Updated: 2025-12-13 Scope: dog harnesses (pet accessories) Not legal advice
Export labelling mistakes usually fail at two points: (1) border checks (missing country‑of‑origin marking or required information), and (2) marketplace/buyer audits (unsupported safety/performance claims, missing traceability, or incomplete documentation). This guide focuses on what you can verify and show: clear applicability boundaries, a per‑SKU checklist, and official reference links.
Important boundary: dog harnesses are typically pet accessories, not children’s products. Children’s product rules (e.g., CPSIA / ASTM F963) generally apply only when the product is designed or marketed primarily for children 12 and under. Do not “borrow” children’s standards unless your product is actually in that scope.
Key Takeaways (What to fix first)
- US: get country‑of‑origin marking right (product or container), and make sure any “Made in …” statement is accurate and permanent.
- US textile claims: if your harness qualifies as a textile fiber product, prepare fiber composition + identity info (FTC Textile Rules).
- EU: prepare GPSR‑style traceability information (product identification + manufacturer contact info + safety instructions in local language).
- EU chemicals: for articles, be ready to communicate SVHC info under REACH Article 33 when applicable (supplier declarations + SVHC screening).
- Claims: any safety/performance claim (e.g., “crash‑tested”) needs substantiation at the time you market it.
Why Labelling Compliance Matters
What “compliance” looks like in practice (Empirical)
Buyers and customs rarely want long narratives. They want a SKU evidence pack that matches your label/packaging artwork. Below is a workable template you can implement in an ERP or shared folder (one pack per SKU / per revision).
| SKU Evidence Pack Item | What to include (example) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Label artwork + revision history | PDF/AI source, version ID, date, target market (US/EU), translation files | Proves the shipped label matches the reviewed content |
| Bill of materials (BOM) | Textile %, metal/plastic parts, dyes/finishes, supplier names, country of manufacture | Supports origin marking, fiber claims, and REACH screening |
| Supplier declarations | Material declarations (incl. SVHC statement), nickel release statement (if metal contacts skin) | Core “paper trail” for EU REACH Article 33 obligations |
| Test reports (only what you claim) | Pull‑strength / buckle strength, abrasion, colorfastness, etc. (lab + method + result) | Turns marketing claims into verifiable statements |
| Pack photos (production sample) | Photos showing all sides: origin marking, importer/manufacturer info, warnings, barcode | Fastest way to pass buyer audits & avoid “missing info” disputes |
| Shipping & customs docs | Commercial invoice, packing list, HS/HTS classification notes, broker contact | Reduces clearance delays and rework |
Classification & Applicability Boundaries (Stop over‑applying laws)
US: Pet accessory vs. “Children’s product”
A dog harness is usually a pet accessory. It becomes a potential children’s product only if it is designed or marketed primarily for children 12 and under (for example, promoted as a child play item or sold as a toy‑like wearable for children). US regulators look at intended use statements, packaging, marketing, and consumer perception when deciding scope.
Practical rule: if you reference CPSIA / ASTM F963, document why your harness is in scope. Otherwise, keep your compliance narrative focused on origin marking, truth‑in‑advertising, and any textile/chemical obligations that actually apply.
US Labelling & Packaging Requirements (Dog Harnesses)
Country of origin marking (customs critical)
For US import, country‑of‑origin marking is a core border requirement. In general, imported articles (or their containers) must be marked with the English name of the country of origin in a legible, conspicuous, and sufficiently permanent manner.
Textile fiber claims (only if your harness is a textile fiber product)
Many harnesses are made primarily of textiles (nylon/polyester webbing). If your product qualifies as a textile fiber product, prepare (a) fiber composition, and (b) business identity information (company name / RN, as applicable). Do not guess percentages—use your BOM and supplier declarations.
Responsible party contact info (buyer / marketplace expectation)
US law is strict on origin marking, and buyers are strict on traceability. Even when not explicitly required by a single rule for every harness, include clear contact information for the brand/manufacturer/importer so buyers can reach the responsible party.
Claims, warnings, and instructions (truth‑in‑advertising)
Any claim you print on packaging (“crash‑tested”, “vehicle safe”, “escape‑proof”, “heavy duty”) must be supported by evidence. The FTC’s advertising substantiation policy explains that advertisers must have a reasonable basis for objective claims at the time they are made.
How to write safe claims: replace “crash‑tested” with “tested to [named protocol] by [lab] (report ID: …)” or avoid the claim entirely if you cannot produce a report on request.
