This year, we had some particularly helpful conversations with the Pennsylvania team, and we wanted to share what we heard while it’s fresh. Some of it is a reminder of things you may already know. Some of it is worth a closer look. Either way, it applies directly to how your Pennsylvania submissions move through the system.

Pennsylvania Is Paying Attention to Submission Quality

The Pennsylvania team was clear on one thing: incomplete submissions are the number one reason applications get delayed or rejected. It’s not a new issue, but it keeps coming up and that tells us it’s still tripping people up.

Here’s what they emphasized and what we’re passing along to you.

Online vs. Paper: The Processing Gap Is Real

If you have the option to submit online, take it. The difference in turnaround time is significant.

Online submissions are processed within 72 business hours, with notification sent immediately upon receipt.

Paper submissions can take up to 30 business days total — up to 5 business days just to confirm they received it, then up to 25 more to finish processing.

That gap can matter a lot depending on where you are in a product launch or compliance timeline. If you’re not sure which route makes sense for your situation, just ask us.

Have Your Documentation Ready Before You Submit

The Pennsylvania officials we spoke with were straightforward about this: missing documentation is the most common reason applications stall. Getting something in the door before it’s complete just creates more back-and-forth.

Before any Pennsylvania submission, make sure you have all of the following in hand:

• Authorization for Agent Representation (AAR) — must be current
• Active issuing license — your license needs to be in good standing at the time of submission
• Any outstanding back fees — unpaid fees will stop a submission from moving forward

If you’re submitting on behalf of another company — which is something many of our managed-services clients do — Pennsylvania also requires the online application number to be included. 

A Quick Note on Lab Reports

This one came up directly at the conference, so we want to be clear: a toy certification cannot be submitted in place of a lab report. They’re separate documents, and Pennsylvania treats them that way. If you’re not sure which one applies to your product, reach out before you submit. A quick conversation upfront saves a lot of headache after a rejection.

If you’ve been sorting through Pennsylvania’s stuffed toy requirements more broadly, our post on Pennsylvania’s new covering testing requirements is a helpful companion read. The documentation expectations are related, and knowing both helps you avoid gaps.

Pennsylvania Variance Petitions: More Than a Form, More Than a Fee

One of the other topics that came up at IABFLO is the Pennsylvania variance petition process. We’ve written about the basics of PA variances before, but we want to take a moment here to talk about what’s actually involved, because it’s more substantial than many people realize.

What Is a Variance Petition And Why Does It Matter?

Pennsylvania keeps a specific list of terms that are approved to appear on law labels. That list lives in §47.1 of the Bedding and Upholstery Regulations and §47.311 of the Stuffed Toy Regulations. If a term your product uses — because another state requires it — isn’t on Pennsylvania’s approved list, it’s technically non-compliant under Pennsylvania law, even if it’s perfectly correct everywhere else.

This is a real issue for companies selling in multiple states. States like California, Connecticut, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah require supplemental filling descriptions that Pennsylvania doesn’t automatically recognize. Think terms like shredded, resinated, batting, gel, beads, or pad. If any of those appear on your law label without an active Pennsylvania variance, you’re at risk of a license application rejection or a marketplace violation.

A variance petition is how Pennsylvania officially grants permission for your specific terminology to be used on your law labels. Once approved by the Pennsylvania Industrial Board, that language is covered — but getting there takes some coordination.

SEO alt title for image: Two law labels side by side showing highlighted variance terms — shredded, beads, and pad — on bedding products requiring Pennsylvania variance petitions for law label compliance

The Process Behind the Petition

The Pennsylvania Industrial Board meets once a month, on a schedule that’s set in December for the following year. That means variance petitions have to be reviewed by the Department of Labor & Industry’s Bedding & Upholstery and Stuffed Toys Licensing Team in sync with that monthly schedule. If you miss a submission window, you’re waiting another full month.

There’s a surprising amount of work involved in a petition: 

• identifying which terms require a variance
• gathering the right documentation
• preparing a petition that holds up under the department’s review
• tracking it through the board’s cycle. 

This isn’t a form you fill out once and forget about.

What Our Team Does to Manage Your Variance

Our New Registration team now handles the Pennsylvania variance petition process.

Here is a summary of what our team works through for each variance:

• We stay current on Pennsylvania’s approved terms list and when something is unclear, we reach out to state officials directly for clarification.
• Our team identifies variance needs during times such as the registration process, when testing reveals a filling type that requires one, on labels clients send, or when clients come to us already knowing they need one.
• After identifying which terms require a variance, we send an invoice for the associated costs if they weren’t already included in the original registration quote. After payment is received, we draft the variance application, capturing all of the terms the client needs covered.
• We work with the client to obtain a label that includes those terms — or our team designs one — and we pull a copy of their Pennsylvania license for the URN the variance is being applied to.
• With payment and documents in hand, we submit the petition through Pennsylvania’s online portal and handle any corrections that come up during processing.
• Variance approvals typically arrive seven to ten days after the board meets, and we review them carefully to confirm every requested term has been accounted for. The approval letter is then sent to the client for their records.

A variance petition is a managed, time-sensitive process with multiple steps, deadlines, and real consequences if something falls through the cracks.

