Product Compliance and Testing
All products delivered by SOMADE must meet the highest quality, safety, and compliance levels required by our standards and expected by our customers.
We are always up to date with the ever-changing requirements mandated by CPSIA, Prop 65, FDA, FTC and other agencies, depending on what product we are manufacturing for you. Quality, safety and product testing are mandatory practices and part of the SOMADE culture we stand behind. Every product is reviewed by our Director of Product Safety, a compliance expert. Specialized attention is given to each product based on how, where and who will be using it. SOMADE works with our testing lab partners to meet strict guidelines and provide certified results. In addition, if clients have special voluntary performance testing requirements, we can arrange those as well.
Quality Assessment (QA):
SOMADE employs internal QA teams to review, rate, and evaluate factories on a variety of guidelines including social compliance, capability, and quality assurance practices. Responsibilities of our QA team include qualifying suppliers and managing and monitoring supplier performance metrics with a standardized scorecard that must produce only the best results. This team communicates daily with our production team to ensure our factories and partner vendors continually exceed the standards we have set forth and come to expect for nearly 18 years.
Quality Control (QC):
SOMADE also employs internal QC teams whose main responsibility is to provide the highest, most stringent level of product inspection during the production process. These are commonly referred to as in-line and post or final inspections. In addition to our own staff, SOMADE works with several testing lab partners to provide independent, certified testing results where needed.
DUPRO Inspection:
A quality inspection that occurs during production before the order is 100% produced. Specifically this looks at the quality of goods that have been manufactured up to a certain point. It can be conducted at 25% complete, 50% complete or 75% complete. The point at which it is conducted depends on protocols set forth by SOMADE or according to client specifications. Inspectors examine the quality of goods and document both major and minor (AQL), defects found. SOMADE strives for 2% or less in order to achieve 100% Satisfaction.
Final Random Inspection (FRI):
A quality inspection that occurs after goods are 100% produced. The inspector examines finished product for quality and function, documenting major and minor defects found. SOMADE utilizes FRI inspections to not only randomly monitor quality of produced orders but also the integrity of factory quality assurance programs.
Industry Standards:
Ensuring the safety and compliance of every order is a cornerstone of SOMADE culture and values. Here are some relevant standards upheld and definitions that SOMADE tests and monitors as just part of the value we bring to you:
CPSIA:
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) was passed by U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Bush on August 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 a testing lab 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. SOMADE carefully monitors CA Prop 65 settlements to keep apprised of new developments. In addition, our testing lab partners distribute periodic newsletters for updates to CA Prop 65 and related topics.
Although SOMADE 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. 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. SOMADE 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. SOMADE works with only C-TPAT certified freight forwarders.
FDA Testing:
Generally this applies to drink ware and food serving containers. SOMADE 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, SOMADE 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. SOMADE strives to utilize manufacturing partners with ISO 9000 certification where relevant.
Bisphenol A (BPA):
Is a chemical most often used in plastics. There is no federal ban in place for the BPA used in adult goods. Most bans apply to products used by babies and toddlers. There are some states that have regulations for adult reusable food and drink containers. If clients communicate their distribution points to SOMADE, we can be sure to test accordingly for these States.
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 16 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. SOMADE 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. SOMADE tests for these in all children's products and where relevant.
