Product Compliance Tests – Explanations & References
Generated 2025-11-10 • Promier / LitezAll
Prop 65
Explanation: "Prop 65 requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. All products manufactured for LitezAll must undergo this test to ensure compliance with California regulations, protecting consumers from potential health risks."
- Identify any listed chemicals in materials, coatings, inks, solders, plastics.
- Compare potential exposure to OEHHA safe-harbor (NSRL/MADL) levels.
- If exposure can’t be ruled out, apply the Prop 65 warning and keep documentation.
FCC
Explanation: "The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) test is mandatory for all electronic devices sold in the United States. It ensures that the device does not emit harmful electromagnetic interference and complies with U.S. communication standards."
- Most non-radio products follow Part 15 (SDoC) with EMC testing and labeling.
- Radios/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi require Certification via a TCB with an FCC ID.
- Maintain test reports, user manual statements, and supplier SDoC.
CE
Explanation: "CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. It is mandatory for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). The CE mark certifies that the product complies with all relevant European directives and regulations, ensuring it can be legally marketed in the EU."
- Identify applicable directives (EMC, LVD, RoHS/RED) and apply harmonized standards.
- Compile a Technical File and issue an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Affix the CE mark to product/packaging and keep records for market surveillance.
European Commission – CE marking Your Europe – CE requirements
TSCA
Explanation: "The TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) test ensures that products containing chemical substances comply with U.S. regulations. This test is required for all items sold in Walmart to protect the public from unreasonable risks associated with chemicals in products."
- Confirm substances are on/eligible for the TSCA Inventory and not restricted.
- Collect supplier attestations; test when disclosures are incomplete or uncertain.
- Monitor new EPA risk evaluations/rules that may affect articles.
Reese’s Law
Explanation: "Reese’s Law mandates that products containing button cell or coin batteries have child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion. This test ensures that the packaging meets strict safety standards to protect children from harm."
- Requires child-resistant battery compartments and ingestion warnings.
- Demonstrate compliance using ANSI/UL 4200A.
- Applies to products and replacement batteries; update manuals/labels.
CPSC Button/Coin Battery Guidance UL – Reese’s Law / UL 4200A
TCLP
Explanation: "TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) testing determines whether a product qualifies as hazardous waste under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. It simulates landfill conditions to check if toxic substances could leach into the environment, ensuring safe disposal."
- Used for waste classification of electronics, lamps, batteries, coatings, etc.
- Compares leachate results to regulatory thresholds to determine status.
- Dictates disposal, transport, and handling requirements.
DOE
Explanation: "The DOE (Department of Energy) test ensures that products, especially those related to energy consumption, meet U.S. energy efficiency standards. This test is mandatory for all products sold in Walmart to comply with federal regulations, reducing energy use and environmental impact."
- Determine if covered (battery chargers, EPS, certain lamps, etc.).
- Test to DOE procedures and certify to DOE’s database when applicable.
- Keep certification records and ensure truthful efficiency claims.
DOE – Certification & Enforcement DOE – Certification Database
WERCS Registration
Explanation: "WERCSmart registration is a system used to manage and track the safety of products containing hazardous chemicals, particularly those sold in major retail stores like Walmart. All items sold in Walmart must have this registration to ensure they meet safety and regulatory compliance requirements, providing transparency and safety information to consumers."
- Submit full formulation/CAS to create hazard/regulatory profiles.
- Retailers use WERCS data for onboarding and compliance checks.
- Update entries when formulations, UPCs/GTINs, or labels change.
UN38.3
Explanation: "UN38.3 testing is required for the safe transport of lithium batteries. It involves a series of rigorous tests to ensure that batteries can withstand transportation stresses, such as pressure changes, temperature variations, and physical shocks, without posing a safety risk."
- Includes tests T.1–T.8 (altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, short, impact/crush, overcharge, forced discharge).
- Maintain and share the UN38.3 Test Summary with shippers/customers.
- Applies to loose cells/batteries and equipment containing them.
UNECE – Manual of Tests & Criteria UNECE – Manual (Rev. 7 PDF)
ANSI FL1
Explanation: "ANSI FL1 standards define the performance of portable lighting devices, such as flashlights. This test is mandatory for all products made for Kodiak, WM, and GM lines, measuring brightness, beam distance, runtime, and impact resistance to provide standardized and reliable information about the product’s performance."
- Standardized methods and icon set for lumens, runtime, beam distance, impact/water.
- Enables apples-to-apples comparisons across brands and models.
- Display FL1 icons on packaging and spec sheets; retain test reports.
ASTM Child Safety
Explanation: "ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) child safety standards ensure that products intended for children are safe and meet rigorous regulatory requirements. This test evaluates the product for potential hazards such as choking, sharp edges, and toxic materials."
- U.S. toy standard is ASTM F963 (mandatory under CPSIA).
- Covers small parts, mechanical/physical hazards, flammability, and heavy metals.
- Requires CPSC-accepted third-party lab testing and a Children’s Product Certificate.
MSDS / SDS
Explanation: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide detailed information on the properties, handling, storage, and emergency measures for products containing hazardous chemicals. This test ensures that products have the necessary documentation to inform users about safety precautions and potential risks."
- Under OSHA HazCom/GHS, the current term is SDS (16-section format).
- Ensure English SDS is readily accessible to employees and partners.
- Keep SDS aligned with labels and retailer portals (e.g., WERCS).