Greeting Cards And Invitations Certifications and Compliance: What Export Buyers Need
The certifications and rules that usually apply to greeting cards and invitations: chain-of-custody paper, food-contact requirements, chemical restrictions and the documentation to keep on file.
Chain of custody for paper and board
FSC or PEFC certification documents the origin of the fibre used for greeting cards and invitations, and more customers now require it as a condition of purchase.
Confirm that the certificate covers the specific grade you are buying and that it is still valid at the time of shipment.
Food-contact applications
Where greeting cards and invitations touches food, the substrate, inks and coatings must all be suitable for food contact, not only the paper itself.
Ask for a declaration of composition and test reports from an accredited laboratory before committing the order to production.
Chemical and product safety rules
Destination markets restrict substances in inks, coatings and adhesives, and the restricted lists are updated over time.
A supplier who can state what is in the product can also prove it; vague answers at enquiry stage predict problems after delivery.
Labelling and market-specific marks
Recycling marks, country of origin and importer information are checked at the border and remain a common source of avoidable delay.
Confirm that the artwork for greeting cards and invitations includes every required mark before the plates are made.
Keeping the file current
Certificates have scope, expiry dates and conditions, and a document that does not cover your product or factory is not evidence.
Review the compliance file for greeting cards and invitations every season against current regulations instead of assuming last year's file is still sufficient.
Summary
A clear specification, a signed proof and a documented inspection together remove most of the risk from ordering greeting cards and invitations.