If your products are sold in Pennsylvania and use filling terminology that might not be on the state’s approved list, or if you’re expanding into Pennsylvania and haven’t checked your law label language yet, this is a good time to look into it. Get in touch with our team and we can help you figure out if a variance applies to you.

Staying Ahead of Compliance: The Bigger Picture

The conversations at IABFLO 2026 were a useful reminder that compliance tends to go smoothly when it’s treated as an ongoing process rather than something you deal with when a problem shows up. Whether it’s having your documents ready before you submit, choosing online over paper when you can, or getting a variance petition in place before your products are on Pennsylvania shelves, the groundwork you lay early makes a real difference.

A couple of other resources that may be worth your time: if you’re currently handling your own importer license and submissions, our post on why self-managing your importer license may not be the time-saver it seems is worth a read.

And if you’re working across multiple states and want a clearer picture of what’s required where, our full range of compliance services covers everything from URN registration to ongoing monitored services that keep your renewals, reporting, and licensing from falling through the cracks.

If Pennsylvania has flagged your account for back fees, missing documentation, or a license issue, please don’t wait on it. Those things have a way of compounding and blocking future submissions until they’re cleared up.

The post What We Learned at the IABFLO 2026 Conference And What It Means for Your Submissions appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

North Carolina is one of those states where renewals are routine if you follow the process — and frustratingly complicated if you don’t. We wrote this post to be your evergreen reference for how North Carolina renewals work, what information is required, and how to move through the process smoothly.

Think of this as the “how it works” guide you can bookmark, share internally, and come back to each renewal season. (Current-year deadlines will always be communicated separately via GRS renewal emails. You can sign up for those here!)

Why North Carolina Renewals Deserve Extra Attention

North Carolina licenses don’t just quietly lapse. If a license is not renewed within the state’s allowed window following expiration, the state can deactivate it, which may trigger re-registration requirements instead of a standard renewal.

In practical terms:

• Renewing on time is predictable and manageable
• Missing the renewal window can mean additional paperwork, additional fees, and avoidable delays

That’s why GRS emphasizes early awareness and clean submissions for North Carolina. A little preparation here saves a lot of back-and-forth later.

The Core Requirement: A Sales Report (Even If It’s Zero)

Every North Carolina renewal includes a sales reporting component tied to a specific reporting period defined by the state.

One important thing to keep in mind: Even if your sales into North Carolina were zero, the form is still required. This catches people every year. “Nothing to report” still needs to be reported and skipping the form entirely is one of the fastest ways to create renewal issues.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before logging in and downloading forms, it helps to gather a few things internally:

• Sales information for the required reporting period
• Clarity on where your products are manufactured
• The correct signer (typically your CFO or primary bookkeeper)

Getting these pieces aligned early makes the rest of the process much smoother.

How to Renew Your North Carolina License 

Here’s the repeatable process you’ll follow each renewal season.

Step 1: Log into your GRS account

Start by logging into your GRS account as you normally would. And if you’re not working with us yet, here’s how you can get started!

Step 2: Review licenses flagged for renewal

Once logged in, look for the orange banner at the top of your account center page. This banner indicates licenses that need review. Click the blue “Review” button.

If you believe a North Carolina license should be up for renewal and you don’t see a prompt, reach out to the GRS team so we can help confirm what’s happening in your account.

Step 3: Download the North Carolina Renewal Form

From your account, download the North Carolina renewal form. This is the form you’ll use to report sales and provide required details for the renewal.

This is the only form North Carolina will accept; using an outdated or incomplete version can delay review.

Step 4: Complete the form with sales information

Fill out the form using your sales data for the reporting period requested by the state.

A few reminders here:

• Zero sales still require a completed form
• Accuracy matters more than speed
• If multiple teams handle sales data, give yourself time to coordinate

Step 5: Complete the correct section of the form

The North Carolina renewal form includes different sections depending on where products are manufactured and how they are sold.

Generally:

• Sections 1 and 2 apply to manufacturers located in North Carolina
• Section 3 applies to products manufactured outside North Carolina and sold into the state

If you’re unsure which section applies, that’s okay. Submit what you believe is correct and flag questions for the GRS team.

Step 6: Obtain the required signature

North Carolina requires the form to be signed by an authorized individual, most commonly a Chief Financial Officer or the company’s primary bookkeeper

The signature, printed name, and date must all be included. This is a common bottleneck, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Step 7: Upload the completed form to GRS

Once the form is complete and signed, upload it to your GRS account.

From there:

• GRS reviews the form for completeness
• We prepare the renewal invoice
• And guide the renewal through the state process

Common Renewal Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

After many renewal seasons, a few patterns show up again and again.

Skipping the form because sales were zero. North Carolina still requires documentation. Zero is valid but silence is not.

Using the wrong section of the form. Manufacturing location matters. When in doubt, ask.

Waiting too long to collect signatures. Internal delays are the most common reason renewals feel stressful. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

Assuming no alert means no action. If something feels off in your account, it’s always better to check than to guess.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Compliant

North Carolina renewals don’t need to be complicated, but they do need to be handled consistently.

