New Product Labeling Database Officially Launched By SFIA And WFSGI

An easy-to-use, extremely detailed database to help sports and fitness companies keep in compliance with national and local laws has been launched by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) with the support of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). Known as the WFSGI Compliance Labeling Requirements (CLR) Database, this online tool provides up-to-date global compliance intelligence on labeling requirements, ensuring companies avoid potential costly re-work, stop ships and product recalls, which ultimately result in lost revenue and brand damage.

“This is a game-changer for companies that produce and sell sports and fitness products in multiple countries,” said Tom Cove, SFIA president and CEO. “This database will be a one-stop-shop on every kind of regulation and compliance issue. It speaks directly to the hassle and cost our companies face in keeping up with rapidly changing laws across our global marketplace.”

The CLR Database is the result of a collective effort among sporting goods companies and has been brought into existence through a partnership between the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) and Compliance & Risks, who is responsible for managing the system and providing subject matter expertise.

“We are very pleased to launch the WFSGI Compliance Labeling Requirements (CLR) Database after a successful pilot period,” said Robbert de Kock, president & CEO of the WFSGI. “This new WFSGI service will help companies to navigate through a blurry jungle of worldwide labeling information and avoid the expenditure of considerable time, energy and cost.”

“A huge amount of work has gone into getting the CLR Database launched, and we are so excited about the benefits we’re bringing to companies with this innovative approach to managing requirements,” added Jim Costello, Chairman of Compliance & Risks. “Following a rigorous testing period with some of the most successful sporting goods companies in the world, we are confident that this solution will address their labeling requirement needs.”

Companies already benefiting from the platform include Asics, BMC Switzerland, Canyon Bicycles, Columbia Sportswear, IIC-INTERSPORT International Corporation, New Balance Athletics, Nike, Pentland Brands, Under Armour and VF Corporation.

Users can search and report on up-to-date requirements by country and by product, as well as receive alerts of recent, pending and future regulatory changes and free access to subject matter experts. In addition, all reports can be customized and downloaded instantly by database subscribers.