, so you need to set the right expectations and hold them accountable for manufacturing excellent quality and compliant products. Never prepay for goods before delivery. If possible, the best practice is to place a deposit to start production and the next payment upon your product clearing customs, so they know they have your best interests in mind!
With the new year fast approaching, now is the time to implement these changes and others to update this and any part of your compliance program for the way you currently do business, as it seems like the next few months will be more of the same as Covid does not seem to be going away soon.
https://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.png00B Jacobyhttps://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.pngB Jacoby2021-12-26 04:17:002022-01-06 04:02:395 Ways to combat material changes and non-compliant products
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Firms are required to report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) potentially hazardous products that they manufacture, distribute, import or sell. To encourage more online reporting of these potential hazards, CPSC will require firms to use a new, upgraded online reporting system for Fast Track recalls.
“Our goal is to protect consumers, by identifying and removing hazardous products from the marketplace more quickly, and by streamlining the recall process,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “We are extremely proud of the hard work that CPSC staff put into creating this new tool to facilitate online reporting.”
CPSC’s Fast Track program helps consumers by removing hazardous products from the marketplace quickly, and it rewards businesses that act swiftly to implement corrective action.
The updated Section 15(b) reporting system for companies, now available at www.saferproducts.gov/business, has a user-friendly interface that includes hover-over features and guidance for firms to navigate the submission process. Firms using the new site will also receive an emailed copy of all information submitted to CPSC through the system, along with emailed case updates, deadline reminders and contact information for the CPSC staff handling their report.
This system is also mobile-friendly, so users can now submit reports and provide attachments via their smart phones or tablets. Businesses that participate in the Fast Track program will also be able to review and approve a system-generated draft recall press release before submitting their report, to help expedite the overall recall process.
Effective January 31, 2022, businesses that want to participate in the Fast Track program will be required to submit their Section 15(b) reports exclusively online through the portal. Reports received via email, fax, or mail for participation in a Fast Track recall will be rejected after this date, and the firms will be directed to resubmit their reports via the online system.
Although many of the new system features, and its mandatory use, apply specifically to Fast Track recalls, non-Fast Track filers are strongly encouraged to use the updated online system, as well. Users can easily file an initial report and can submit additional information and documents, if desired, using the system.
This market surveillance regulation, (EU) 2019/1020 going into effect July 16, 2021 is mainly aimed at e-commerce and takes the responsibility of compliance that used to be borne by the consumer and now places it on the Economic operators, i.e. manufacturers, an authorized representative, the importer, the distributor or fulfillment service provider. Amazon does provide fulfillment services but does not want the role of designated official to communicate with the market surveillance officials on product compliance or conformity issues. They are now requiring non-EU based sellers of CE marked products to appoint a responsible person or official for CE-marked products so they can avoid being held responsible by EU authorities. Your EU based designated person will be responsible to act as single point of contact for all compliance and conformity related issues as well as CE compliance.
With this new law if your product is not compliant in one EU country , it is not compliant in all and the Union Product Compliance Network (UPCN) is the key initiative arising from the EU Market Surveillance Regulation. The UPCN will act as a hub for all enforcement agencies to access compliance data. These organizations work with businesses to evaluate their products and perform random testing and they will then make the information available to the network. This information to be made available will be Product Testing, DOC’s, Enforcement and Corrective Actions, Market Surveillance Data and shared initiatives or projects.
To better prepare for this regulation, now is the time appoint your EU based Responsible Person and to align your documentation and set up your technical files and document systems to allow them to access files for your products sold online in the EU should they need to answer to compliance officials in the future.
If you have not created EC Declaration of Conformity documents you will soon be asked to provide to Amazon such documents along with Genuine Product Images. You will also need to provide County of Origin (COO) data in order to list products to sell on Amazon.
https://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.png00billjacsolhttps://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.pngbilljacsol2020-12-30 20:25:002021-01-20 02:33:06Amazon EU Sellers…Prepare Now 2021!
