Key Points

  • A compliance review team may requests multi-dimensional information such as company details, product specifications, target market, and existing reports to evaluate the compliance path.
  • The required information varies significantly by product category and applicable regulations (e.g., CE, FCC, FDA, UKCA); a one-size-fits-all checklist cannot be applied.
  • Whether existing reports can be reused depends on whether the product has changed, the scope of the reports, and the platform’s current requirements.
  • Labels, instructions, and product images are often overlooked but are key factors for platform review and regulatory compliance assessment.
  • Completeness of information preparation can help reduce the risk of review rejection, but platforms retain the final review authority.

Information Checklist Overview

When evaluating a testing and certification path, a compliance review team typically needs the following four categories of information. Please note that specific information may vary depending on product category, target market, and applicable regulations. The checklist below is intended for preliminary reference only; final requirements are subject to the specific platform or regulatory authority.

Company Information

  • Full company name, address, contact person, and contact details (in both Chinese and English)
  • Business license or registration certificate for the export country or target market (if applicable)
  • Explanation of the relationship between manufacturer and exporter (e.g., a power of attorney if applying on behalf of another party)
  • Existing factory registration number (e.g., FDA FEI number, only for FDA-regulated products)

Product Information

  • Product name, model number, specifications, and description of intended use
  • Applicable international or regional regulation numbers (if applicable)
  • Product material list, composition, or chemical formulation (applicable for REACH, RoHS, SDS/MSDS, etc.)
  • Product structural diagram, circuit diagram, or key parameter description (applicable for FCC, CE, etc.)
  • Intended target market(s) (e.g., European Union, United States, United Kingdom, etc.)
  • Report number and version of any existing test reports or certification documents

Label / Instruction / Image Information

  • Physical product label photos or electronic files (including brand, model number, country of origin, warning statements, etc.)
  • User manual or instruction guide (in Chinese, English, or other target language versions)
  • Product outer packaging images (including label position and content)
  • For children’s products, warning statements complying with ASTM F963, CPSIA, etc. (if applicable)

Reusing Existing Reports

Whether an existing test report can be reused requires a comprehensive assessment: whether the product model in the report matches the current product; whether the report issue date is still within the period accepted by the regulation or platform (note: different regulations and platforms have varying requirements on report validity; there is no fixed rule); and whether the test items covered by the report meet the current regulation or platform review requirements. A compliance review team can verify the report version and test scope based on the report number, but further verification of report authenticity or laboratory accreditation depends on the report type, product category, and publicly available channels; it is not advisable to rely solely on a single number.

Common Information Gaps

In real cases, the most common missing information includes:
– Missing high-resolution product label images or translations of instructions;
– No clear list of applicable regulations for the target market;
– Existing reports provided without report numbers or versions, making it difficult to quickly assess applicability;
– Children’s products lacking CPC document documents and corresponding test reports;
– Batteries or battery-containing products lacking UN38.3 test summaries or reports;
– After platform rejection, no rejection screenshot or specific reason is provided, affecting the compliance review team’s accurate assessment.

Pre-Submission Check Recommendations

  • Ensure the company name matches the qualification documents exactly, avoiding spelling errors or abbreviation mismatches.
  • Keep product information, labels, instructions, and test reports consistent in model number and specifications.
  • If existing reports are available, confirm that the report number, issuing body, and testing standards match the product.
  • If there is a record of platform rejection, compile the rejection reasons and corresponding steps in detail.
  • Confirm the currently accepted documentation format (e.g., PDF, JPG) with the platform’s service team or review team in advance.

Next Step Recommendations

After compiling the information, it is recommended to contact a professional testing and certification compliance review team for a preliminary document pre-review. The compliance review team can assess possible compliance paths and additional testing items based on the product information and target market. Typically, the compliance review team will provide a document checklist and a preliminary evaluation report for the company to prepare the next steps. Please note that final compliance with platform requirements is subject to the actual platform review result; the compliance review team’s assessment serves only as a technical reference.

If you already have some information or are unsure what you need, feel free to contact us to request a free document checklist or schedule a consultation.