Product compliance tips for e-sellers post-pandemic

by M.C Brown (Content Editor)

With store closures and lockdowns still in place in many parts of the world, online shopping is rapidly becoming the norm. While there has been a significant boom in e-commerce in recent years, in 2020, amid the pandemic, sales continued to grow. If this trend maintains, experts are predicting that e-commerce sales could reach $8 trillion by 2025, according to Statista.

In more ways than one, the pandemic has brought a wave of transformation in various business sectors and created regulatory disruption. Brands, retailers and sellers using e-commerce platforms must ensure that their product offerings meet the regulatory and safety requirements of the markets they’re selling to.

Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for product compliance post-pandemic:

1. Evaluate your supply chain

When importing products, compliance with various recognized international certifications and tests is crucial. It is important to analyze your company’s supply chain, as it may present considerable risks for non-compliance and non-conformity. From raw materials and components to finished products, you need to ensure that your critical vendors meet the requirements of approved quality agreements and comply with international regulations and guidelines.

2. Conduct an audit of your current QC system

Are your current QC procedures in line with today’s regulatory requirements? Are the methods in place verified or validated? You need to establish a checklist and clear quality criteria that will be used to evaluate products at different stages of inspections.

3. Ensure products are certified and meet regulatory requirements

Post-pandemic, certain regulations are in place for some products. For instance, face/surgical masks and respirators must have the FDA seal of approval. You can consult with third-party accreditation bodies to ensure the products you source comply with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Here at Global Sources, you can source with confidence as our suppliers are verified and comply with various international standards. Simply look for the verified mark when searching for potential suppliers on Global Sources Online.