Product Compliance

In 2007, alphabroder received the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification from the U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP,) a division of the Department of Homeland Security. The C-TPAT program is a joint initiative between the U.S. government and certified businesses to cultivate cooperative relationships based upon the integrity of a company's security practices. These practices are vital in maintaining an overall efficient and compliant supply chain and strengthened border security.

A year later, alphabroder was granted Tier II status by CBP. To receive its current Tier II status, alphabroder's entire supply chain, including factories, brokers and transportation providers had to pass a vigorous inspection by CBP, maintain the "best practices" in the industry and demonstrate that comprehensive programs are in place to secure their facilities and supply chains from terrorists, smuggling and narcotics.

This significant recognition of our security program exemplifies our organization wide commitment to maintaining the highest levels of security standards, procedures, and processes at all of our facilities, and displays our serious concern for the security and well being of the United States (or our homeland).

As part of our partnership with CBP, alphabroder will continue to comply with procedures defined by the CBP to ensure safety along the entire portion of the supply chain that we control -- from point of origin to final destination. C-TPAT membership will require alphabroder to maintain written processes that are in place with all business partners within our network of service providers as well as all corporate facilities. These security procedures must be verifiable, and alphabroder will be required to demonstrate that our transportation partners are in compliance with CBP standards.

Some of the major benefits of receiving C-TPAT certification include:

• Fewer cargo border inspections of goods, leading to reduced lead times
• The assignment of an account representative from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to address questions
• Access to U.S. government anti-terrorism seminars, and the sharing of industry best practices

Additional information about the C-TPAT Program is available at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Website.

Product safety is a hot topic right now in the consumer products industry and we would like to make you aware of recently enacted legislation that applies to the products alphabroder sells to our customers.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) became law on August 14, 2008 and is applicable to consumer products (including textile wearables and non-wearables) manufactured on and after November 12, 2008.

The CPSIA requires all importers and domestic manufacturers of apparel and other applicable non-wearable consumer products to issue Certificate of Conformity for every lot manufactured on or after November 12, 2008. It is important to note that both imported and domestically made products will require COC's.

In order to better track and service the increasing requests that we are receiving with regards to Product Safety, alphabroder has set up a separate email address: [email protected]. The Merchandising team will respond to these emails accordingly.

View CPSIA Statements

alphabroder has a tradition of conducting its business in an ethical and socially responsible manner that reflects respect for the environment, culture and social impact of communities. As an international business, alphabroder is committed to providing quality, safe products that meet or exceed our customers' expectations.

The Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as, Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is a California law that has been in effect since 1986 to promote clean drinking water and keep toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects out of consumer products. Proposition 65 requires the State of California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. This list, consisting of a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm is updated at least once a year and has grown to include more than 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987.

Prop 65 law requires that anyone at reasonable risk of exposure to be informed when substances classified as toxins are present. Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about protecting themselves from exposure to these chemicals. It also prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water.

View California Prop 65 Statements

Since 1999, FLA has helped improve the lives of millions of workers around the world. As a collaborative effort of socially responsible companies, colleges and universities, and civil society organizations, FLA creates lasting solutions for labor practices by offering tools and resources to companies, delivering training to factory workers and management, conducting due diligence through independent assessments, and advocating for greater accountability and transparency from companies, manufacturers, factories and others involved in global supply chains.

FLA is a multi-stakeholder initiative that invites participation from all organizations committed to promoting fair labor standards around the world - companies and brands, civil society organizations, colleges and universities, suppliers and manufacturers, conscientious retailers, and others. Currently, nearly 200 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada work with FLA to monitor social compliance and ensure the ethical production of items bearing their marks or logo. FLA provides college and university affiliates with the tools they need to be confident that their products are manufactured by companies that are committed to upholding workers' rights in their production facilities. Source

alphabroder is a Category B affiliate of FLA and all Private Brand suppliers are subject to be randomly selected for audit by an FLA nominated third party auditing company at any time.

View alphabroder's FLA certificate

View alphabroder's Workplace Standards Commitment- a letter from our CEO

View alphabroder's International Supply Chain