We are SFI Compliant - What does that mean?

We are SFI Compliant

What does that mean?

We acknowledge that we are not a manufacturing facility but a brand providing a service through design and supplying a finished product by partnering with SFI-approved manufacturers. Under the SFI Private Label Policy, we are compliant by partnering with SFI-approved manufacturers to source products.

 

But you're not on the approved manufacturing list?

Correct, we are neither a manufacturer nor claim to be one. We do not own a facility, the material procurement process, the machinery, the labor, or the process. We are a supplier, sourcing products from SFI-approved manufacturers who must submit for testing and approval and uphold standards.

 

Why would anyone choose not to be a manufacturer?

We would be misleading consumers if we claimed to be a manufacturer and not a supplier because we do not own the physical facility. The SFI approval process is straightforward. You apply, showing you are an entity, pay the filing fees, and then submit the material samples for an initial test. Followed by receiving approval to be a manufacturer. The physical process of making the products would be outsourced to a facility that specializes in making said products. There are no facility verifications, or manufacturing process reviews as part of the approval process.

 

Who holds accountability for the manufacturing process?

The certificate holder would be ultimately responsible for the subcontractor’s actions. Negligence can occur if the subcontractor changes any material or process that alters the original approved sample. With any changes, the certificate holder would need to resubmit testing with SFI and be at risk of a product recall. With this method, the subcontractor is not held accountable for maintaining the standards of the so-called manufacturer since it is not their certificate on the line.

 

If you are not on the manufacturing list, how are you claiming to be compliant?

SFI has a Private Label Policy stating:

            “However, SFI realizes that in the marketplace, the potential exists for subcontracting a private labeling. Once again, it is the perception of the consumer that is critical.

If the product in question bears representation of compliance to an SFI spec, then documentation of that conformance must be on file in the SFI office. This would permit subcontracting or private labeling by a non-participating company if, somewhere reasonably visible on the product, is the name of the actual SFI participating manufacturer. If a firm wishes to market a product that they represent to be of their manufacturing process, then it will be necessary that they demonstrate the acceptability of that product to the complete satisfaction of SFI and enter into the appropriate relationship with SFI.”

View the policy here. 

So, what exactly are you doing then?

We provide a branding service that integrates design, safety standards, and finished products into one marketplace. We are the centralized resource that is a one-stop shop for SFI-approved products. We pride ourselves on the private-label model because this restores the balance of consumer purchasing power and gives us the flexibility to be agile while challenging the industry to be innovative through continuous product improvement.

As a private label service, we can source the latest products on the market since we are not tied to manufacturing and testing requirements. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to meet and exceed the standards set by SFI. We source and supply consumers with the best products on the market.

 

We can pivot to a new SFI-approved manufacturing source at any given point if product discrepancies jeopardize product safety, integrity, and quality. We uphold our promise to protect our customers by upholding ethical practices and creating transparency. Our goal is to educate consumers and advocate for continuous improvement within the industry while supplying the best quality on the market.

 

So what’s next?

We have inquired with SFI about creating specific designations for approved SFI suppliers and approved manufacturers. The current procedures misplace accountability and mislead consumers by not formally recognizing and setting standards for private label participants and true manufacturers. At this point, we are waiting for a response, but our objective is to advocate for formal recognition for suppliers that set standards for an official program with participant regulation. Until then, we will continue operating under the Private Label Policy and be transparent about our practices.