SPORTSMAN S GUIDE (SG)

Transcription

1 IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES & DOMESTICS SPORTSMAN S GUIDE (SG) PRODUCT TESTING, BRANDING, & RELATED REQUIREMENTS BY HARDLINES & DOMESTICS CATEGORIES THE GOAL OF ENFORCING THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS IS TO ENSURE WE ARE PROVIDING OUR CUSTOMERS WITH HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS THAT MEET OR EXCEED ESTABLISHED PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS. WE EXPECT ALL OF OUR SUPPLIERS TO PARTNER WITH US IN THIS REGARD. IF YOU NOTICE ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OUT OF DATE INFORMATION, OR SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE INFORMATION THAT FOLLOWS, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP... 3 PRODUCT... 3 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS... 4 PROHIBITED PRACTICES... 6 PRODUCT MODIFICATIONS... 6 SAMPLES... 6 MANUFACTURING... 7 QUALITY OF PRODUCT AND CHARGEBACK GUIDELINES... 7 BAN OF DIMETHYL FUMARATE (DMF)... 8 FLAMMABILITY OF SOLIDS (16 CFR )... 8 CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION FUMIGATION CERTIFICATES NEEDED ON SOLID WOOD SHIPMENTS CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB) AIRBORNE TOXIC CONTROL MEASURE (ATCM) COMPLIANCE CARB ATCM LABEL REQUIREMENTS PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCT DECLARATION FORM ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS PURCHASE ORDER EVERY PURCHASE ORDER WILL BE SENT WITH AN ACCOMPANYING CONFIRMATION FORM. PLEASE REVIEW ALL DETAILS OF THE PURCHASE ORDER, AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING CONFIRMATION FORM WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS (MUST INDICATE PORT CITY, OR CITIES FOR MULTIPLE PO S) CONEG THE TOXICS IN PACKAGING LEGISLATION PACKAGING PACKAGING - HARDWARE FIBER CONTENT LABEL TESTING BRANDING TRIM SUPPLIER OWNER S MANUALS OR ASSEMBLY / USE INSTRUCTIONS PRODUCT CATEGORY MANUAL PAGE - 2

3 BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP Prior to any purchase order transaction with The Sportsman s Guide, the nature of our business relationship must be defined and approved. All new vendors must complete and submit one of the agent or trading company agreements that can be found on our import procedure webpage: If you believe the available agreements are not applicable, the business relationship must be defined with the Buyer or Import Specialist before a purchase order transaction can be completed. PRODUCT To have a product considered for purchase, a vendor must submit a completed Sportsman s Guide quote form and provide a product sample when requested. Direct import purchase orders are issued on a vendor and factory/manufacturer specific basis. Once a new item has been approved for purchase, the vendor may also be asked to complete an Import Buy Setup Form. This form includes vendor and factory specific information required to set the item up in our business system and have a purchase order issued. All product modifications (per final sample), packaging, labeling, branding, material spec, and testing requirements must be approved by the Buyer or Import Specialist (IS) at least 30 to 90 days prior to the ship date on our purchase order depending on manufacturing lead time. If the vendor ships products that do not match the sample, or what was agreed on to purchase, it will result in a chargeback. If the buyer accepts the change, the vendor will still be charged back a flat fee of $ due to the additional re-work, and to fix the ad copy/images, etc. Once a product is approved and a purchase order is issued, the vendor agrees that no change of manufacturer(s), or material change to the product will occur without the prior knowledge and consent of The Sportsman s Guide. A material change is defined as any change in the product s design, manufacturing process, or sourcing of component parts, that a manufacturer using due care knows, or should know, could affect the product s ability to comply with applicable rules, bans, standards, or regulations. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 3

4 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS The Sportsman s Guide s certificate of insurance monitoring program is now being provided by CertFocus. We have teamed with CertFocus to automate and streamline a very paper intensive and time consuming portion of our business, insurance certificates. We are excited to offer this new web-based Certificate of Insurance Management System and the advantages it provides to you and your insurance broker. Our office will begin using this system as of January 1 st, CertFocus Contact Information: sportsmansguide@certfocus.com Fax: Requirements: Vendor will carry Occurrence based product liability coverage of at least Two Million Dollars (2,000,000.00), or higher if applicable. Claims Made coverage is not an adequate level of coverage and will not be accepted. The policy must be written from an insurance company rated acceptably to SG that names SG as an additional named insured and includes a Vendors Broad Endorsement covering SG with respect to bodily injury or property damage arising out of Vendor s or named insured s products if such products are distributed or sold in the course of business. Vendor shall provide CertFocus with appropriate evidence of SG having been named as an additional named insured and with a copy of Vendor s Broad Endorsement providing coverage to SG. This certificate should be submitted to the CertFocus at least 30 days prior to the ship date on our first purchase order. Vendors outside of North America must obtain expert representation within North America to assist in the event of an insurance claim. Should Vendor not have adequate insurance as established below or if the Vendor and/or their insurance provider fail to adequately handle product claims in a timely manner, SG reserves the right to deduct, set-off, cancel orders, and/or withhold payment. All renewed certificates should be sent to CertFocus upon expiration of the current policy period. Please submit a certificate of insurance that meets the following requirements: An Occurrence based General Liability policy with minimum limits of $2,000,000 per Occurrence, $2,000,000 Prod/CO Aggregate, and $2,000,000 General Aggregate. PLEASE NOTE Claims Made coverage is NOT sufficient. General Liability must include Vendors Broad Form Endorsement. If your policy limits are less than these requirements, your certificate should include any excess or umbrella policies that extend the general liability limits. General Liability must include a waiver of subrogation and indicate as such on the certificate. Certificate holder and additional insured must be named as below. All deductibles and self-insured retentions must be noted on the certificate. All certificates must provide for at least 30 days notice of cancellation. Certificates must bear an authorized signature that is handwritten, mechanically written, or stamped. All of the above coverage s must be written by a carrier with a minimum A.M. Best rating of A- or better AND a financial size classification of VIII or higher. The certificate should include the following contact information for the insurance producer: Phone Number, Fax Number & Address Certificate Holder: (must be EXACTLY as shown below) The Sportsman s Guide, Inc. c/o CertFocus PO Box Kansas City, MO PAGE - 4

