Greater China

Product Compliance and Safety Testing Matter:

Production goes beyond producing a product within scheduling and financial constraints; it requires that the product meet the quality and safety expectations of customers as well as requirements of the CPSIA and Prop 65. For this reason, Greater China has dedicated staff in China that inspect product. We also work with independent testing partners to ensure compliance with CPSIA, Prop 65 and applicable safety requirements. Greater China coordinates all testing protocols during the production process (in-line) and again at the end (final) before any product is shipped. Here are a few areas of expertise:

CPSIA:

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) was passed by U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Bush on Aug. 14, 2008. CPSIA is designed to allow The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to better regulate the safety of children's products imported for sale in the U.S. CPSIA standards apply to a young audience of 12 years and under.  Each child's product is reviewed, protocol established and tested by one of our independent testing lab partners to ensure the appropriate CPSIA standards are met. For additional information please visit the CPSC website which discusses CPSIA in addition to other matters: www.cpsc.gov

CA Prop 65:

A California law that became effective in 1986.  It restricts or prohibits items containing carcinogenic and reproductive harmful chemicals from entering the State of California.  Greater China carefully monitors CA Prop 65 settlements to keep apprised of new developments. In addition, our independent testing lab partners distribute periodic newsletters for updates to CA Prop 65 and related topics.

Although Greater China makes every effort to be compliant with CA Prop 65, we cannot guarantee every piece shipped is free of over eight hundred and fifty chemicals. If you have concerns about compliance with CA Prop 65, the safest option is to include a warning label on the product going to the State of California. 

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. 

Social Compliance Audits:

Audits performed at factory site, typically conducted by an independent testing lab partner.  A thorough audit assesses the following areas: child labor, forced labor, health/safety, freedom of association, discrimination, disciplinary procedures, conditions of the dormitory/canteen, hiring contracts in place, working hours, attendance records, wages, over time compensation, and social insurance system. Greater China coordinates our Social Compliance audits through a network of independent testing lab partners to ensure compliance and require improvements if advised.

C-TPAT:

This is a transportation security certification.  It became very popular after 9/11. Companies and their suppliers go through different tiers of certification to ensure goods shipping into the US do not contain weapons, harmful substances, or potentially hazardous materials. Greater China only works with C-TPAT certified freight forwarders.

FDA Testing:

Generally this applies to drink ware and food serving containers. Greater China implemented the required FDA testing for these products and monitors continual compliance. All mugs, bottles, cups, plates, and food related products are tested to the applicable FDA food contact testing. The specific tests are based on the material or plastic resin code. In addition, Greater China complies with regulations for BPA as outlined below.

ISO 9000-03:

Is a family of standards and guidelines for quality in the manufacturing and service industries from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 9000 defines the criteria for what should be measured. ISO 9001 covers design and development. ISO 9002 covers production, installation and service, and ISO 9003 covers final testing and inspection. ISO 9000 certification does not guarantee product quality but does ensure that the processes that develop the product are documented and performed in a consistent quality manner. Greater China strives to utilize manufacturing partners with ISO 9000 certification where relevant to project scope or upon client request.

Lead:

Is a hazardous substance that is most commonly found in surface coatings and substrate materials. In the past it was used as a drying agent ingredient in many products and is a very common cause for product recalls. The regulation regarding lead is CFR 1303. The maximum permissible lead amount in most products is 90 PPM (parts per million). Lead testing is accomplished through lab testing by scraping off surface coatings (every color) from products. This includes logos applied with ink, tags with ink, and even clear lacquer coatings. Greater China tests every project for lead to ensure compliance with 16 CFR1303.

Phthalates:

Currently there are no federal regulations for phthalates with respect to items for use by adults, however, they are banned in children's toys/child care articles. The CPSIA has set a maximum limit of 0.10%. Phthalates are referenced in section 108 of the CPSIA. Greater China tests for these in all children's products and where relevant.