Each year, the process is the same:

1. Download the form
2. Report sales (even if zero)
3. Get the proper signature
4. Upload to GRS for review

If you follow that flow, renewal season becomes just another manageable compliance task instead of a fire drill. We’re here to help make sure your license stays active and your team stays focused on everything else you’ve got going on. 

The post North Carolina Renewal Season: What to Do + What to Avoid appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

Stuffed-article testing for Ohio and Pennsylvania is exactly like that. On the surface, it’s “send a sample, get a report.” In reality, it’s a maze of state-specific rules, day-to-day regulator preferences, terminology traps, and documentation handoffs where one wrong word or missing attachment can trigger weeks of delays.

Not to toot our own horn, but this is where GRS shines.

Ohio & Pennsylvania Aren’t the Same Game And They’re Not “Just” CPSC

For most consumer goods, you’re used to hearing CPSC and ASTM (e.g., ASTM F963) as the baseline testing standards. Toys are no different in that respect. But Ohio and Pennsylvania layer on state-specific requirements that change how your samples are selected, how your paperwork is built, and what your labels can say.

• Ohio: OH requires verification that the filling material(s) match what your law label claims, down to the percentage if the product contains more than one filling. If you say “70% polyester fiber / 30% shredded foam,” the lab result has to substantiate those numbers. Not “close,” but exactly.
• Pennsylvania: PA applies additional testing specific to plush/stuffed toys beyond the federal/ASTM framework. The challenge isn’t just running tests—it’s choosing representative toys, mapping fillings and stiffeners, anticipating terminology variances, and assembling a submission packet that satisfies Pennsylvania’s unique review lens.

If you’ve ever run standard production testing, you might read the above and think, “We’ve got this.” But we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that typical production testing ≠ Ohio/Pennsylvania approvals. These are state-required programs with state-level reviewers who expect state-specific documentation.

Ohio: Why Percentages Matter And Where Teams Get Tripped Up

Ohio’s requirement sounds straightforward: test the filling and match the label. But the operational reality includes:

• Selecting the right sample(s) to represent your assortment—especially if you sell multiple SKUs or use a variety or combination of fillings.
• Aligning label claims with lab methods that quantify percentages across mixed fills (e.g., polyester + down + foam).
• Incorporating report corrections quickly if a lab’s default descriptors don’t match the allowable Ohio label terminology.
• Coordinating with the state on any residual label questions after testing (yes, that happens).

Because we manage these loops every day, we know how to avoid the back-and-forth that adds weeks to the Ohio testing process. We facilitate the intake, clarifications, and—most importantly—the language alignment between lab methods, label terms, and the state’s expectations, so your file lands clean.

Pennsylvania: The Plush-Toy Outlier That Demands Strategy

Pennsylvania’s plush/stuffed toy process is the real bear. You still meet CPSC/ASTM expectations, but PA adds its own requirements and terminology rules. Here are three common pitfalls to keep an eye out for:

1. Wrong “lead” toy selection. If you pick the wrong toy to represent the family, you can inadvertently multiply testing costs or miss a filling/stiffener combination that triggers extra review.
2. Terminology ≠ label reality. A term that’s fine under a federal lens can require a Pennsylvania variance or different wording to pass state review.
3. Documentation gaps. Pennsylvania reviewers are detail-driven; missing attachments or ambiguous descriptors can stall the whole submission.

What GRS does that others don’t: we identify which SKUs are “new” under Pennsylvania’s definitions, prioritize the right representative toys, and pre-flag where a variance petition may be needed—before you pay avoidable lab fees or burn time on non-starter language.

“We’re The Stopgap Between Lab And State”—What That Actually Means

We hear it a lot: “We already do testing. Why are you charging a facilitation fee on top of lab fees?”

Fair question. Here’s the real answer.

• We built the bridge. We trained many testing labs on the nuances of state expectations and how to format reports and supporting documentation for Ohio and Pennsylvania. That’s why, when the state sees a GRS-prepared packet, it’s ready for review, not round-one of edits.
• We run the playbook end-to-end. We select the right testing site (e.g., China vs. Taipei for certain factories), specify exact sample counts and forms, and spell out what not to send, preventing rejections that labs can’t reasonably police at intake.
• We correct and align. When lab reports use ambiguous descriptors or miss Pennsylvania terminology quirks, we work directly with the lab to adjust reports before they hit the state.
• We coordinate with the state. If Ohio has a labeling inquiry post-test, we handle it. If Pennsylvania wants a clarifying document, we’ve usually pre-built it.
• We watch the regulators’ mood, daily. Materials go in and out of scrutiny. We know what’s “hot” this week and get ahead of it—faster than the labs can, because they’re not set up to track state-by-state, day-by-day shifts.

In short: labs test. We get you approved. That difference is your timeline, your budget predictability, and your retail ship dates.

The “Seamless Paradox”: We Make It Look Easy—That’s Why It’s Worth It

When you work with GRS for lab testing, our process feels calm, clear, and quick. Ironically, that can make it look “simple,” and if something looks simple, teams assume it should be cheap.

Here’s the paradox: the reason it feels easy is because we’ve already done the hard parts for you—SKU mapping, sample strategy, state-preferred wording, variance forecasting, report edits, submission choreography, and the follow-through that keeps files moving.