5 Below is an example of the required insurance certificate: IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 5

6 PROHIBITED PRACTICES It is illegal to sell, offer for sale, distribute in commerce or import (a) any consumer product that is not in conformity with an applicable consumer product safety rule, (b) any recalled consumer product or (c) any banned hazardous substance. It is also illegal to sell, offer for sale, distribute in commerce or import any consumer product bearing an unauthorized registered safety certification mark owned by an accredited conformity assessment body. PRODUCT MODIFICATIONS Requested changes to an original sample provided to The Sportsman s Guide by the vendor, requested changes to an original sample supplied by The Sportsman s Guide to the vendor, or changes to specifications provided on initial quote form. To be specified by the SPG buyer and/or IS on a case-by-case basis and agreed upon with the vendor prior to the issuing of a final quote. SAMPLES Whenever modifications have been requested that will change the outward appearance of the product, an additional photography sample may be required that reflects these changes. A final approval sample, that exactly matches the agreed upon product specifications, is required prior to our issuing a purchase order. Whenever possible this sample should be provided to us in the same packaging our order will be shipped to us in. This final sample can also double as the photography sample. PAGE - 6

7 MANUFACTURING All products and packaging supplied to The Sportsman s Guide should be manufactured from finished materials that are non-toxic and non-irritating under normal conditions of use. Toxins and irritants include: Any substance capable of producing personal injury or illness thru ingestion, inhalation or absorption thru any body surface is considered toxic. Any substance, which with immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with normal living tissue will induce a local inflammatory reaction, is considered an irritant. Any item deemed toxic or an irritant is banned from use in our products for children products. Certain Hazardous substances require labeling: o Diethylene / Ethylene Glycol (under 10%) o Toluene, Xylene, Petroleum Distillates (under 10%) o Benzene (under 5%) Methyl Alcohol (under 4%) Turpentine QUALITY OF PRODUCT AND CHARGEBACK GUIDELINES The Sportsman s Guide conducts audits on all products that carry SG Private Label brand names. Please see below guidelines for SG inspection regulation: An initial AQL 4.0 inspection will be conducted internally at no additional fee. Failure of the initial AQL 4.0 will result in AQL 2.5 inspection. This will be held at the vendor s expense at a rate of $40 per hour per person. Rejection at AQL 2.5 will result in 100% inspection at vendor s expense at a rate of $40 per hour per person. SG will keep any merchandise that passes inspection and reject any merchandise with full guarantee of reimbursement. The Vendor may also be charged for lost sales from any catalog, or web site exposure that could not be removed. The Vendor will be informed immediately after the shipment fails the AQL 4.0 audit. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 7

8 BAN OF DIMETHYL FUMARATE (DMF) All products and packaging supplied to The Sportsman s Guide must be non-toxic and non-irritating under normal conditions of use. DMF (Dimethyl fumarate) fungicide, used in some footwear and leather products to prevent mold and mildew, is suspected to have caused serious allergic reactions and skin irritations to some individuals. Therefore, all products supplied to The Sportsman s Guide MUST be DMF (Dimethyl fumarate) fungicide free. This includes DMF used in desiccant packets and/or DMF used during the tanning process of leather. The Sportsman s Guide recommends the following options: 1. Using Suppliers who offer DMF Free Desiccant Packets (option: 2. Use an alternative to a desiccant packet such as an anti-mold sticker (Micro-Pack Sticker - or Wasaouro strips ( FLAMMABILITY OF SOLIDS (16 CFR ) If a product, in its normal or foreseeable use, may come into contact with an ignition source, it will require 16 CFR testing. All applicable products on purchase orders with an Order Date on or after January 1 st, 2010 will require third party testing confirming they are in compliance with 16 CFR standards and labeling. Please contact the Import Specialist to confirm if the item is required to be tested. If the item does not pass 16 CFR testing, the below warning is required to be placed on the product and packaging.!!!warning!!! FLAMMABLE!!! DO NOT EXPOSE ITEM TO OPEN FLAMES, INTENSE RADIANT HEAT, OR ANY OTHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT HIGH TEMPERATURE IGNITION SOURCES SUCH AS BURNING OPERATIONS, MATCHES, WELDING, BURNING CIGARETTES OR LIGHTERS, ELECTRIC SPARKS, SPACE HEATERS OR NAKED LIGHTS. NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14. FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY PAGE - 8

