US retailers typically look for two layers of compliance: (1) factory-level management and social responsibility, and (2) product/material safety for the specific SKU.

• Factory & management: ISO 9001 (quality management), and a recognized social audit such as SMETA (Sedex) or BSCI.

• Responsible paper sourcing: FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) if you want to claim FSC-certified paper.

• Product safety & chemicals (as applicable): CPSIA/ASTM F963 for children’s items; California Prop 65 for chemical disclosures; third-party lab reports for inks, coatings, plastics, and metal parts.

• Process controls: clear QC plan (incoming, in-process, final) and traceability for materials and production batches.

Lion Paper Products is certificated manufacturer and supplier, whose Jiaxing (China) and Cambodia factory both currently holds valid SMETA, FSC, and ISO 9001 certificates. Copies can be shared for verification under NDA if needed.

Use a “trust-but-verify” checklist. Real audits are traceable, dated, and match the factory’s legal entity and address.

• Request the latest full audit report (not just a cover page): scope, site address, audit firm, audit date, and grade/score.

• Ask for the CAP (Corrective Action Plan) and close-out evidence for any non-conformities.

• If it’s Sedex/SMETA: ask for the supplier’s Sedex company/site ID and grant you access (or share an official report download).

• Cross-check the audit firm/issuer and validity dates; make sure the certificate name matches the factory license name.

• Do a video walkthrough or arrange a third-party verification audit for high-volume programs.

Lion Paper Products can provide our valid SMETA-related documentation for the Jiaxing factory upon request.

FSC is not just “buying FSC paper” - the factory must have FSC Chain of Custody to keep the claim intact from paper mill to finished goods.

• Ask for the supplier’s FSC CoC certificate number and verify it in the FSC public database.

• Make sure your PO/invoice specifies the FSC claim (e.g., FSC Mix / FSC 100%) and the correct label/claim requirements.

• Confirm the factory’s segregation/traceability process (material batch records, storage separation, and production tracking).

• Request supporting documents from paper suppliers (mill certificates, delivery notes) for the batches used in your order.

Lion Paper’s Jiaxing factory holds a valid FSC certificate and can support FSC-claimed production when your order specs require it.

The safest approach is documentation + lab testing - especially if the product is for kids, gifts, or national retailers.

• Ask for SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and supplier declarations for inks, glues, laminations/films, and coatings.

• For children’s or sensitive programs: run third-party tests for heavy metals (lead), phthalates (if plastics are involved), and restricted substances based on CPSIA/ASTM F963 and/or Prop 65 requirements.

• Lock the approved material list before mass production; any change requires written approval + retesting if needed.

• Use accredited labs (e.g., SGS, Intertek, BV, TÜV) and request reports tied to your SKU and production batch.

Lane Paper Products can coordinate testing with recognized third-party labs and share reports before shipment.

Compliance is not a one-time certificate - it’s a managed system. Set it up as part of your production agreement.

• Write compliance requirements into the PO/contract (materials, labeling, testing, and audit expectations).

• Approve PPS/production samples and keep a sealed reference sample for mass-production matching.

• Run staged QC: incoming material checks, in-line inspections, and final random inspection (AQL-based if you prefer).

• Maintain traceability: supplier batch codes for paper/ink/glue, production records, and carton-level labeling.

• Use pre-shipment inspection and photo/video packing records to reduce shipping claims.

Lion Paper Products supports structured QC and traceability so your compliance requirements stay consistent from sample to shipment.

For paper stationery, the most meaningful environmental requirements usually focus on responsible sourcing and safer materials.

• FSC (or PEFC) for responsible paper sourcing and credible sustainability claims.

• Low-impact material options: recycled paper, water-based coatings/inks, and plastic-reduction packaging (when your specs allow).

• Environmental management systems such as ISO 14001 are a plus for large retailer programs (if required by your brand).

• Packaging compliance: recyclable formats, reduced plastic, and country-specific requirements when applicable.

Lion Paper Products can supply FSC-claimed products through our certified Jiaxing facility and offer material/packaging options aligned with your sustainability goals.

Testing depends on the product type and age grading. Children’s stationery is treated more strictly than general adult stationery.

• US baseline (kids): CPSIA for lead content and (where relevant) phthalates; ASTM F963 if the item functions like a toy or includes toy-like features.

• California: Prop 65 review and, if required, testing/labeling support.

• Physical safety: small parts/choking hazards, sharp points/edges, and durability tests for components like rings, snaps, magnets, or elastic.

• Material-specific tests: coatings/inks migration, heavy metals, and restricted substances for plastics/PU/PVC parts.

Lion Paper Products can recommend a test plan per SKU and arrange third-party testing before launch and/or before shipment.

Before you sign, collect documents that prove (1) the factory is legitimate and audited, and (2) your specific product is safe and compliant.

• Factory documents: business license, facility profile, and production capability overview.

• Audit & systems: SMETA/BSCI (as applicable), ISO 9001 certificate, and any retailer-required social compliance documents.

• Sourcing: FSC CoC certificate if you need FSC claims, plus paper supplier traceability.

• Product compliance: test reports for your SKU (especially for kids), SDS for key materials, and a written QC/inspection plan.

• Shipping readiness: country-of-origin statement, ISPM-15 for wood packaging (if used), and clear labeling/carton marking standards.

Lion Paper Products can provide our Jiaxing factory’s valid SMETA/FSC/ISO 9001 documentation and help you assemble a complete compliance pack for your program.

Look at both capability and repeatability. A strong supplier can prototype fast and scale without changing the quality level.

• Sampling speed and accuracy: ask about lead time, revision rounds, and how they control Pantone/color matching.

• Process coverage: printing, finishing (foil, emboss/deboss, lamination), and binding types that match your product roadmap.

• Engineering support: dielines, structure advice, and cost-down options without changing the look and feel.

• Capacity & planning: monthly output, peak-season lead times, and how they secure key materials.

• Proof of work: request recent similar projects, quality photos, and client references where possible.

Lion Paper Products supports custom notebook/stationery development with structured sampling, production planning, and QC controls.

Transparency is about traceability. If a document can’t be independently checked, treat it as a risk.

• Verify certificate numbers in official databases (FSC, ISO registrars, Sedex/SMETA access) - don’t rely on screenshots.

• Check the scope: the audited site address, legal entity name, and product coverage must match what you are buying.

• Look for dates: audit date, validity period, and re-audit schedule. Old audits are not decision-grade.

• Ask for the CAP and evidence of closure for non-conformities; repeated issues are a red flag.

• When volumes matter: use a third-party verification audit or pre-shipment inspection to confirm ongoing compliance.

Lion Paper Products is comfortable sharing verifiable, up-to-date compliance documents for qualified buyers under standard confidentiality terms.