And because everything lands first-time-right far more often, you avoid change orders, retest cycles, and retailer delays. The fee you pay for that orchestration is the difference between “we shipped this season” and “we missed the window.”

Why OH & PA Testing Matters Beyond “Passing a Test”

Getting testing right in Ohio and Pennsylvania protects your timelines, your brand, and your bottom line. Faster approvals mean fewer missed retail deadlines. Correct terminology and documentation reduce audit risks.

And once your fillings and representative toys are aligned, future registrations move smoothly and cost less. In short, investing in the process upfront saves money, time, and headaches later.

Ready to move ahead with a surefire strategy for success with Ohio and/or Pennsylvania testing? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk.

The post Why Ohio & Pennsylvania Stuffed-Article Testing Isn’t “Just Testing” (And Why We’re Good At It) appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

A Quick Note On Personnel Changes

Staff changes in regulatory agencies are very common. Here at GRS we’ve seen them many times throughout the years, and we know the big changes that can come with staff changes at the state level.

Ultimately, the state will decide what is regulated and how it is regulated. But when new individuals take on roles in the licensing department or as field inspectors, they bring with them new interpretations and enforcement of the state’s code.

GRS stays in close contact with state departments to keep our customers up to date with any changes in how their products may be regulated.

Definition of Type of Products Regulated from NC’s Code

Per North Carolina’s code: Bedding means any mattress, upholstered spring, sleeping bag, pad, comforter, cushion, pillow, decorative pillow, and any other padded or stuffed item designed to be or commonly used for reclining or sleeping.

A Recent Change In Enforcement

Historically, North Carolina has only enforced regulations for products that were truly bedding, meaning that they were marketed as a bedding product for sleeping.

However, this year we have started seeing the state issue violations for products that are not strictly bedding, but can be categorized under the “pads, cushions, or any other padded or stuffed item designed to be or commonly used for reclining or sleeping” part of the definition.

Product Clarification: Covered vs. Uncovered

Traditionally, bedding products are only regulated if they are filled and if they are inside of a covering. We reached out to North Carolina to further clarify their enforced products, and they informed us that their definition of bedding does not require a covering or filling.

This means that any pad, cushion, pillow, pad, or stuffed item used for reclining or sleeping requires a law label in the state of North Carolina — regardless of if it has a cover or not.

Covered Items: any item that is sold with an outer covering surrounding an inner filling. These products have always required a law label.
Examples: mattresses and pillows. 

Uncovered Items: any item without covering. Typically, this would be foam or stuffing by itself.
Examples: yoga pads, camping pads, and mattress toppers

The Immediate Path Forward

California is currently the only other state that regulates pads and cushions that are not inside of a covering. With North Carolina following suit, GRS has begun to poll other states to clarify their position on uncovered vs. covered pads.

Once we complete this poll, we will audit customer accounts and update our system to include products that fit under this broadened interpretation.

These changes may affect your compliance status in the GRS system. Keep your eyes out for an email from our team in the coming weeks with next steps.

Stay Compliant in North Carolina

If your product does not have a covering, North Carolina will accept an adhesive law label as long as the label does not ruin the product. The label should be weather-resistant to ensure the printed information makes it to the end consumer.

If you need help with your adhesive label to meet North Carolina’s requirement, our sister company American Law Label is here to help.

Not sure if your product falls under North Carolina’s new interpretation? The GRS Labeling Team has your back. Send us a picture of the product, and we’ll confirm if you may need registration in North Carolina.

The post North Carolina Product Regulation Clarification & Expected Account Changes appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

Quote Wizard

For new customers, requesting a quote is the first step toward getting GRS support. We’ve simplified the quoting process so it is quicker to get an invoice.

We are also adding changes that will guide customers through the preliminary requirements for stuffed toy registration with Pennsylvania’s updates requirements.

Payment Process Revamp

We’ll be the first to admit that our online payment processing hasn’t always met expectations. We’re exploring ways to modernize our payment process so it’s easier for users — including the company info verification step which can be a bit of a headache!

We have added highly requested updates for customers that submit payment by wire and ACH. We are working on the ability to pay (or mark for payment) more than one invoice at a time.

Law Label Lookup Revamp and Expansion

Law Label Lookup will be receiving some enhancements this year to continue to build on its primary purpose: to provide increased visibility of law labels as well as a more comprehensive vendor compliance verification solution.

The next two enhancements are listed below:

• ProductXCheck is a retailer dashboard upgrade that allows for label management by checking vendor’s uploaded data against an uploaded spreadsheet to identify missing or incorrect product and label data.
  • ProductXCheck+: The Plus version of ProductXCheck will add system-generated communications to vendors that are missing data or have incorrect data uploaded and assigned to the retailer.
• Law Label Lookup Verification: Currently, Law Label Lookup is a storage and visibility solution. However, this has led to GRS discovering many vendor uploaded labels that do not meet all federal and state requirements. Law Label Lookup Verification will function just as our license verification system works. This can be an add on to the program as a whole (vendor requirement) or can be purchased per label by individual companies.
  • The vendor uploads the label to GRS
  • GRS conducts a pass/fail audit of the six sections of the law label
  • All six sections must pass for an approval
  • If one or more sections fail, the label is rejected
  • The vendor then has the opportunity to self-correct the label or hire GRS for a comprehensive label audit or redesign

Sales Reporting Revamp

Certain regulating agencies require businesses to report their stuffed article sales. This past year we added functionality that lets GRS request renewal forms and sales reporting data through a customer’s portal. We are currently refining this functionality and adding the ability to report multiple years of sales data.