9 CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 California Proposition 65 also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act enacted in This law is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. In late 2016, California adopted new regulations related to the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of The Act and its new regulations update warning requirements for consumer products sold to customers in California that contain certain chemicals. It is expected that all Private Label Brand packaging must comply with the regulations conforming to the new standards. It is the responsibility of the vendor to comply with all California Proposition 65 requirements, failure to do so shall entitle the Sportsman s Guide to cancel/return the order(s), withhold payment and/or charge back for all damages, losses, penalties, attorney fees and related expenses incured as a result of any such failure. For any shipments departing January 1, 2018 or after, Sportsman s Guide will be enforcing the below rules for California Proposition 65. LABELING: In Lieu of testing we will require a warning label to be placed on your product. SG will proceed with the short form California Proposition 65 Warning on all Private Label Product EXCEPT Furniture items. If you manufacture an item that is considered household furniture, you must use the new furniture warning label only. Do not use the short form warning label on your furniture product. PLACEMENT OF WARNING LABEL: 1pc master carton for individual product : place the warning under the UPC sticker Multiple piece master carton : place the warning on the individual polybag or inner carton under the UPC sticker (must be on the salable carton or packaging) EXCEPTIONS TO LABELING : DO NOT put a warning label on the below product categories. They must be tested with Intertek and pass California Proposition 65. FOOD PROCESSING CLOTHING BEDDING IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 9

10 SHORT FORM WARNING: USED ON ALL CATEGORIES EXCEPT FOOD PROCESSING, CLOTHING, BEDDING, AND FURNITURE The word «WARNING» in all capital letters and bold print. The warning symbol, which consists of a black exclamation point in a white or yellow equilateral triangle. The entire warning must be in a type size no smaller than the largest type size used for other consumer information on the product. In no case shall the warning appear in a type size smaller than 6-point type. Warning logo format as pictured below is posted to our weblink You may use the color warning logo or the black and white warning logo. FURNITURE WARNING : MUST BE USED ON ALL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE ITEMS The word «WARNING» in all capital letters and bold print. The warning symbol, which consists of a black exclamation point in a white or yellow equilateral triangle. The entire warning must be in a type size no smaller than the largest type size used for other consumer information on the product. In no case shall the warning appear in a type size smaller than 6-point type. Warning logo format as pictured below is posted to our weblink You may use the color warning logo or the black and white warning logo. Please contact the Import Specialist if you have any questions or concerns regarding the California Proposition 65 warning label. **CHARGEBACK**: Any shipment missing or having an incorrect California Proposition 65 label after January 1, 2018 will result in a $ chargeback plus $0.50 per piece to relabel the product. For additional information re: California Proposition 65, please visit the following sites listed below: PAGE - 10

11 FUMIGATION CERTIFICATES NEEDED ON SOLID WOOD SHIPMENTS Fumigation is a pesticide treatment using poisonous gases to kill pests within the wood. If your product is made of solid wood (or partially made of solid wood), we will require a PRE and POST fumigation certificate from a third party facility. For the PRE fumigation we will accept the Methyl Bromide OR Kiln Drying process. In addition to the PRE certificate we may request detailed photos along with a description of the PRE fumigation process for review. The PRE certification should be provided to Sportsman s Guide prior to, or at the time of, production. The POST fumigation certificate must show that the stuffed container has been fumigated by the Methyl Bromide process only and must be issued by a third party. The POST certification must occur prior to the stuffed container being delivered for shipment. Please note, we will not approve any booking for shipment until we have received a PRE certificate. We will hold payment until we have received the third party POST fumigation certificate. Failure to provide us fumigation certificates for solid wood shipments may result in the Sportsman s Guide canceling/returning orders, withholding payments, and/or charging you for damages, losses, penalties, and legal fees we incur as a result of such failure. Man-made boards (plywood, blockboard, MDF, particle board, etc) are produced under high temperatures and high pressure which kills all insects, so they will NOT require fumigation. Please the PRE certificates to Sara Han (sara.han@sportsmansguide.com) prior to making a booking. Please the POST certificate to Jeff Rivera (jeff.rivera@sportsmansguide.com) upon receipt. No payment transaction will occur until Sara/Jeff receives both the PRE and POST fumigation certificates. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 11

12 CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB) AIRBORNE TOXIC CONTROL MEASURE (ATCM) COMPLIANCE APPLIES TO ALL PRODUCTS CONTAINING WOOD COMPOSITE PANELS The Sportsman s Guide requires all products containing wood composite materials to be in compliance with CARB ATCM per the below timetable. All vendors are required to sign the CARB ATCM Letter of Acknowledgement. To access the letter or for more information regarding CARB ATCM, please visit our import procedure webpage, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Hardwood Plywood (HWPW), Particleboard (PB), and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)1 Phase 1 (P1) and Phase 2 (P2) Emission Standards (ppm) Effective Date HWPW-VC HWPW-CC PB MDF Thin MDF January 1, P1: 0.08 P1: 0.18 P1: 0.21 P1: July 1, 2009 P1: 0.08 January 1, P2: January 1, P2: 0.09 P2: January 1, P2: July 1, 2012 P2: 0.05 (1)Based on the primary test method [ASTM E (2002)] in parts per million (ppm). HWPW-VC = veneer core; HWPW-CC = composite core. On the Commercial Invoice, the shipper must note compliance OR non-compliance with the CARB ATCM for EVERY product containing wood composite panels being shipped to SG prior to AUGUST 1, SG will not accept any shipments containing non-compliant finished goods departing on or after August 1, It is the vendor s responsibility to ensure it maintains and retains all documentation/records of compliancy for at least 2 years and have that documentation available upon request. Documentation would include a Certificate of Conformity & the assigned Third Party Certifier # from their manufacturer, supplier, or fabricator of the composite wood panels. PAGE - 12

