Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello folks,

Does anyone know if the wording "Made in XXXX" is needed on product packaging?  Is it mandatory?  Could it be skipped if there`s not enough space? 

We have some products manufactured in another country and imported them back to the US for simple assembly and final packaging.  These are small items so the product  doesn`t lend itself for marking.  The packaging is also very compact so there isn`t enough space to put additional info beyond the marketing and explanation on usage. 

Does anyone know what`s the regulations on whether the markings are mandatory or not? 

Any information is helpful!  We want to do the right thing!

It is likely that country of origin is required. However, it can depend on the constituent parts and what the thing is. If you notice, even throwaway cheapie plastic items you buy at the dollar store have a tiny adhesive label saying "made in xxxx". More comprehensive info is here. Another thing, are competing products so labeled? If so, it`s likely yours will need it too. If this is a component, you may be required to label it as assembled in the US of foreign components.

If your product is a consumer good, I`m afraid that as of tomorrow, you have much greater fish to fry.


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~Nurture people, not products~
http://www.fashion-incubator.com

Kathleenfasanella,
That`s really good information you referenced! 

But boy, the last URL you suggested, which refers to an article about more stringent regulations on labeling and certification, certainly raises my eyebrows.  With so many cases of harmful materials being used in imported goods, I agree that better oversight is necessary to keep us all safe.  And I could imagine big companies like Mattel having the manpower and money to fund these additional certifications and assurance, but gosh, that would be quite challenging for small and startup businesses. 

Any SUN small biz and manufacturers out there who`s watching how the regulations may be changed?  Any worries out there? 

I haven`t seen any discussion of it on SUN. It also affects retailers too because they must require that their vendors supply them with upstream certifications meaning, they may not be able to stock the shelves.

I can`t speak for SUN but we are certainly worried, particularly as it affects small producers. We have a thread going with over 60 posts at last count. Luckily, since our membership is comprised ONLY of manufacturers, some with extensive regulatory experience, we`re analyzing and working through it. We are planning to spearhead an effort during the comments phase once guidelines on proposed implementation are presented. Please note that while the guidelines are not yet finalized,the rules go into effect tomorrow.

One of the things we`ve done is get detailed quotes from certification labs. Quotes, depending on the services rendered are ranging from $500 to $982 PER ITEM. Obviously, your process comes into play, will you assay known inputs or finished goods? Here I`ll quote what one of our member manufacturing engineers says

* When we were setting up our hazardous waste satellite accumulation point, our safety officer explained to me that there were two ways to establish the contents of a waste stream: by input analysis or by assay (sampling and testing). You rely on the former when you are using known inputs and known processes, the latter when using multiple inputs and a variety of processes. Seems to me that you could take the same approach here. If you are making something relatively simple, you get your fabrics, facings, thread, and hardware tested and you`re done. If you`re doing something complex (specialty dyes, processes, re-purposing, etc.), you may have to resort to testing.

Anyway, it is causing quite a stir, this has been flying under the radar but after this afternoon, I imagine the big press wires will begin to pick up the story and get the word out. We are doing our part!


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~Nurture people, not products~
http://www.fashion-incubator.com

This is fascinating, in the way that a massive fatal car crash on a freeway is compelling. It comes from the idea that we (as a society) can legislate reality and morality; that we can pass laws to prevent people from having their feelings hurt, or having pain or anything bad in their lives.

We`re on the verge of what appears to be a major economic depression. We have a global economic crisis, millions of people out of work, and the ONLY sector of the economy that`s producing positive numbers is the small business sector.

So naturally, let`s add more regulations and taxes, problems and uncertainties to that small business sector.

It`ll be interesting to also see how these new regulations impact China`s economy, along with the entire concept of re-selling and distribution. I suppose there`ll have to be a landmark legal case before the dust settles. After all, one reason for these regulations has to do with the money in damages resulting from lawsuits.

Small businesses don`t have the "deep pockets" of traditional major retailers. I wonder if that`ll affect frivolous and convoluted lawsuits.

How come there aren`t more playgrounds for children? Why is Trick-or-Treat an almost ancient myth? How come people can`t enjoy ponds anymore for skating or fishing? All of it because of liability laws passed "for the children."

Another issue is what constitutes "a child?" We`ve been following stories coming out of Florida and the insurance "laws," telling us that businesses will be liable for insurance to employees and "their children" up to ages 30 years old!

Funny, isn`t it, how many lawyers also are politicians? And how politicians are given the authority to make laws.

Kathleen,
Thank you for offering the information and fighting for the small guys.  I hope something reasonable can be worked out that would increase safety yet doesn`t impede upon small business innovations.