Chinese manufacturing has recently been in the news again due to dangerous levels of cadmium found in jewelry products imported from China.
The Associated Press notes in detail the overall ineffectiveness of the CPSC in dealing with the issue. However it is noted that the CPSC is a diminutive organization in both staff and budget. It faces the monumental task of monitoring and taking responsibility for the safety of thousands of products, and stands little chance of catching every issue like this.
This brings to light a recurring issue for anyone engaged Chinese manufacturing projects. Maximum limits for the content of lead, cadmium, and other harmful substances in products are thoroughly legislated in the United States, and as such companies are expected to adhere to them. Even still, the sheer cost of testing every single batch of product a retailer or importer brings into the US is prohibitive. Even setting aside cost concerns, the administrative effort to organize such comprehensive testing could be overwhelming (think about companies who are coming out with hundreds of new jewelry styles each season).
So how can small and medium size importers and their manufacturers mitigate the risk without driving their costs sky high?
The key is to develop a “reasonable test plan” to determine which products get tested and how often. When developing such a plan, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
1. It is critical when developing a reasonable test plan to have an excellent system for organizing and tracking all data associated with the plan. There are a number of off-the-shelf software programs that can accomplish this. At the very least, spreadsheets should be kept to organize this data.
2. The main factors to consider in developing a reasonable testing plan include:
- Classification and supplier of each material used in manufacturing, as well as the result and date of the last laboratory analysis conducted for each material.
- An estimate of the potential for the material to contain harmful substances (for example, colors like red and green often contain higher levels of harmful substances such as cadmium).
- Total value of the order being manufactured.
- A thorough review of all existing testing reports provided by the supplier of the product/material.
- Your supplier’s track record with regard to product testing and product safety.
To develop a truly effective program feel free to contact InTouch Manufacturing Services for assistance.