13 CARB ATCM LABEL REQUIREMENTS All labels must contain the following information: Fabricator Name (MUST list the Vendor Name as it is listed on the Purchase Order, NOT The Sportsman s Guide) Date the finished goods were produced (month and date at the minimum) The Sportsman s Guide purchase order # A statement of compliance to denote that the composite wood product or finished good complies with the ATCM. Finished goods made with the NAF/ULEF based resins shall be labeled as such. Statement MUST include the word California or CARB and the section reference For example: o (i) California Phase 2 compliant for formaldehyde; or o (ii) CARB Phase 2 compliant for formaldehyde - produced with only ULEF-based products. The labels must be readable and in English. Placement of the labels MUST be on the product s packaging in the form of a permanent print or stamp in an indiscreet location and in a manner that will withstand transportation. Labels should not replace or cover SG other required labeling. Please note that the company who appears on the label as the fabricator is assuming responsibility for the compliance of the product with the ATCM. EXAMPLE LABEL LAYOUT: Fabricator Name:(as it appears on our purchase order - ***Not the Sportsman s Guide*** Production Date of Finished Goods (month & date): SG PO # A statement of compliance to denote that the composite wood product or finished good complies with the ATCM. Finished goods made with the NAF/ULEF based resins shall be labeled as such. Statement MUST include the word California or CARB and the section reference For example: (i) California Phase 2 compliant for formaldehyde; or (ii) CARB Phase 2 compliant for formaldehyde - produced with only ULEF-based products. PLANT AND PLANT PRODUCT DECLARATION FORM IF REQUIRED In order to comply with the Lacey Act Amendments of 2008 (16 U.S.C. 3372), if your item is made of wood or any processed wood products, you are required to provide a Plant and Plant Product Declaration Form with your shipment documents. The form and instructions are available at our import informational website: SG will enforce a minimum chargeback of $500.00, for any forfeited merchandise, loss of revenue, fines, penalties or additional expenses incurred due to actions by U.S. CBP, or other government agencies as a result of vendor failure to provide this declaration or providing false, misleading, or otherwise incorrect information on this declaration. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 13

14 ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS OWNER S MANUAL All instructions must be submitted and approved by the buyer and/or IS at least 30 days prior to the ship date on our purchase order. Refer to Product Category Manual for more specific requirements that may apply. PURCHASE ORDER Every purchase order will be sent with an accompanying confirmation form. Please review all details of the purchase order, and return the accompanying confirmation form within two business days (must indicate port city, or cities for multiple PO s). NOTE: In most instances individual PO s should not include items shipping from more than one factory or port. If you receive a PO with multiple items that need to ship from different factories or ports, please contact the buyer or IS for confirmation this is acceptable. CONEG THE TOXICS IN PACKAGING LEGISLATION The goal of this legislation is to reduce the sum concentration levels of four incidentally introduced heavy metals, namely lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium present in any package or packaging component to not exceed 100 parts per million by weight. It is important to note that the 100 ppm limit applies to the combined weight of all of the above metals and NOT individually. It defines a package as any container, produced either domestically or in a foreign country, providing a means of marketing, protecting or handling a product and shall include a unit package, an intermediate package or a shipping container this includes unsealed receptacles as carrying cases, crates, cups, pails, rigid foil and other trays, wrappers and wrapping films, bags, and tubs. It defines a packaging component as any individual assembled part of a package which is produced either domestically or in a foreign country, such as but not limited to, any interior or exterior blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing, exterior strapping, coatings, closures, inks, and labels. PAGE - 14

15 Under the Model Legislations, manufacturers and suppliers of packaging and packaging components must submit a Certificate of Compliance stating that the package is in compliance with the requirements of the law to the purchaser of these items. The certificate must be: Based on verifiable evidence that no intentional addition of the four metals have occurred. Signed by an authorized official of the manufacturing or supplying company. Must be kept on file for as long as the packaging is in use. Must contain any relevant amendments or modifications reflecting any reformulations to the packaging or packaging component. Must be available to any member of the public who requests the certificate. All vendors must be able to provide a Certificate of Compliance upon request. Please work with your suppliers to confirm you are in compliance. PACKAGING All packaging must conform to the requirements specified in our Import Carton Packaging and Marking Requirements (available at Any deviation from these requirements must be approved by the buyer or IS prior to a purchase order being issued. Additional packaging criteria apply to some categories as well as to private label branded products. Please refer to specific product category sections, as well as to the Import Carton Packaging and Marking Requirements for additional information. Assembly/Use instructions, assembly, and other small parts must be packaged in such fashion that they will not fall out of a compromised carton. (e.g., bagged or boxed and affixed to a larger component within the carton.) Unless otherwise specified in writing by the Buyer or IS, a satisfactory ISTA-1A Package Transit test report must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the ship date on our purchase order for all items shipping to us in a r er carton. Depending on the product, the Buyer or IS may specify additional packaging requirements. For particular products prone to shipping damage we may require a partial ISTA-3A package transit test instead of the ISTA-1A test. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 15