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of popular inclined sleep products for infants, citing the findings of a new study. The study is part of a growing body of evidence showing that inclined sleepers with higher angles do not provide a safe sleep environment for infants. Several inclined sleepers have previously been recalled by the CPSC.
The agency continues to emphasize that the best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard. Parents and caregivers should never add blankets, pillows or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs.
New Study Confirms: Babies Should Sleep on Firm, Flat Surface
CPSC received reports of 1,108 incidents, including 73 infant deaths, related to infant inclined sleep products that occurred from January 2005 through June 2019. CPSC hired independent expert Erin Mannen, Ph.D., a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, to conduct infant testing to evaluate the design of inclined sleep products. Dr. Mannen measured infants’ muscle movements and oxygen saturation while in various products and positions, such as a flat crib, an inclined crib, and several inclined sleep products. Dr. Mannen found that none of the inclined sleep products her team tested is safe for infant sleep. Dr. Mannen’s report was conclusive that products with inclines 10 degrees or less, with flat and rigid surfaces, are likely safe for infant sleep. Dr. Mannen also found that soft and plush-like sleep surfaces pose dangers to infants.
What Should Parents and Caregivers Do Now?
Stop using infant sleep products with inclined seat backs of more than 10 degrees. Parents and caregivers should not use infant car seats, bouncers, and other infant inclined products for sleep, and should follow manufacturer instructions.
Follow safe sleep advice. Bare is Best: Do not add blankets, pillows, or other items to the baby’s sleep environment. Back to Sleep: Always place infants to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface.
Check www.cpsc.gov often to see if your nursery products have been recalled, and promptly follow the recall instructions to receive a refund, replacement, or repair. Consumers who register their nursery products with the manufacturer’s registration card (included with nursery items) can be contacted directly by the manufacturer if there is a recall.
https://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.png00billjacsolhttps://jacobysolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/New-JS-SPOC-logo-small.pngbilljacsol2019-11-01 07:47:542019-11-12 19:50:17CPSC Cautions Consumers Not to Use Inclined Infant Sleep Products
UKCA Marking Deadline Extended
/in Posts/by B JacobyFrom CE Marking.net
Good news for companies exporting CE marked products to the United Kingdom. Today, the UK regulator has extended the foreseen deadline for the replacement of the CE marking for the UKCA marking with one more year until the 1st January 2023. This means that exporters that sell into the UK have one more year to sell their CE marked products, and to change their product labels.
This measure has been taken to grant the industry additional time to make the transition. The extension applies provided that the UK and EU product requirements are the same. The rule also includes products which have been assessed by an EU recognised notified body. Those companies that already want to affix the UKCA marking are free to do so, provided of course that their products comply with the applicable UK regulations.
We continue to continue to monitor the regulatory developments in the UK and in the EU.
Details: UK Government Website
Seller Proof Of Compliance = Trade Show Sales Ready
/in Posts/by B JacobyJanuary 4, 2022
All Baby & Child | ABC Kids Expo has partnered with Jacoby Solutions – Seller Proof of Compliance for a FREE Webinar series on Seller P.O.C. The goal is to help Trade Show exhibitors understand how to build out their compliance program with Seller Proof Of Compliance to have all the necessary elements to show Proof of Compliance to Amazon, major retailers, and regulatory bodies in markets where they currently sell or hope to sell in 2022! REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3HEDCWk
To ensure exhibitors have a successful Expo, ABC Kids Expo has partnered with Jacoby Solutions to help them prepare for the 2022 Show so that you have all the compliance requirements in place to show Proof of Compliance so you can expedite the onboarding process into new sales channels.
As product sellers expand into new markets and sales channels, they are confronted with new standards, regulations, and retailer requirements that may require new compliance processes. An effective compliance program improves your product’s quality and safety, broadens your product’s market, ensures compliance with regulations and laws, and can also help provide protection from future product liability issues.
