Step 1 — brief and quote
Shape, texture, packaging tier and target retail price. A complete brief gets a complete quote; a photo alone gets a guess.
Step 2 — sample
Existing designs ship fast; custom shapes need a mould first. Ask for photos and a squeeze video before the sample ships so you can reject early.
Step 3 — approval locks the standard
The approved sample becomes the production reference for colour, rebound and packaging. Changes after approval restart the clock.
Step 4 — testing
Third-party testing to ASTM F963-23 and CPSIA runs in parallel with production; the CPC is issued when reports are in. Book the lab early.
Step 5 — inspection and shipment
Batch inspection covers rebound time, seam strength, print alignment, odour and packaging. FOB China main port; sea freight to the US West Coast is typically 30–45 days port to port.
Where delays come from
Late artwork for packaging, colour changes after approval, and lab backlogs before peak season. Plan 90 days from brief to FOB for a new design.
Source: U.S. CPSC recall notices of 3 Sept 2026 and 16 CFR 1250.4 (Federal Register, 12 Dec 2025).