16 PACKAGING - HARDWARE The hardware must be in a box or a bag. The box/bag must be secured to either the product or attached somehow to the inside of the carton. Failure to secure the hardware may result in a chargeback depending on if we need to use additional labor/materials to ensure the hardware does not fall out of the package during the distribution process. FIBER CONTENT LABEL All textile product sold in the United States, whether sewn domestically or offshore, must have a label identifying the fiber content used in the garment. The Federal Trade Commission details this requirement on their web site. FIBER All fibers in amounts >5% must be identified. Actual amounts of the fiber must be accurate within 3% of what is documented on the label. There is a zero tolerance policy for any product, which lists the fiber content as 100%. This three (3) percent tolerance does NOT apply to WOOL or FUR products. The percentage in weight listed for wool or fur products must be accurate, unless there are unavoidable inconsistencies in the manufacturing process. Additionally, do not label products as 100% wool, 100% silk, 100% cashmere, etc. if it contains one to three percent of other fibers. FIBER NAMES Generic names of fiber must be used such as: cotton, rayon, nylon, linen, etc. If any brand name is used, it must be stated. For instance, Teflon, Thinsulate, etc. A certificate of authenticity must be provided when samples are submitted. All words must be in English. No abbreviations can be used. TRIMS Decorative Trims covering less than 15% of the textile surface area must be noted as exclusive of decoration. Trims covering more than 15% of the textile surface must be identified by a sectional disclosure. LININGS Products containing linings or fills must be identified separately. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN The country of Origin must be stated on the front of the label. REGISTRATION NUMBER All SG private label products must include the SG registration number of RN# PAGE - 16

17 TESTING All testing protocols have been created in partnership with Intertek. All testing should be concluded prior to production in case issues are identified during testing that require modifications to production. Satisfactory testing results should be provided to The Sportsman s Guide as early as possible, but no later than 30 days prior to the ship date on our purchase order. If any of the tests result in a failing score, the Sportsman s Guide reserves the right to cancel or refuse the product. All testing costs are to be paid by the vendor. You may reference our testing protocols at the following Intertek website: Log-in: LT\sportsman Password: Pass0943 IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 17

18 BRANDING The Sportsman s Guide maintains five trademarked private label brands. ON PACKAGING If you are asked to supply a private label product, you may be required to include one of our logos on the product packaging. Instructions for including logos on packaging can be found in our Import Carton Packaging and Marking Requirements (available at Examples of all packaging materials bearing our logo must be approved by the Import Specialist prior to production. ON PRODUCT Depending on the type of product you are supplying, one or more of the following branding elements may need to be included on each item. These must be purchased through our nominated suppliers as specified below. Unless unavailable from our suppliers, and specifically requested by The Sportsman s Guide, independently sourced or created branding elements are unacceptable, and if used, will result in a chargeback against the vendor. Also, depending on the item, you may be asked to add one of our logos directly to the product via printing, screening, etching, embossing, or other means. Due to the large variety of hardlines products we source, specific direction on the inclusion of branding elements will not be provided here. Branding decisions will be made and communicated by the Buyer and/or Import Specialist prior to a purchase order being issued. Examples of each specified branding element, along with confirmation of placement, or a completed sample bearing our logo, must be approved by the Import Specialist prior to production. It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure all materials bearing our brand/logo are safeguarded against misuse. Use of the Sportsman s Guide trademarks are governed by the terms specified in the Business Partnership Agreement. PAGE - 18

19 TRIM SUPPLIER The following woven branding elements must be purchased through our nominated supplier. Independently sourced branding elements are unacceptable, and if used, will result in a chargeback against the vendor. The Sportsman s Guide requires one sample to review of each branding element prior to production to confirm the vendor is using our source and that the sample is acceptable. It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure all materials bearing our brand/logo are safeguarded against misuse. Required Woven & Hangtag Label Supplier Contact, Images, & Prices No MOQ Lead Time = 2 weeks COMBINE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL LTD Name Address Fred Lam Room 6, 9/F, Block A, Wah Tat Industrial Centre, 8-10 Wah Sing Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong Phone Fax Website fredlam@cpil-hk.com Item Name Item Code Price Per Piece Image GG Main Loop Label $0.027 GG Mitre Fold Label $0.045 GG Large Label $0.062 IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 19

20 GG Outerwear Label $0.027 GG Woven Flat Label $0.030 Waterproof Hangtag WP-HT $0.035 Guide Dry Hangtag SPG-WT $0.049 HQ Hangtag HQ-A $ HQ Large Label $ HQ Woven Flat Label $ HQ Main Loop Label $ Bolderton Hangtag BT-A $0.035 Bolderton Main Loop Label BT-030 $0.032 PAGE - 20

21 Bolderton Mitre Fold Label BT-113 $0.045 Bolderton Large Label BT-116 $0.062 Bolderton Outerwear Label BT-028 $0.032 Bolderton Woven Flat Label BT-001 $0.035 Bolderton Rubber Label BT-RUB $0.075 Huntrite Main Loop Label HR-030 $0.032 Huntrite Mitre Fold Label HR-113 $0.045 Huntrite Large Label HR-116 $0.062 Huntrite Outerwear Label HR-028 $0.032 Huntrite Woven Flat Label HR-001 $0.035 Huntrite Rubber Label HR-RUB $0.075 IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 21

