Sourcing policy

This policy explains how we choose the suppliers we recommend to clients. It also covers what we expect from those suppliers once an order is placed. It applies to every supplier we put forward, in China, Hong Kong, the UAE or anywhere else. It covers suppliers we buy from for landed-price orders and suppliers we introduce through our sourcing service.

Why we have it

A client pays for goods before they reach the UK. The client carries the risk. Our job is to move as much of that risk as possible to the start of the process, when a problem is cheap to fix.

What we check before recommending a supplier

• The business licence, and that the company name on it matches the name on the quote and the bank details.
• How long the supplier has traded, and whether it has exported to the UK or EU before.
• Test reports and certificates for the product itself, issued by an accredited laboratory.
• Real production capacity against your order size and deadline.

Review: Confirm how supplier checks are carried out in practice (in-person visits, a third-party audit firm, remote video checks or a mix) and name the audit standard used, if any.

Product safety

We will not recommend a supplier who cannot show that the product meets UK rules. For our main product groups the checks include:

• Toys: the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, EN 71 test reports, and correct UKCA or CE marking with age warnings.
• Electronics: the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 for mains products, the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 for wireless items, and general product safety rules for low-voltage gadgets. Mains products need a UK plug to BS 1363. Lithium batteries also need a UN38.3 test summary. Without it, they cannot be shipped.
• Household goods: a declaration of compliance for food-contact items where the law requires one, such as plastics and ceramics. There are extra import controls on melamine and nylon kitchenware from China and Hong Kong. We do not source bamboo-fibre melamine tableware, which is not authorised for food contact in Great Britain.

Review: On landed-price orders Simporter is the UK importer. That brings importer duties under product safety law, such as traceability and keeping technical documents, and may bring producer duties for electrical waste and batteries. Confirm these are covered before launch.

Working conditions

We expect every supplier to respect the International Labour Organization's fundamental principles and rights at work. There must be no forced or bonded labour and no child labour. Workers must be free to leave, and must not pay recruitment fees to get a job. Hours and pay must meet local law. That is the minimum.

Suppliers must tell us before any part of an order is moved to a subcontractor. Unapproved subcontracting is a common way for labour problems to enter a supply chain.

Review: Decide whether suppliers sign a written code of conduct, and whether Simporter reserves a right to audit (announced or unannounced).

Restricted substances

Products must meet UK rules on restricted substances. These include the RoHS rules for electrical goods and UK REACH for chemicals in articles. We ask for evidence before an order is placed.

Branded and licensed goods

We only source branded or licensed products where the supplier holds the licence and can show it to us. We do not source counterfeit or copied goods. If we find a supplier offering them, we stop working with that supplier.

When a supplier falls short

If a check fails, we tell the client straight away and explain what failed. Minor issues usually get a corrective plan with a deadline.

Labour issues are handled as set out in our modern slavery statement. We work with the supplier to fix the problem and protect the workers affected. If the supplier refuses, or the abuse is severe, we stop working with them.

Forged certificates end the relationship at once. So do counterfeit goods. We never put that supplier forward again.

Keeping this policy current

We review this policy at least once a year. We also review it when UK product rules change.

Review: Add the date of the last review and the name of the person responsible for this policy.