Vendor Sign-Up System for Retail Compliance

Our new Vendor Sign-Up System for Retail Compliance makes it easy to enroll with your retail partner.

Each retailer has a vendor page with custom resources and a sign-up guide. We have added the Vendor Sign-Up System to those custom pages (shown below) so that creating an account or signing into your GRS account from that page signs you up for that retailer’s program.

If you need a link to your retailer’s page, please email RC@globalrsinc.com

We Want to Hear From You!

As a GRS customer, your feedback is invaluable. If you have any ideas about how we can make our website even more functional and easier to use, we would love to hear your thoughts.

The post GRS Site Upgrades, Q3 2025 appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

Partner Conversations & New Connections

The exhibitor space created a great environment for meaningful engagement. We were able to catch up with long-standing partners and meet new industry professionals, including retailers, manufacturers, regulatory consultants, testing labs, and attorneys.

These informal yet strategic conversations helped us deepen relationships, explore potential collaboration, and hear directly about evolving compliance needs.

Organizations Represented

Speakers and attendees represented a broad cross-section of the product safety community. Highlights included participation from:

• Health Canada
• ASTM International
• UL Solutions
• SGS
• Bureau Veritas
• Retailers and private brand teams
• Independent labs, consultants, and legal experts

This diverse representation added depth and nuance to panels and training sessions alike.

Topics That Took Center Stage

Couldn’t make it to ICPHSO, but have a topic that you would be interesting in learning more about? Click the link below to let us know—and stay tuned for news on GRS-facilitated learning sessions where we’ll explore your most-requested topics!

The agenda covered a wide range of product safety and regulatory issues, with sessions focused on:

• Risk assessment methods and safety evaluation practices
• Chemical safety and PFAS-related regulations
• AI, IoT, and technology-driven product risks
• Recalls and enforcement preparedness
• Labeling, testing, and supply chain oversight
• International harmonization of standards
• Sustainability and circular product strategies

Each session offered practical takeaways and reflected the shared challenges facing compliance professionals today.

Buzz & Backdrop

Although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was not formally present, its absence sparked a number of conversations — particularly in light of the recent reinstatement of Democratic commissioners, which may signal changes ahead.

Trade was also a hot topic, with many attendees focused on the implications of proposed tariffs and their ripple effects on sourcing, costs, and compliance practices.

What’s Next: Looking to the International Event

Momentum from the Minneapolis symposium is carrying into the upcoming international ICPHSO event, which is already expected to draw high attendance. Many in the industry see growing value in these global gatherings, particularly as regulatory frameworks continue to shift across borders.

Exhibiting at ICPHSO 2025 reminded us of the power of community and cross-sector dialogue in navigating compliance challenges. We left Minneapolis with new insights, deeper partnerships, and a renewed commitment to staying at the forefront of product safety. We’re grateful to have participated and look forward to what’s ahead.

The post ICPHSO 2025: Product Safety Conversations, Connections, and What’s Ahead appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

Here’s a quick overview of the requirement clarification for importers and distributors, and what you can do to stay compliant.

D.C.’s Definition of Importer & Distributor

These are the definitions of importer and distributor, per Washington D.C.:

• Importer – Any entity making a product for sale that is manufactured outside of the U.S.
• Distributor – Any entity making a product for sale that is manufactured within the U.S.

What License Do I Need in D.C.?

The type of license you will need in order to sell stuffed articles in Washington D.C. depends on where your manufacturers are located.

Please be aware that your manufacturers must obtain their D.C. Manufacturer License before you will be issued an Importer or Distributor license. This is because a copy of at least one of your manufacturers’ URN licenses is required during importer and distributor registration.

I Only Work With Foreign Manufacturers

D.C. considers you an importer. You need an Importer License.
The fee for a D.C. Importer License is $476, which renews every 2 years.

I Only Work With U.S. Manufacturers

D.C. considers you a distributor. You need a Distributor License.
The fee for a D.C. Distributors License is $34, which renews every 2 years.

I Work With Both Foreign and U.S. Manufacturers

D.C. considers you both an importer and a distributor. Both of these roles must be accounted for during registration. Thankfully, you will only need a single license that lists both roles.

You will have to pay a stacked fee that includes an importer fee and a distributor fee. This is unique compared to other states that offer a single license for importer/distributors and a single, consolidated fee. The stacked fee is $510, which renews every 2 years.

Do I Need A License for Each Factory I Work With?

No. D.C.’s Importer License will work similarly to other blanket Importer Licenses. That means a single license will cover your company, no matter how many factories you work with.

Will I Be Fined for Not Having the Right License?

No, not at this time. D.C.’s department supervisor has assured us that their inspectors are currently only issuing warning notices for improper licensing, not fines yet. We recommend that you get registered as soon as possible to avoid fines and violations when D.C. decides to start issuing them.