22 OWNER S MANUALS OR ASSEMBLY / USE INSTRUCTIONS For all direct import items that require instructions for assembly and/or use, a final draft MUST be approved by the Import Specialist no later than 30 days prior to the ship date on the purchase order. In addition to the above requirement, the instructions or owner s manual for all private label branded items MUST include a brand appropriate cover page per one of the three examples on pages At the discretion of the Import Specialist, the cover page requirement can be waived provided all of the required elements shown and/or described in the following examples are appropriately incorporated into the format being proposed. All brand and company logos MUST include the appropriate TRADEMARK or REGISTERED TRADEMARK symbols as shown in the following examples. Hi-resolution logo files are available for download from our supplier web page. For special circumstances, alternate logo art can be supplied as needed by the Import Specialist on a case-by-case basis. Use of the Sportsman s Guide trademarks are governed by the terms specified in the Business Partnership Agreement. PAGE - 22

23 Congratulations on your Guide Gear purchase. Take your game to the next level with field-tested Guide Gear products for a confident, competitive edge that strikes the perfect balance between performance and value. INSERT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPORTSMAN S GUIDE ITEM # HERE INSERT LINE ART OR IMAGE OF FULLY ASSEMBLED PRODUCT HERE For assistance with your Guide Gear product, please contact the Sportsman s Guide customer service at :30am 6:00pm CST Mon-Fri or go to IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 23

24 Congratulations on your CASTLECREEK purchase. Smart style, long-lasting durability and unsurpassed value, that s what you get with CASTLECREEK. Comfort for home and outdoors, since 1977, backed by the strongest satisfaction guarantee in the business. INSERT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPORTSMAN S GUIDE ITEM # HERE INSERT LINE ART OR IMAGE OF FULLY ASSEMBLED PRODUCT HERE For assistance with your CASTLECREEK please contact the Sportsman s Guide customer service at :30am 6:00pm CST Mon-Fri or go to PAGE - 24

25 Congratulations on your HQ Issue purchase. Inspired by the best in military design, HQ Issue delivers dependable, mission-driven gear at an exceptional value. INSERT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPORTSMAN S GUIDE ITEM # HERE INSERT LINE ART OR IMAGE OF FULLY ASSEMBLED PRODUCT HERE For assistance with your HQ Issue product, please contact the Sportsman s Guide customer service at :30am 6:00pm CST Mon-Fri or go to IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 25

26 Congratulations on your Bolderton purchase. For hunters who demand the very best, Bolderton gear delivers professional-grade quality and performance that keeps you at the top of your game. INSERT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPORTSMAN S GUIDE ITEM # HERE INSERT LINE ART OR IMAGE OF FULLY ASSEMBLED PRODUCT HERE For assistance with your Bolderton product, please contact the Sportsman s Guide customer service at :30am 6:00pm CST Mon-Fri or go to PAGE - 26

27 Congratulations on your HuntRite purchase. Great hunting experiences start with HuntRite hunting gear, designed to deliver dependable quality and performance at an easily affordable price. INSERT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPORTSMAN S GUIDE ITEM # HERE INSERT LINE ART OR IMAGE OF FULLY ASSEMBLED PRODUCT HERE For assistance with your HuntRite product, please contact the Sportsman s Guide customer service at :30am 6:00pm CST Mon-Fri or go to IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 27

28 PRODUCT CATEGORY MANUAL PRODUCT SAFETY, TESTING, & RELATED REQUIREMENTS BY CATEGORY The goal of enforcing the following requirements is to ensure we are providing our customers with high quality, safe and reliable products that meet or exceed established performance, safety and/or reliability standards and regulations. We expect all of our suppliers to partner with us in this regard. If you notice any errors, omissions, out of date information, or similar issues with the information that follows, please notify us immediately. Requirements are broken down by product categories that encompass a majority of the types of items we import. If an item you are supplying does not clearly fall within one of these categories, please contact the Import Specialist regarding specific requirements that will apply. TABLE OF CONTENTS HUNTING EQUIPMENT - CROSSBOWS HUNTING STANDS & RELATED ITEMS TREESTAND SAFETY GUIDELINES TREE STANDS - UPC PLACEMENT HUNTING BLINDS / BLIND COVER SWIVEL LIFT SYSTEM DEER CART & DEER CART TOW BAR TRIPOD PORTABLE GAME HANGER AUTO RESET TARGET ANIMAL TRAPS DIGITAL GAME CAMERA SOLAR LIGHTS DECORATIVE ITEMS INDOOR & OUTDOOR FOUNTAIN INDOOR & OUTDOOR GREENHOUSES RUGS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR BLINDS/SHADES: INDOOR & OUTDOOR TABLES INDOOR & OUTDOOR CHAIRS INDOOR & OUTDOOR BOOKCASE / CABINET MEDIA STAND KITCHEN CART PAGE - 28

