American importer often ask us questions about the compliance documents they need when importing products from China. I thought it would be interesting to ask Fredrik Gronkvist, from Chinaimportal.com, to answer the most frequent questions we get asked about US compliance. He has a firm grasp on this complex topic that can seem complex and confusing. 1. Do I actually need some documents to prove that my products are compliant with US safety regulations? Documentation is in many ways part … [Read more...]

A client asked for my advice about a common situation: They are about to give a relatively large order to a factory. They had a bad experience with that same factory in the past. They had too many defective products and it was quite costly. I have met with many importers in this situation. Here is what I usually tell them. First, why keep working with the same factory? Have they promised they would improve? On what basis? In most cases it doesn't happen, and the next production run … [Read more...]

Planning the start of production so that a first article can be made and checked before the rest of mass production takes place... That's not something the average Chinese factory does, unfortunately. I am not referring to the pre-production samples, but to the first piece out of 'real' mass production. By real mass production, I mean this piece has to be made in the same material and/or components, on the same equipment, by same people, etc. as mass production. Why do many … [Read more...]

Many buyers are fed up with quality issues that went unnoticed and ended up being shipped out, and they know something needs to change. One obvious way to contain issues is to check quality before shipment. At same time, they are afraid of shocking the manufacturer with a mark of distrust. They are afraid everything goes downhill from there. Are you in this situation? Then this article is for you. I collected the tips I usually offer to the new clients of our quality assurance … [Read more...]

As you look at the products you manufacture in China, you need to evaluate the risks that something goes wrong. When it comes to electrical products, one of the major risks is that the supplier uses substandard components in order to earn more profit. From experience, the risk is particularly high with batteries. The product might work fine during an open-the-box-and-turn-the-product-on inspection, but might have a very small capacity. There are basically 4 options to check the battery … [Read more...]

I listened to an interesting podcast on Global From Asia. It is entitled Amazon FBA Trends in 2018 with Danny MCmillan and Will Tjernlund. These two guests shared their experiences and insights on the 'Fulfilment By Amazon' platform. I took a few notes that are outlined below. Amazon is now a huge platform Outside of China, Amazon often represents more than 80% of sales for e-commerce companies. Many companies depend excessively on Amazon and have been trying to develop other channels … [Read more...]

I wrote a detailed guide on quality inspection software for buying offices, on the SynControl website. It has become a hot topic for buying offices and trading companies. Top management is looking for savings in support functions, and the quality department is fist in line. These types of questions are asked more and more often: Do we really need 4 people in the office to manage quality? Couldn't we be more efficient? Would it make a difference if we had fewer inspectors? Does quality … [Read more...]

When investigating quality problems, we are often faced with the same issue: lack of traceability. Let's say some metal pieces don't fit well and this is found at the assembly stage. It typically unfolds as follows: We look at the faulty parts. They are off-tolerance in some critical-to-quality dimensions. We go to the preceding process, for example CNC milling. Unfortunately, the faulty parts were processed 6 days ago and since then they have done a new setup and are working on … [Read more...]

Once the products hit your dock and once you have paid 100% of the order, there is little you can do in case products are not up to your specifications. Chances are, you have already paid the supplier in full. And the supplier will certainly not give your money back, or re-produce for free. (It does happen, but very seldom.) That’s why professional importers generally have every order inspected before shipment. (Chinese factories are famous for cheapening the product when the buyer starts … [Read more...]

I’ll assume you have found and audited a good manufacturer. They have communicated well up until now, and you feel confident about them. But should you feel confident? Several things can go wrong: They might be too busy, and farm your job out to another factory – without telling you. They might receive substandard components from their suppliers, and decide to use them anyway. Your product might be new to them in a way you did not anticipate or forecast. Fortunately, there is a … [Read more...]