Will This Update Affect My Law Label?

Given D.C.’s requirements for importer, distributor, and wholesaler licensing, we expect law labels will be highly scrutinized moving forward.

If you choose to list a company on a law label other than the manufacturer (for example, MADE FOR, IMPORTED BY, or DISTRIBUTED BY), you can expect to receive feedback from Washington D.C. to ensure the company has applied for the proper license.

That company will be considered an importer/distributor, and they will need to register so the D.C. licensing department has record of their company when doing inspections. 

What Are My Next Steps to Stay Compliant?

GRS will reach out to our Monitored Services customers to gather information and determine what type of D.C. license they will need going forward. We strongly recommend you keep an eye out for emails from GRS so you don’t miss an important message about your D.C. license.

If you have questions about D.C. licensing, please reach out to GRS and we’ll be happy to help.

The post Washington D.C.’s Importer Requirements: Do You Need a New License? appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

Following a month and a half of deliberation, Utah has officially announced the removal their online labeling requirements. You can read the updated rule here. 

Retailers who sell stuffed articles in the state of Utah will no longer be required to provide a digital label to consumers ahead of purchase, as the state originally intended to enforce on May 15, 2025.

Please note that Utah’s usual licensing requirements are still intact. The state still requires registrations, licensing, renewals, and other matters of ongoing compliance to keep stuffed articles in the marketplace. The only requirements that are being lifted are the online labeling requirements that were expected to begin enforcement on May 15, 2025.

This decision marks the end of a lengthy saga that began when Utah announced its intention to pursue online labeling requirements back in May of 2023. Since then, the state has continuously paused enforcement to better define their requirements, culminating in the removal of these requirements as outlined here.

In regards to S.B. 231, the bill was not introduced at the last legislative session nor was a special session called to move the bill forward. This means that Utah’s usual licensing requirements will remain intact, without the online labeling component. The state will continue to require registrations, licensing, renewals, and other matters of ongoing compliance to keep stuffed articles in the marketplace.

Update: March 13, 2025

In early February, a bill called S.B. 231 was introduced in the Utah legislature that would remove the overarching requirements supporting the state’s bedding, furniture, and quilted clothing program. Shortly thereafter in early March, Utah’s online visibility requirements were paused through a Change in Proposed Rule.

As a result, S.B. 231 hasn’t moved forward and has been returned to the rules committee to address the online visibility element. Utah’s session has concluded. Without a special session being called, we don’t expect S.B. 231 to move forward—at least not in the near future.

For now, the focus is on the Change in Proposed Rule for Utah’s online visibility requirements as described in the original article below. We expect Utah to make this public soon, at which point they may accept comments for 30 days. Any commentary the state receives would go under review before a final decision is made.

Original Article: March 3, 2025

On March 1, 2025, Utah announced a Change in Proposed Rule for their online labeling requirements, doing away with the intended enforcement date of May 15, 2025.

A Change in Proposed Rule is the method by which Utah allots time to review and revise their online visibility laws. While details are still emerging, our understanding is that Utah will take a 30-day waiting period to review the law as it is currently written and decide the path forward for their requirements.

Despite limited information, we feel that it is important to keep our customers aware of this evolving situation. You can read Utah’s Change in Proposed Rule here, starting on page 81.

What Are My Next Steps?

We know that Utah’s decisions have a direct impact on your business decisions and timelines. At this point, we do not recommend taking any actions until the situation in Utah becomes clearer.

There will be a 30-day waiting period from March 1–March 31, 2025, during which Utah may accept comments or hold a public hearing about their online labeling requirements. The state will then announce whether their Change in Proposed Rule will become effective or not between April 1 and July 1, 2025.

A lot can change during that time. GRS is in close contact with Utah officials to monitor the evolving situation, and we will keep our customers on the pulse as we become informed.

What we know for a fact now is that retailers can disregard the previously stated May 15, 2025 enforcement date for Utah’s requirements. We will inform you of the new enforcement date if the state moves forward with a revised version of the law.

How Can I Stay Compliant in Utah?

Partnering with GRS for comprehensive compliance support is still the best way to stay compliant in Utah. Whatever happens with the state’s online visibility requirements, Utah will continue to require registrations, licensing, renewals, and other matters of ongoing compliance to keep stuffed articles in the marketplace.

GRS’ support goes far beyond Law Label Lookup. We are a trusted partner to the top names in retail as well as thousands of their suppliers, offering:

• Registration and URN support to bring your stuffed articles to market
• Law label printing, design, and auditing to comply with all federal and state regulations
• Monitored Services to handle ongoing compliance on your behalf, and avoid violations and off-sales
• Retail Compliance to give retailers oversight and peace of mind about the products on their shelves
• Webinars and educational events to keep your team at the forefront of compliance

As a reminder, in addition to Utah’s decision on online labeling requirements we are still awaiting news on Utah’s S.B. 231, which would have larger implications for the state’s stuffed article regulations. We will continue to keep our customers informed about S.B. 231 and the future of Utah’s regulatory program.

For Vendors Participating in Retail Compliance

While Law Label Lookup was originally developed to meet Utah’s online labeling requirements, it has become an invaluable tool for our retail partners for other purposes, as well. Law Label Lookup helps retailers gain visibility into the labels on their products in one convenient online platform, making it easier to identify issues with labeling formatting and terminology that cause non-compliance.