29 CASE GOODS FIREPLACES & HEATERS PORTABLE LAMPS FIXTURE LUMINARIES BACKPACKS & LUGGAGE NON-PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES WATCHES CLOCKS MOTOR-OPERATED HOUSEHOLD FOOD PREPARING MACHINES ELECTRIC HOUSEHOLD COOKING & FOOD SERVING APPLIANCES HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIC SKILLETS & FRYING-TYPE APPLIANCES DINNERWARE / CUTLERY FOR PREPARATION OF FOOD COOKWARE / KITCHEN UTENSILS OUTDOOR CAST IRON COOKING SETS AWNINGS HARDTOP GAZEBO TENTS, GAZEBOS, BIVY S, PORTABLE SHEDS/GARAGES, & SCREENHOUSES AIR MATTRESSES SLEEPING BAGS & AIR MATTRESS COVERS PATIO UMBRELLAS UMBRELLA BASE HAMMOCK ROPE OR CLOTH SLINGS / STANDS HAMMOCKS WITH CUSHIONS / PILLOWS & STANDS METAL FRAME COTS WALKING STICKS, STAFFS, & HIKING POLES CAMPING CUPBOARDS / KITCHENS OUTDOOR GAS DEEP FRYER OUTDOOR GAS BURNERS OUTDOOR FIREPLACES CHARCOAL GRILL GAS BARBEQUE WOOD COOLERS COOLER BAG VERTICAL LOG SPLITTER VEHICLE STORAGE COVER ATV 2 PIECE FRONT/REAR BASKET SET ATV 3-WAY HITCH ATV REAR DROP BASKET ATV/UTV TOW BEHIND PLOW ATV DRAG HARROW ATV TRANSPORT COVER ATV CABIN UNIVERSAL 2 TRUCK WINCH MOUNT JUMP STARTER GASOLINE OPERATED GENERATOR ELECTRIC ANGLE GRINDER DRILL BIT SET FLASHLIGHTS IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 29

30 SNOWSHOES SNOW SLEDS DOMESTICS BEDDING TOWELS PAGE - 30

31 HUNTING EQUIPMENT - CROSSBOWS Testing may be requested by the Buyer, and/or Import Specialist (IS), in order to confirm quoted product specifications and/or performance claims. Testing criteria shall be identified and agreed to with vendor prior to final quote. At the discretion of the Buyer/IS, written certification may be required from the vendor, in lieu of testing. Test reports must be performed by a certified third party testing agency such as SGS, Consumer Testing, or Intertek. All testing costs to be paid by vendor. This is an annual item specific requirement. Testing should be submitted at the beginning of a new calendar year or at least 30 days prior to the ship date on our first PO of a new year. LEAD CONTENT (16 CFR 1303) UPDATED 12/08/09: Vendor to certify that the product has been manufactured in accordance to 16 CFR 1303; the lead content of all scrapable surface coatings should not exceed the limit of 90ppm. All products on purchase orders with a Order Date on or after January 1 st, 2010, which have painted or otherwise finished surfaces (powder-coated, stained, anodized, lacquered, varnished, etc), must be tested by a third party laboratory. Testing results must be provided 30 days prior to the requested ship date. Proof that the above requirement has been met is a condition of entry into the United States. Failure to provide this certificate will result in a chargeback. If the product does not have any scrapable surface coatings, we need signed certification from the vendor that 16 CFR 1303 does not apply. PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS: Unless otherwise specified and approved in writing by the buyer or IS, all bows must be packaged in r er cartons per the requirements described in our Import Carton Packaging and Marking Requirements document. This packaging must match the packaging of the sample(s) submitted for the ISTA-1A package transit testing. PACKAGE TESTING (ISTA-1A): All new products supplied to us in r er cartons are required to pass an ISTA-1A package transit test performed by a certified third party testing agency such as SGS, Consumer Testing, or Intertek. A representative sample of each new product must be submitted to the testing facility in packaging that will match the packaging used for production. A satisfactory test report must be provided to us no later than 30 days prior to the ship date on our first purchase order. Changes to packaging on existing products being reordered is not permitted without prior, written consent from the buyer or IS and submission of a new ISTA-1A test report. Package testing costs are to be paid by the vendor. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 31

32 ASSEMBLY / USE INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNER S MANUAL: Buyer/Import Specialist will review, and note any changes. A final set of instructions must be provided to the Buyer/Import Specialist a minimum of 30 days prior to the ship date on our PO for final approval. NOTE: The following warning MUST be included as the first or second page of the instruction booklet or owner s manual (inside front cover or immediately behind the cover sheet.) WARNING CAUTION: This is not a toy. This is a high-powered crossbow intended for use by qualified archers 18 years of age or older. Misuse and/or careless use may cause serious injury or death to the user or by standers. Unsafe area could extend beyond 110 yards. Carefully read all instructions before assembling or using. All users of this crossbow should comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Do not aim at anything, cock or load your crossbow until you intend to shoot. Only shoot the proper length, spine and mass weight bolts for your crossbow. Never dry fire your crossbow. Dry firing can result in damage to the crossbow and serious injury to the user. Firing an underweight bolt can simulate dry firing. Always inspect your crossbow for damage prior to use. Do NOT use if damaged. Lube wax the bowstring every 5 to 10 shots and replace the bowstring at least once every year or sooner if it becomes frayed. This crossbow is intended for use by a qualified archer. Seek proper training before use. Country of Origin: Every article of foreign origin imported into the United States must be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly, and permanently as the nature of the article will permit, in such manner to indicate to an ultimate purchaser in the United States the English name of the country of origin of the article. The following warning labels must be affixed to the user side right and left bow limbs (one per side). DO NOT DRY FIRE Serious Bodily Injury and Crossbow Damage May Result WARNING Keep Thumbs and Fingers Below String Path When Shooting to Avoid Injury The following warning label must be affixed to the top barrel shaft of the crossbow body: CAUTION: NEVER POINT AT ANYTHING, COCK OR LOAD YOUR CROSSBOW UNTIL YOU INTEND TO FIRE. NEVER FIRE THIS CROSSBOW WITHOUT A BOLT OF THE CORRECT LENGTH, SPINE AND MASS WEIGHT IN PLACE. FIRING WITHOUT A BOLT OR USE OF INCORRECT BOLTS COULD RESULT IN CROSSBOW DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH. INSPECT FOR DAMAGE OR LOOSE SCREWS PRIOR TO EACH USE. LUBEWAX STRING EVERY 5 TO 10 SHOTS. REGULARLY INSPECT STRING (AND CABLES, if applicable), FOR WEAR AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY. PAGE - 32