By attending the Seller P.O.C. Trade Show Sales Ready webinar you will be able to:
We also will provide a state of compliance enforcement update so you:
Covid has disrupted the supply chain for everyone, everywhere. How do you know that the products you tested 8 months ago are still compliant with the current shipment? If you are planning to expand to new channels at the ABC Kids Expo, you need to plan now so your upcoming production meets the requirements of your targeted sales channels.
ABC Kids Expo will Offer a Series of Webinars ahead of the show with topics such as: “Preparing for Day 1 as a first-time exhibitor.”-“Selling in the EU and UK, Understanding CE / UK CA Marking and new harmonized enforcement law.” “Selling on Amazon / Instituting a Quality Program to ensure great reviews”. and ” How to use technology for better Customer Service and Warranty” Support
About Jacoby Solutions
Complete Compliance with an Eye on Business Transformation!
Jacoby Solutions is a brand protection consulting practice specializing in helping companies achieve operational readiness for ongoing CPSIA and CPSC required compliance via improved process and systems. A one-stop shop for manufacturing, distributors, and Amazon sellers in need of a partner who can help them evolve their business while keeping an eye on compliance, Jacoby Solutions saves companies time and resources by helping them develop compliance related standard operating procedures in all areas from manufacturing and distribution to supply chain management and customer service.
Jacoby Solutions is a CPSC approved Product Safety Coordinator and since 2011, we have been helping companies with CPSIA, implementing compliance programs, and implementing technology to help companies centralize their compliance activities and reduce their risk.
5 Ways to combat material changes and non-compliant products
/in Posts/by B JacobyWe are getting ready to start another year, and it looks like it will be at least another year until we can again travel to our factories and suppliers. On top of that, the CPSC has gone into aggressive enforcement mode, so how can you be sure that you have the right policies and procedures in place to protect your brand and reduce your risk of importing a non-compliant product?
The supply chain shortages you have heard about are real, so how can you be sure that the product you tested eight months ago is the same as the one on the shipment you are expecting for delivery before Chinese New Year? A material change is your most significant threat to the compliance of your products, so here are a few things you can do to lessen your risk with upcoming shipments.
Your factories and suppliers are your business partners, so you need to set the right expectations and hold them accountable for manufacturing excellent quality and compliant products. Never prepay for goods before delivery. If possible, the best practice is to place a deposit to start production and the next payment upon your product clearing customs, so they know they have your best interests in mind!
With the new year fast approaching, now is the time to implement these changes and others to update this and any part of your compliance program for the way you currently do business, as it seems like the next few months will be more of the same as Covid does not seem to be going away soon.
CPSC Launches New Online Tool to Make it Easier for Businesses to Report Hazards and to Protect Consumers; Mandatory for Fast Track Program in January 2022
/in Posts/by B JacobyWASHINGTON, D.C. –Firms are required to report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) potentially hazardous products that they manufacture, distribute, import or sell. To encourage more online reporting of these potential hazards, CPSC will require firms to use a new, upgraded online reporting system for Fast Track recalls.
“Our goal is to protect consumers, by identifying and removing hazardous products from the marketplace more quickly, and by streamlining the recall process,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “We are extremely proud of the hard work that CPSC staff put into creating this new tool to facilitate online reporting.”
CPSC’s Fast Track program helps consumers by removing hazardous products from the marketplace quickly, and it rewards businesses that act swiftly to implement corrective action.
The updated Section 15(b) reporting system for companies, now available at www.saferproducts.gov/business, has a user-friendly interface that includes hover-over features and guidance for firms to navigate the submission process. Firms using the new site will also receive an emailed copy of all information submitted to CPSC through the system, along with emailed case updates, deadline reminders and contact information for the CPSC staff handling their report.
