Stuffed Article License Guide: Manufacturer, Importer & Joint — Which One Do I Need?

Avoiding fines and violations for your stuffed article starts with proper licensing. Having incorrect information listed on the product’s law label can cost you time and money, or get your products pulled from the marketplace completely.

This guide will explore the benefits, risks and registration process for the three types of licenses: Manufacturer, Importer and Joint.

Does It Matter Which License I Get?

Before deciding what type of license to apply for, ask yourself this question: which company’s name and address do you want to print on your product’s law label: the manufacturer or the importer?

The company you list on the product’s law label faces certain benefits and risks, including:

• Opportunity to build name recognition
• Responsibility for renewals
• Responsibility for fines/violations

A Quick Note on URNs

In addition to a proper license, every product needs a Uniform Registry Number (URN) printed on the law label. A URN is a unique identifier that traces the product back to the location where it was physically made.

URNs are only issued to manufacturers — they are never issued to importers, wholesalers, distributors or retailers (I/W/D/Rs).

Manufacturer License: A Legally Required Part of Compliance

The manufacturer of every stuffed product must carry a Manufacturer’s License. This is a mandatory step in becoming compliant and selling stuffed articles in the United States.

Who Is the Manufacturer?

The manufacturer is the company that makes the bedding or upholstered furniture in whole or in part. This is the company that physically manufactures the product.

Is a Manufacturer License Mandatory?

Yes. The manufacturer must hold a Manufacturer License to legally sell stuffed articles in the United States.

Benefits and Risks of Manufacturer Licenses

The biggest benefit of a Manufacturer License is that it allows you to legally sell stuffed articles in the United States. Without one, your product cannot be sold in the U.S.

Unless the importer applies for another type of license (discussed below), the manufacturer’s company name and address will be printed on the product’s law label.

Manufacturer’s Licenses place all of the responsibility for registration and ongoing compliance on the manufacturer. However, if the manufacturer neglects to renew their license, the importer can still be at risk for violations and products being pulled from shelves without compensation.

What Will the Law Label Say?

URN 

The manufacturer’s name and address listed on the law label must match the name and address associated with the URN listed under “Reg No”.

MADE BY

Manufacturer’s Name

Manufacturer’s Address

MADE IN

The manufacturing location’s country.

How Do I Get a Manufacturer License?

Depending on the type of product, the manufacturer may need to register in up to fifteen (15) U.S. government agencies. GRS can help you navigate the registration process for each location.

Importer License: I Want to List the Importer

If you want to list the importer’s name and address on the stuffed product’s law label, you need an Importer License — or a Joint License, which you can learn more about below.

Who Is the Importer?

The term “importer” is any company that imports bedding or upholstered furniture products to be sold in the U.S. Typically this is an importer, wholesaler, distributor or retailer (I/W/D/R). 

Is an Importer License Mandatory?

No. As long as the manufacturer holds a Manufacturer License, the stuffed article can be legally sold in the United States.

However, many importers prefer to list their own company information on the product’s law label. Obtaining an Importer License is the only way to do so. 

Benefits and Risks of Importer Licenses

Obtaining an Importer License allows you to list the importer’s name on the stuffed product’s law label. This gives importers the opportunity to build their brand and enhance name recognition in the stuffed articles industry.

Bear in mind that if your company’s name is printed on the law label, you may be responsible for any fines the product may incur from license or registration violations. If you need support staying compliant, GRS’ Monitored Services can help.

What Will the Law Label Say?

URN

As long as the factory’s URN is not jointly held with another importer, you are allowed to print their URN with your own company’s name and address when you are registered properly as an Importer.

MADE FOR / IMPORTED BY / DISTRIBUTED BY

Importer’s Name

Importer’s Address

MADE IN

The country of origin should still list the manufacturing location’s country.

How Do I Get an Importer License?

There are eight (8) regulatory agencies that require importer licensing, but there are different requirements for each license. Some agencies issue “blanket” licenses while others issue URN-specific licenses:

• “Blanket” licenses — The importer only needs one license, no matter how many factories/URNs they work with.
• URN-specific licenses — The importer needs a license for each factory/URN they work with.

GRS can help you determine which type of Importer Licensing you need, and assist with the registration process.

Joint License: Give the Importer More Control

If you want to list the importer’s name and address on the stuffed product’s law label but you want more control over the registration process, you can choose a Joint License.

What Is a Joint License?

The term “joint” applies to an I/W/D/R that registers with a manufacturer to sell a specific stuffed product in the U.S. The two companies will apply together, or jointly, for the license.

Is a Joint License Mandatory?

No. As long as the manufacturer holds a Manufacturer License, the stuffed article can be legally sold in the United States. 

The importer can also choose to apply for a separate Importer License if they do not want to pursue a Joint License.

Benefits and Risks of Joint Licenses

Joint Licenses offer I/W/D/Rs a level of control and oversight over registration, the license itself and renewals. This comes with three important benefits that give you peace of mind about your products:

1. The I/W/D/R’s name and address will be printed on the product’s law label.
2. The I/W/D/R will receive renewal notices, so you can ensure your manufacturer’s licenses are valid.
3. The joint URN is exclusive between the manufacturer and the I/W/D/R. The manufacturer cannot use that joint URN to make products for any other company to sell in the U.S.

There are no major risks associated with Joint Licenses as long as the I/W/D/R stays on top of renewals and other matters of ongoing compliance.

What Will the Law Label Say?

URN

The Joint URN that is exclusive between the manufacturer and the I/W/D/R.

MADE FOR / IMPORTED BY / DISTRIBUTED BY

Importer’s Name

Importer’s Address

MADE IN

The country of origin should still list the manufacturing location’s country.

How Do I Get a Joint License?

In Joint Registration, the I/W/D/R will need to register together with the manufacturer. GRS can help you apply together for a Joint URN in each of the three (3) U.S. states that offer Joint Registration. The licenses will be mailed directly to the I/W/D/R.

Get the Right License

When you are ready to apply for your licenses — or you need help figuring out which license you need — our New Enrollments & Registration team is here to help. Set up a free consultation and we’ll be in touch.