Model WB-5002 from Wenzhou Wanbang of mainland comes with a cow suede upper, mesh lining and TPR outsole. Price is $4.50.

Strict export directives are prompting companies to subject designs to intensive QC checks.

Mainland China and Hong Kong suppliers of children's casual shoes are emphasizing quality by following international standards and setting up their own guidelines.

Quality improvement is in the forefront as makers carry out more stringent inspections on products. Suppliers featured in this report perform a series of QC procedures at their own factories. They also submit samples to third parties for more-advanced testing.

In addition, mainland and Hong Kong companies are taking special measures to ensure that raw materials used are free of or have minimal lead, azo, cadmium, nickel and phthalate content.

To make certain that ribbons, buttons, buckles and other small parts do not come off easily, finished products also go through pull and durability tests. Further, the lengths of the shoelaces are measured according to international standards.

In the mainland, makers have in-house QC technicians who monitor production, from material sourcing to assembly to packaging of orders.

Fuzhou Riversuny Waterproof Garments & Bag Mfg Ltd has 10 inspectors who perform raw material and finished product QC according to ISO 9001:2000 guidelines.

The company exports to the US, the EU, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Eighty percent of shipments bear the in-house Riversuny brand.

Wenzhou Wanbang Shoes Co. Ltd implements QC measures at all stages of production. The ISO 9001:2000-certified company has 50 personnel in charge of quality checks under efforts to ensure that all models are safe and valid for export.

Rongguang Group Import & Export Trade Co. Ltd and Wenzhou Highway Trade Shoes Co. Ltd run ISO 9001:2000-certified operations as well.

The two companies have in-house technicians who monitor quality according to customers' specific requirements.

Xiamen Century Trading Co. Ltd carries out key QC procedures in-house, conducting random inspections before orders are shipped. Other than casual shoes, the company also manufactures children's sports shoes and sandals.

Zhejiang Zhongda Sunjoy Trading Co. Ltd has established its own laboratory for testing children's casual shoes. The company's factory is equipped with pull and abrasion testing machines.

Suppliers in the mainland and Hong Kong are using PU leather in most new models. Although more expensive than PVC, the material yields a leatherlike look and feel. In addition, PU can be given finishes and treatments typically used on genuine leather such as patent and shrunken grain.

Other material options for children's casual shoe uppers are PVC, pigskin, nylon mesh and canvas.

For the outsoles, TPR is commonly used because it is flexible and enhances shoe comfort. Hard rubber is also adopted, but mostly for midrange and high-end models.

The lining can come in a variety of materials, including brushed fabric, PVC, denim and canvas.

In Hong Kong, children's casual shoes from Sun Ya Shoes Mfy Ltd feature colorful designs with PU leather uppers and TPR outsoles. The insoles have breathable padding for improved comfort.

Sun Ya's factory in the mainland has a monthly output of 200,000 pairs, most of which are exported to France, Italy and Spain.

The majority of shipments are under OEM and ODM contracts, while the rest bear the in-house Chiots brand.

Among Sun Lik Shoes & Metal Co. Ltd's best-sellers is the Golden Shoe model, which uses PU leather for the upper, lining and outsole. The company employs suede, fabric and nylon mesh on other designs.

Sun Lik exports to Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the US. OEM clients include Weebok, Reebok's footwear line for children.

Hong-Tech Footwear Co. Ltd specializes in children's shoes that come in PU leather and TPR. Exports go mainly to Europe, the US and Southeast Asia.

Hong-Tech purchases most raw materials in the mainland. Despite rising costs, the company has managed to keep its prices competitive.

There are about 500 children's casual shoe suppliers in the mainland, 90 percent of which are capable of exporting directly. The bulk of production takes place in Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.

Companies cater primarily to the low-end and midrange markets. Aside from casual shoes, makers often offer children's sports shoes, rain boots, sandals, clogs and flip-flops.

Mainland suppliers shipped an estimated $1.2 billion worth of children's casual shoes in 2006. North America, Europe and Asia are the major destinations.

In Hong Kong, there are about 16 manufacturers in the line. The majority has established factories in the mainland, particularly in Guangdong, due to the lower operating costs there.

Other than children's casual shoes, companies manufacture a variety of men's and women's footwear.

Contract work dominates the export business in Hong Kong, with more than half of shipments under ODM and OEM. North America absorbs approximately 40 percent of shipments, while the rest go to the EU and Asia.

A number of companies, however, have already started building in-house brands. They limit exports to small markets because well-known foreign brands recently have a strong foothold in developed regions.