This system is also mobile-friendly, so users can now submit reports and provide attachments via their smart phones or tablets. Businesses that participate in the Fast Track program will also be able to review and approve a system-generated draft recall press release before submitting their report, to help expedite the overall recall process.
Effective January 31, 2022, businesses that want to participate in the Fast Track program will be required to submit their Section 15(b) reports exclusively online through the portal. Reports received via email, fax, or mail for participation in a Fast Track recall will be rejected after this date, and the firms will be directed to resubmit their reports via the online system.
Although many of the new system features, and its mandatory use, apply specifically to Fast Track recalls, non-Fast Track filers are strongly encouraged to use the updated online system, as well. Users can easily file an initial report and can submit additional information and documents, if desired, using the system.
Visit the Fast Track information page to see how the new system can benefit companies considering a recall.
The new online business portal for the Fast Track Program can be found at www.saferproducts.gov/business
Amazon EU Sellers…Prepare Now 2021!
/in Posts/by billjacsolNew Amazon Requirements
New Amazon Requirements
This market surveillance regulation, (EU) 2019/1020 going into effect July 16, 2021 is mainly aimed at e-commerce and takes the responsibility of compliance that used to be borne by the consumer and now places it on the Economic operators, i.e. manufacturers, an authorized representative, the importer, the distributor or fulfillment service provider. Amazon does provide fulfillment services but does not want the role of designated official to communicate with the market surveillance officials on product compliance or conformity issues. They are now requiring non-EU based sellers of CE marked products to appoint a responsible person or official for CE-marked products so they can avoid being held responsible by EU authorities. Your EU based designated person will be responsible to act as single point of contact for all compliance and conformity related issues as well as CE compliance.
With this new law if your product is not compliant in one EU country , it is not compliant in all and the Union Product Compliance Network (UPCN) is the key initiative arising from the EU Market Surveillance Regulation. The UPCN will act as a hub for all enforcement agencies to access compliance data. These organizations work with businesses to evaluate their products and perform random testing and they will then make the information available to the network. This information to be made available will be Product Testing, DOC’s, Enforcement and Corrective Actions, Market Surveillance Data and shared initiatives or projects.
To better prepare for this regulation, now is the time appoint your EU based Responsible Person and to align your documentation and set up your technical files and document systems to allow them to access files for your products sold online in the EU should they need to answer to compliance officials in the future.
If you have not created EC Declaration of Conformity documents you will soon be asked to provide to Amazon such documents along with Genuine Product Images. You will also need to provide County of Origin (COO) data in order to list products to sell on Amazon.
You can find additional information or full text of the regulation here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32019R1020
Need Help with your Amazon Proof of Compliance? Schedule a call today!
CPSC Cautions Consumers Not to Use Inclined Infant Sleep Products
/in Posts/by billjacsolWASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of popular inclined sleep products for infants, citing the findings of a new study. The study is part of a growing body of evidence showing that inclined sleepers with higher angles do not provide a safe sleep environment for infants. Several inclined sleepers have previously been recalled by the CPSC.
The agency continues to emphasize that the best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard. Parents and caregivers should never add blankets, pillows or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs.
New Study Confirms: Babies Should Sleep on Firm, Flat Surface
CPSC received reports of 1,108 incidents, including 73 infant deaths, related to infant inclined sleep products that occurred from January 2005 through June 2019. CPSC hired independent expert Erin Mannen, Ph.D., a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, to conduct infant testing to evaluate the design of inclined sleep products. Dr. Mannen measured infants’ muscle movements and oxygen saturation while in various products and positions, such as a flat crib, an inclined crib, and several inclined sleep products. Dr. Mannen found that none of the inclined sleep products her team tested is safe for infant sleep. Dr. Mannen’s report was conclusive that products with inclines 10 degrees or less, with flat and rigid surfaces, are likely safe for infant sleep. Dr. Mannen also found that soft and plush-like sleep surfaces pose dangers to infants.
What Should Parents and Caregivers Do Now?