Moving forward, each retailer will decide whether they require their vendors to upload their labels as part of their Retail Compliance program. Some retailers may choose to keep this requirement regardless of what happens in Utah. Please check each of your retailers’ vendor pages on the GRS site to see if the requirement is discontinued.

If you need a link to your retailer’s vendor page, feel free to reach out to RC@globalrsinc.com

How Can I Stay Informed About the Evolving Situation in Utah?

If you are already subscribed to the GRS newsletter, you will receive the latest Utah news in your inbox as soon as it becomes available to us.

If you aren’t subscribed to our newsletter, you can sign up below. Once a month we share the latest compliance news that affects stuffed article retailers and their suppliers, along with webinars, industry events, and other important compliance dates to mark on your calendar.

Have questions about the situation in Utah? Our team is here to help make sense of the path ahead. Email us at info@globalrsinc.com or use the button below to shoot us a message.

Looking Forward: Online Visibility Requirements in California

Regardless of Utah’s decision, California is still in the process of drafting similar requirements that would call for digital labeling for filled products. The state has not yet decided whether that information must be presented as a digital image or text, but Law Label Lookup supports both methods for compliance.

GRS will keep our customers informed as information on California’s legislation becomes available.

The post Utah Removes Online Labeling Requirements [Update 4/15] appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

Regulatory Updates and Industry Priorities

The Toy Fair Regulatory Session provided key insights into proposed regulatory changes and ongoing industry initiatives. A major focus was placed on aligning standards and regulations to create a more cohesive compliance framework. Industry stakeholders are working toward areas of consensus to improve clarity and reduce the burden of navigating inconsistent global requirements.

Another pressing topic was the rise of counterfeit toys, which continue to pose safety risks and undermine legitimate businesses. Regulatory bodies and industry leaders are looking at stronger enforcement measures to protect consumers and ensure that only compliant products reach the market.

U.S. Administrative and Congressional Priorities

At the federal level, several legislative and regulatory topics are shaping the landscape for toy manufacturers and retailers. Among the top concerns are trade and tariffs, with Toy Fair actively advocating against new tariffs on toys. While many companies have voiced concerns over what they see as unfair trade practices, Toy Fair has chosen not to take an official stance on the issue.

The conversation around regulatory reform also remains active, with efforts to streamline compliance requirements while maintaining strong consumer protections. Additionally, chemical and environmental legislation is expected to shift toward a more risk-based approach, targeting high-priority substances and focusing on sustainability.

What’s Next for the Industry?

With ongoing discussions about regulatory alignment, counterfeit prevention, and shifting legislative priorities, toy companies must stay engaged and proactive in compliance efforts. The coming months will be critical as trade and policy decisions continue to unfold—both at a state and federal level. As always, industry collaboration will play a key role in shaping a regulatory environment that balances safety, innovation, and business growth.

The post Toy Fair 2025: 3 Takeaways appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..

In early February, a bill called S.B. 231 was introduced in the Utah legislature that would remove the overarching requirements supporting the state’s bedding, furniture, and quilted clothing program. Shortly thereafter in early March, Utah’s online visibility requirements were paused through a Change in Proposed Rule.

As a result, S.B. 231 has not moved forward and has been returned to the rules committee to address the online visibility element. Utah’s session has concluded. Without a special session being called, we don’t expect S.B. 231 to move forward—at least not in the near future.

For now, the focus is on the Change in Proposed Rule for Utah’s online visibility requirements. We expect Utah to make this public soon, at which point they may accept comments for 30 days. Any commentary the state receives would go under review before a final decision is made.

We put together a guide on Utah’s pause of their online visibility requirements, including how to stay compliant in the state’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Original Article: February 7, 2025

GRS’ upcoming Utah Visibility Requirements webinar discussing the state’s digital labeling requirements has been postponed due to pending legislation. 

While Utah’s bill S.B. 231 is not guaranteed to be signed into law, it would have implications for stuffed article regulation in the state. Here’s what we know so far.

S.B. 231 Explained

S.B. 231 Bedding, Upholstered Furniture, and Filling Material Amendments is a bill that was introduced in the Utah legislature in early February 2025. 

Chiefly, in regards to stuffed articles, the bill “repeals permitting and registration requirements” and “removes certain tagging or similar requirements administered by the Department of

Agriculture and Food for bedding, upholstered furniture, and filling material.”

In short, S.B. 231 would dissolve Utah’s Bedding, Upholstered Furniture and Quilted Clothing Program, meaning Utah would no longer regulate stuffed articles in any way. That means that outside of federal regulations, Utah would not require any of the following to sell stuffed articles in the state:

• Registration
• Permits (Licenses)
• Labeling or Tagging
• Fees
• Renewals

If passed, the bill would go into effect on May 7, 2025. You can read the full text of S.B. 231 here.

The Costly Implications of S.B. 231

While we believe that stuffed article regulation is an important protective measure for consumer safety and confidence, we also believe that Utah’s Program is a uniquely important vehicle for bringing products to market in the United States.

