RE: On-site product descriptions

jpf <[email protected]> 6 Aug 2003 21:25:15 -0000
Newsgroups gmane.comp.web.oscommerce.laws
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http://forums.oscommerce.com/viewtopic.php?p=208897#208897
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Are you manufacturing?  Or reselling only?

(Laws will vary a bit according to Country/State/Province – this is a general overview)

Reselling/importing/manufacturing:
Yes - if you have 49% or more foreign content then you have to specify country (or countries) of origin. Note: some counties may require even a less amount to be listed.  IE: Assembled in USA from part from Mexico and other countries……  (this is for almost any product….)

As a apparel manufacturer:
You must have a permanent label attached that show standard sizing, washing instruction and content and must withstand repeated washing/cleaning (typically still readable at 2 feet after 20 washes min).  

If you have "stuffed" or quilted or something that has hidden core - you must have a HEATH label telling that if it contains "new material" black on white or "used fibers" black on a green background.  You may have to register and get a certif.# from a local state/province government consumer/heath/used goods department and put the certif.# on the label.  This is the famous “Do not remove under penalty of law - until delivered to consumer” tag.  

If you are just a dealer or distributor - you don't have to do this thing - it is the responsibility of the manufacturers and mass importers to insure this is done.  As a dealer/distributor you should make sure that what you sell is up to snuff.  As you don’t want a local heath/consumer inspector checking out what you sell and starting to ask you questions you have no answers for.

Trust me – I have worked with companies supplying apparel to the likes of Walmart, Cabela’s, Saan, and The Bay.  And yes, we had a local inspectors walk into a store (was not Walmart or any really big store) and did an on the spot inspection – caught at least 8 problems with 5 or 6 manufactures – only one problem was one of the products I dealt with – it was only minor detail.

As a manufacture they come inspecting goods at the plant at least once a year checking tags and some time taking a sample.  As importing to the US – I have had several items taken for inspection by the boarder for testing for compliance.  But I am talking about 1 item out of a whole load of tens of 1000 and only when a new product was brought in.

The best thing is to consult a local lawyer that knows this type of business.  Well worth an hour of pay.  You might even get enough info from a 15 min FREE consultation.