33 HUNTING STANDS & RELATED ITEMS CLIMBERS, LADDER STANDS, TRIPOD STANDS, CLIMBING STICKS, LEG EXTENSIONS, LEVELERS, ETC. PRODUCT TESTING: Vendor must provide testing reports for each model of treestand, tripod stand, climbing stick, or similar product showing that it meets or exceeds industry standards recognized by TMA All tests must be performed by Testing, Engineering & consulting Services, Inc.: Testing, Engineering & Consulting Services, Inc. James G. McCants III (Trey) 235 Buford Drive Lawrenceville, GA Phone: Fax: Web site: Test reports should be submitted to The Sportsman s Guide no later than 30 days prior to the ship date on the purchase order. Testing costs to be paid by vendor. For more info re: the Treestand Manufacturer s Association, click on this link: Treestand Manufacturers Association LEAD CONTENT (16 CFR 1303) UPDATED 12/08/09: Vendor to certify that the product has been manufactured in accordance to 16 CFR 1303; the lead content of all scrapable surface coatings should not exceed the limit of 90ppm. All products on purchase orders with an Order Date on or after January 1 st, 2010, which have painted or otherwise finished surfaces (powder-coated, stained, anodized, lacquered, varnished, etc), must be tested by a third party laboratory. Testing results must be provided 30 days prior to the requested ship date. Proof that the above requirement has been met is a condition of entry into the United States. Failure to provide this certificate will result in a chargeback. If the product does not have any scrapable surface coatings, we need signed certification from the vendor that 16 CFR 1303 does not apply. UV COATING: Fabric should be UV Coated to reduce/delay fading due to UV ray exposure. Specific fade resistance requirements to be specified/approved by the buyer. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 33

34 PACKING REQUIREMENTS: All types of treestands, ladders and climbing sticks must be packaged in double wall r er cartons with a minimum bursting strength of 350 lbs as measured by a Mullen Tester and/or a minimum Edge Crush Test (ECT), value of 51. All cartons MUST have fold-over ends and the ends MUST be stapled shut. Cartons MUST be banded with at least three bands around the length of the carton. All product components within the carton MUST be banded together. No loose components are allowed within the carton. All assembly hardware MUST be contained in its own separate plastic bag or carton. The assembly hardware package MUST be securely taped or banded to the main components so there is no chance it could fall out of a compromised carton. Leg extensions and levelers can be packaged per the requirements specified in our Import Carton Packaging & Markings document. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in a non-compliance chargeback plus all re-packaging costs. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: CARB ATCM: The Sportsman s Guide requires all products containing wood composite materials to be in compliance with CARB ATCM regulations. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Every article of foreign origin imported into the United States must be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly, and permanently as the nature of the article will permit, in such manner to indicate to an ultimate purchaser in the United States the English name of the country of origin of the article. PLEASE NOTE: ALL HUNTING STANDS, CLIMBING STICKS AND LADDERS MUST INCLUDE SKU/UPC LABELS ON BOTH LONG, VERTICAL SIDES OF THE PRODUCT CARTON. FAILURE TO PROPERLY LABEL CARTONS WILL RESULT IN A RE-TICKETING CHARGEBACK CALCULATED AT A RATE OF U.S. $40.00/HR. ASSEMBLY / USE INSTRUCTIONS OR OWNER S MANUAL: All instructions MUST meet current TMA standards. Ideally a draft should be provided to the Buyer/Import Specialist with the initial sample. The Buyer/Import Specialist will review, and note any changes. A final set of instructions must be provided to the Buyer/Import Specialist a minimum of 30 days prior to the ship date on our PO for final approval. PAGE - 34

35 TREESTAND SAFETY GUIDELINES NOTE: The Tree stand Safety Guidelines below MUST be included as the first or second page of the instruction booklet or owner s manual and instruct the customer to read the safety guidelines first (inside front cover or immediately behind the cover sheet.) IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 35

36 PAGE - 36

37 All stands MUST have a warning label, comparable to the example below, permanently affixed to a prominently visible portion of the stand. Label must be red or a suitable color and/or design to make it highly visible and convey the importance of the warning. Label design, size, and placement must be approved in writing by the buyer or IS at least 30 days prior to the first purchase order ship date. NOTE: Maximum weight capacity shown on this label is an example. Actual weight capacity will vary based upon design specifications approved by buyer. IMPORT VENDOR COMPLIANCE MANUAL HARDLINES PAGE - 37

38 TREE STANDS - UPC PLACEMENT Please put a UPC on each long & narrow side of each individual carton. We accept either the UPC-A (12- digit) UPC or the EAC-13 (13-digit) UPC per GS1 specifications. Please see the PO for the UPC you should use, or contact the Inventory Analyst. Treestand Box PAGE - 38