US label field checklist (practical)
| Field | Recommended placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | On product or immediate container | Use plain English (“Made in …”). Ensure permanence for the intended purchaser. |
| Brand / product name | Front panel | Keep consistent with invoice, listing title, and HS classification notes. |
| Size / fit | Front/side panel | Include measurement method (neck/girth ranges) to reduce returns. |
| Materials / fiber content | Back panel or hangtag | Only list what you can confirm from BOM + supplier declarations. |
| Instructions & safety info | Back panel insert | Include “not a toy”, correct use, and inspection guidance (wear/tear). |
| Batch/lot (optional but helpful) | Back panel or internal tag | Not always mandatory in US, but strongly helps traceability and complaint handling. |
EU Labelling & Packaging Requirements (Dog Harnesses)
GPSR product identification & traceability (EU-wide safety baseline)
The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) strengthens traceability and consumer contact information requirements for consumer products. In practice, most EU buyers expect: a product identification element (type/model/batch/serial) plus manufacturer contact information (postal + electronic), and safety instructions in a language consumers can understand.
Textile fiber composition (Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011)
If your harness is placed on the EU market as a textile product, provide fiber composition using the regulated fiber names. Do not abbreviate fiber names. Provide the information in the language(s) required by the destination Member State. (Example: French for France, German for Germany.)
REACH chemical information duties (articles)
REACH can create information duties for articles (finished goods). If any Candidate List substance is present above the relevant threshold, suppliers must communicate information to enable safe use (and provide consumer information upon request, where applicable). This is why your evidence pack needs supplier declarations and (when warranted) screening results.
Packaging & environmental obligations (EU varies by country)
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive provides an EU framework, but many practical obligations (EPR registration, local labeling, take-back schemes) are implemented at country level. Packaging material identification codes (often seen as “PET”, “PAP”, etc.) follow an EU identification system, but whether they are mandatory depends on the destination scheme.
Do not overstate: the “Green Dot” is a trademark used by some producer responsibility organizations; it is not automatically required for every EU shipment. Ask your EU importer/distributor which markings their target marketplaces require.
US vs EU Comparison (high-signal)
| Topic | US (typical for harnesses) | EU (typical for harnesses) |
|---|---|---|
| Core border requirement | Country-of-origin marking (product/container) | No single EU-wide “Made in” marking rule for all non-food goods; but safety traceability info is expected under GPSR |
| Textile information | FTC Textile Rules may apply if product is a textile fiber product | Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 fiber names & composition labelling |
| Language | English for required origin marking; buyer instructions usually English | Safety info and mandatory consumer info in language(s) consumers can understand (per destination) |
| Claims (“crash-tested”, etc.) | FTC expects substantiation for objective claims | Market surveillance expects accurate claims and supporting technical documentation |
| Chemicals | Scope varies; confirm buyer/state requirements. Children’s product limits apply only when in scope. | REACH Article 33 information duty for Candidate List substances in articles |
“Crash-tested” claims: what evidence is credible?
The US has no single “official” crash test for pet harnesses. The safest path is to reference a specific protocol and keep the report. A common industry reference is the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) certification program (voluntary).
- If you say “CPS Certified”, ensure the SKU appears on the CPS approved list and your packaging follows their logo rules.
- If you say “crash-tested” without a named protocol, be ready to show a report that matches your marketed claim (lab, method, speed, dummy, pass/fail criteria).
Worked Example: One-SKU Evidence Pack (US + EU)
This mini-example shows what “compliance-ready” looks like in practice. Use it as a template for every SKU.
- Freeze label & listing (v1.0): lock the packaging copy, claims, and product-page wording.
- Create an evidence folder: label artwork, supplier material declarations, component specs (metal/plastic), and any claim-related test reports.
- US label focus: country of origin + SKU/model + size + materials + basic instructions + channel-required contact.
- EU label focus: product identifier + traceability ID (if used) + responsible business contact (as required) + destination-language instructions/warnings.
- Pre-shipment proof: photos of final labels on product + carton marks, and a completed checklist saved with the shipment record.
FAQ
What should I do if my dog harness labels miss required information?
You should update your labels before shipping. Check for missing details like country of origin or responsible party. Use a checklist for every batch. If you feel unsure, ask a compliance expert for help.
Can I use the same label for both US and EU markets?
No, you cannot use one label for both markets. Each region has different rules for language, address, and warnings. Always create separate labels for the US and EU. Review your checklist for each market.
How do I prove my dog harness is “crash-tested”?
Keep all test reports and certificates from recognized labs. Share these documents with buyers or customs if they ask. Only make claims you can support with real test data.
Do I need to translate labels for every EU country?
Yes, you must use the official language of each country where you sell. For example, use French in France and German in Germany. Check local rules before printing your labels.