Importantly, Utah provides:

• Joint Licensing, which puts more control in the hands of importers
• A very quick registration process
• A uniquely fast and direct path to bring stuffed articles to market across the U.S.

Joint Licensing: Empowering Importers

First, Utah is one of only three states that offer Joint Licensing. A Joint License offers importers ownership and oversight of the registration process, the license itself, and renewals to ensure their product remains compliant. 

Companies that import and distribute stuffed articles here in the U.S. often prefer Joint Licenses. They are a particularly powerful incentive to do business in Utah.

Registration Turnaround: A Great Benefit for Businesses

Another unique advantage is Utah’s quick registration process. On average, Utah reliably issues a Joint URN within 5–7 days. That quick turnaround time allows law label design, printing, and affixation to products to begin while the company awaits registration in the remaining regulating states. 

A job that starts with a Utah URN is consistently completed within one month of starting the registration process. This is the quickest possible path to market while providing the added assurance of Joint Licensing. In comparison, the next fastest state that issues Joint Licensing is Pennsylvania with a 500% longer waiting period to issue a URN (from 5 days to 30 days).

With Joint Licensing and its expedient path to market, Utah’s Program represents a unique opportunity for retailers, their suppliers, and consumers across the country. As a leader in compliance and a trusted partner to thousands of stuffed article businesses, GRS urges the state of Utah to oppose S.B. 231 and keep its Bedding, Upholstered Furniture and Quilted Clothing Program intact.

S.B. 231 Spells More Headaches for Businesses

Every business that sells products to consumers in Utah have already done the due diligence of getting compliant with the state. S.B. 231 would punish those businesses with even more sunken costs, time, and effort to re-achieve compliance.

Each company would be required to undertake the time-consuming process of:

• Re-registration, which comes with additional administrative costs and hoops to jump through
• Re-labeling, which could cause extensive delays in returning their products to the marketplace

Re-Registration

In the event that Utah ends its bedding and furniture program, every manufacturer (and every importer in the case of Joint Licensing) with a Utah URN would be required to re-register with all other regulating states, which can add up to 14 required licenses total depending on the product type.

These re-registrations would cost businesses thousands of dollars in state fees, not to mention third-party processing fees for registration support. That’s on top of the lengthy, 40 to 70-day process of obtaining the full set of licenses, workshopping with each state to explain the cause of re-registration, and tackling other administrative burdens.

Re-Labeling

Another important consideration is the fate of the products bearing Utah URNs that are already on shelves across the U.S. 

Many state agencies have strict regulations prohibiting labels from containing false, untrue, or misleading statements. If Utah were to discontinue its bedding and upholstered furniture program, any product currently labeled with a Utah registration number would require immediate re-labeling.

This would have to be solved by one or more of these costly solutions:

• Replacing labels through the cut-and-sew method is extremely costly, labor-intensive, and disruptive to supply chains. Many domestic warehouses do not have the equipment or workforce to perform this type of modification, and would require shipment back to the original manufacturer, often located overseas, for relabeling. This process introduces increased transportation costs, extended lead times, and potential customs delays.
• Amending labels by affixing a corrective adhesive label requires pre-approved materials that are costly to procure and are subject to supply shortages. Additionally, six state agencies require a lengthy documentation process which includes contacting state officials, identifying their specific requirements, submitting label samples, and providing paperwork. This includes applying for an official Ohio variance, which is required when a product’s label no longer accurately reflects the original product that was brought to market. Furthermore, receiving adhesive law label approvals can take 2-12 weeks, potentially delaying shipments and causing manufacturers and importers to miss retailer deadlines—resulting in financial losses of thousands of dollars.

There’s one major wrench in this re-labeling plan: adhesive labels and variances are not guaranteed per written state laws. The other regulating states can at any point decide not to allow these methods of correction. This would leave cut-and-sew as the only remaining option.

It’s clear that S.B. 231 would only add more costs and administrative burden to the already complex process of bringing stuffed articles to market in the U.S. If you would like to contact Utah regarding the bill, you can use the contact form here. Select Senator Brady Brammer from the drop-down menu, as he is the senator that introduced the bill.

The Current Roadmap

Since the introduction of S.B. 231, things are in a holding pattern in Utah. The state is currently still offering registrations and performing inspections of stuffed articles on store shelves.

As we understand it, there are two likely scenarios: one in which S.B. 231 is signed into law, and one in which it is not.

If S.B. 231 Passes

In the event that S.B. 231 is signed into law, we have developed an action plan to keep those with Utah URN-issuing licenses compliant. We will share details about that plan should S.B. 231 continue through the Utah legislature.

If S.B. 231 Does Not Pass

If S.B. 231 is not signed into law, business will continue as usual in Utah. They will continue to accept registrations, issue URNs, and provide a quick path to putting stuffed articles on shelves.

Next Steps

GRS is already involved in discussions with Utah legislators and industry partners surrounding S.B. 231 and its implications for stuffed article regulation in the state.

We will continue to keep our customers informed about Utah’s decision as this story develops. If you have questions for the GRS team, please tap the button below to get in touch.

The post Utah S.B. 231: What to Know About Utah’s Pending Legislation [Update 3/13] appeared first on Global Registration Services, Inc..