Compliance
Confidence begins before the first introduction.
Our ten qualification principles
We verify before we connect.
Responsible sourcing starts with verification. We help U.S. retailers reduce sourcing risk through a structured approach to international supplier qualification.
Verify compliance before commercial introduction
We do not introduce a supplier solely because it offers competitive pricing or attractive products. Before connecting a manufacturer with a U.S. retailer, we evaluate its capabilities and readiness to meet applicable requirements.
- Manufacturing capabilities
- Supporting documentation
- Certifications
- Operating practices
- Readiness to meet applicable U.S. requirements
- Readiness to meet retailer-specific requirements
Put product safety before commercial opportunity
Every product must be evaluated against the safety requirements applicable to its category, intended use and distribution channel. Commercial potential never replaces product-safety readiness.
- Product safety
- Food safety, where applicable
- Consumer safety
- Manufacturing controls
- Testing requirements
- Product specifications
- Applicable U.S. regulations
- Retailer-specific standards
Assign regulatory responsibilities clearly
International supply chains involve manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors and retailers. We help clarify each party’s responsibilities so there is clear accountability at every stage.
- Manufacturer responsibilities
- Export documentation
- Importer-of-record responsibilities
- Customs requirements
- Product registrations
- Testing and certification
- Labeling
- Retailer compliance
- Recordkeeping
- Corrective actions
Maintain complete, current and traceable documentation
We expect qualified suppliers to maintain reliable documentation supporting their products and operations. Depending on the category, these records must be available, current and suitable for retailer review.
- Product specifications
- Certificates of analysis
- Test reports
- Certifications
- Audit reports
- Ingredient or material documentation
- Manufacturing records
- Traceability records
- Shipping and export documents
- Corrective-action records
- Insurance and business documentation
Qualify suppliers beyond their certifications
Certifications are important, but they are not the only measure of supplier reliability. We evaluate the broader operating environment because a certificate can support qualification without replacing due diligence.
- Actual manufacturing capabilities
- Quality systems
- Production controls
- Capacity
- Traceability
- Management practices
- Compliance history
- Export experience
- Corrective-action capability
- Transparency and responsiveness
Include social and ethical standards in responsible sourcing
Responsible sourcing includes the treatment of workers and the integrity of the manufacturing environment. Where applicable, we evaluate practices that support the social-compliance expectations of U.S. retailers.
- Forced labor
- Child labor
- Human trafficking
- Wages and working hours
- Worker health and safety
- Discrimination
- Freedom of association
- Ethical business conduct
- Workplace conditions
- Supplier code-of-conduct requirements
Support environmental claims with evidence
Sustainability claims must be accurate, specific and supported by evidence. We encourage suppliers to substantiate these claims and do not treat unsupported environmental statements as compliance evidence.
- Recycled content
- Recyclability
- Responsible materials
- Reduced environmental impact
- Sustainable production
- Certifications
- Packaging
- Waste reduction
- Energy or water use
Review labeling and product claims before sale
Products must be prepared for the U.S. market before they are offered commercially. Depending on the category, we review product information so it is accurate, compliant and ready for assessment.
- Product identity
- Net quantity
- Country of origin
- Ingredients
- Allergen declarations
- Nutrition information
- Warnings
- Instructions
- Care information
- Regulatory statements
- Marketing claims
- Private-label requirements
- Packaging language
Prepare for traceability and recalls
Qualified suppliers must be able to identify the origin, movement and disposition of products throughout the supply chain. We evaluate their ability to respond quickly when a product or shipment presents a risk.
- Lot or batch identification
- Raw-material traceability
- Production records
- Shipment records
- Customer records
- Complaint handling
- Product withdrawal
- Recall procedures
- Corrective actions
- Retailer notifications
Treat compliance as an ongoing process
Supplier qualification does not end with the first audit, certification or purchase order. We support ongoing review to help retailers work with suppliers that remain transparent, responsive and compliant as the relationship develops.
- Certification status
- Regulatory changes
- Product changes
- Manufacturing changes
- New facilities
- New materials
- Quality performance
- Customer complaints
- Corrective actions
- Retailer requirements
- Supply-chain risks
Our commitment to U.S. retailers
We help U.S. retailers reduce sourcing risk through a structured approach to international supplier qualification. We do not replace the retailer’s legal, regulatory, quality or compliance teams. We help supplier opportunities reach those teams with better preparation, clearer information and greater transparency.
The next opportunity starts with a conversation
Let’s find your way forward.
Tell us what you make, what you need or where you want to go.