Prescription glasses fall under some of the most rigorous production standards in the world, particularly in EU markets, where regulations have been created and sharpened to establish a manufacturing culture that places top priority on consumer health and safety, ethical factory management and environmental protection.
Gaining Clarity: EU Standards for Optical Lenses and Spectacle Frames
Under European Medical Device Regulation 2017/745, optical lenses and spectacle frames are considered Class 1 medical devices and subjected to dozens of lab tests and production specifications to ensure optimal lense quality, frame durability and product safety.
Like most products intended for the EU market, eyewear must carry the iconic CE marking (as per Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745). In order to obtain this marking, manufacturers or their EU Representative Agent (for non-EU businesses) must register their product with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Lense Quality Depends on Compliance
The purpose of eyeglasses is to correct or improve vision for people who have near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), presbyopia, and astigmatism. As this corrective function affects wearers’ daily life, precise lense manufacturing and mounting are important requirements to provide quality spectacles to the market.
- Performance -- optical and geometric properties specified in ISO 8980
- Design -- the minimization of risk to the wearer is of primary concern
- Materials -- non-toxic, non-allergenic and non-combustible
- Mechanical Strength -- robustness is measured by the impact of a 22 mm diameter steel ball at 100 Newtons
- Transmittance -- luminous and UV specified in ISO 8980
Frame Safety Includes Stronger Restrictions on Nickel
Part of the EU’s growing concern over the presence of hazardous chemicals in daily-use products has included nickel, a metal frequently used in alloys. Nickel is a known skin allergen, even claiming the title of the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s “Contact Allergen of the Year” in 2008. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has continued to strengthen restrictions on Nickel and clarified its definition of ‘prolonged contact with the skin’ in relation to consumer products.
As part of QIMA's comprehensive spectacle frame testing, nickel release in coated metal parts is tested against the ISO 12870 Standard.
ISO 12870 focuses on such aspects of eyewear quality as general frame construction (including smooth surfaces and rounded edges); stability in elevated temperatures; resistance to perspiration; resistance to ignition, and many others.
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
It is the belief amongst organizations like HOKLAS and the ILAC that many economies are served by authoritative bodies that can exercise oversight for laboratories tasked to carry out national and international compliance tests.
QIMA's lab test reports are issued with HOKLAS and ILAC endorsements, offering an extra layer of assurance as each lab is subjected to their own performance standards dictated by these accreditation bodies. Your exacting production standards for optical lenses and frames should be met with the same level of expertise, lab management and top-tier testing equipment.
QIMA's Quality Assurance services can also help you design your eyewear in accordance with all established national and international standards to prepare you for production in your intended market.
Easily Schedule Your Eyewear Tests Online
Our online platform and mobile application make it easy for you to schedule Eyewear tests and inspections, and receive your results at any time. Book new tests and inspections, view pending orders, and access results from your mobile device. Our online platform provides valuable supply chain insights, including a summary of your QC activity, all of your supplier’s quality stats, industry benchmarking data, and more.
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Navigating the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a comprehensive guide for companies
Download our complimentary EUDR Quick Guide to navigate the EU Deforestation Regulation. Learn how to identify eligible commodities, raise internal awareness, map your supply chain, and streamline compliance management.
From Survival to Confidence: The 5-Step Framework for Helping Your Fashion Supply Chain Thrive
With their globe-spanning sourcing networks, fast production cycles, and narrow margins, textile and apparel supply chains are particularly sensitive to disruptions – from trade wars and armed conflicts to natural disasters and global pandemics. As a result, many fashion brands and retailers are operating in survival mode as they struggle to meet consumer expectations for quality and sustainability, comply with evolving regulations, and mitigate a broad variety of risks. The pathway to resilience and growth is just 5 steps away.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Checklist: What Companies Need to Know
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to eliminate deforestation from EU supply chains. Use our comprehensive EUDR checklist to ensure your organization is prepared for the new regulation, including key steps for compliance like supply chain mapping, risk assessment, and mitigation.
2024 Global Supply Chain Landscape and Trends
This survey report analyzes the latest developments in global procurement patterns, including a general outlook for 2024 and key trends such as the growing importance of ESG, the relationship between supply chain digitization and multiple facets of compliance, and the evolution of key sourcing geographies, with a special focus on China and nearshoring regions.
Navigating the Complexities of Supply Chains: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Mapping Your Supply Chain
In this quick guide, we will explore the intricacies of supply chain mapping, its benefits, and challenges. You will also understand how technology can play an important role in helping companies stay transparent and accountable.
Understanding The EU Green Deal: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses
The European Green Deal is a transformative policy framework introduced by the European Commission to steer the EU towards a sustainable, climate-neutral, and environmentally friendly economy by 2050. This comprehensive guide for businesses offers an in-depth exploration of the EU Green Deal.
Environmental Labeling Obligations for Packaging: EU and UK Rules
Packaging is an essential component of the product life cycle, but it is also becoming a significant environmental concern. As the awareness of the environmental impact of packaging waste grows, several environmental labels have been introduced to assist consumers in correctly disposing of product packaging. For brands and suppliers operating in the EU and UK markets, it is crucial to understand which labels should be included on product packaging.
Recycled Polyester (rPET) in Your Supply Chain: What You Need to Know
Polyester has been a staple in the textile industry since the 1970s. However, the negative environmental impact of polyester fabric has raised concerns among consumers. As a result, recycled polyester fabrics are gaining popularity as a more sustainable alternative.
While many brands and suppliers are making efforts to incorporate recycled polyester fabrics into their products, it remains challenging to verify the authenticity and quantity of recycled polyester in these items. This presents a dilemma for consumers who want to make informed choices.
While many brands and suppliers are making efforts to incorporate recycled polyester fabrics into their products, it remains challenging to verify the authenticity and quantity of recycled polyester in these items. This presents a dilemma for consumers who want to make informed choices.
Mexico Nearshoring for U.S. Brands: Advantages and Challenges
Always an important trade partner of the United States, Mexico has seen increased interest as a nearshoring destination for American brands and retailers over the past few years. While sourcing from Mexico offers U.S. buyers a number of advantages, such as geographic proximity and preferential trade terms, businesses doing business with Mexican suppliers must also be aware of the challenges specific to this market.
Triman and Info-Tri: Product and Packaging Labeling Requirements for the French Market
The Triman logo is a mandatory, unified signage for end-of-life products created from the French Decree in order to harmonize the separate collection systems within France. On January 1, 2022, new modifications were made and the Triman logo must be accompanied by further sorting instructions (Info-Tri). Since Info-Tri varies for different product groups, what label and Info-Tri should you include on your products? What if the size of the label doesn’t fit on the product? And where can you find the most updated artwork and information?
2023 Global Supply Chain Landscape and Trends
This report analyzes the latest developments in global procurement patterns, as well as long-term trends and patterns of the past five years, with a focus on evolving supply chain challenges, digital transformation and shifting attitudes to ESG.
Cybersecurity for IoT and Beyond: Complying with EU Regulations
As electronic devices like phones, smart home appliances, and toys become increasingly interconnected, the importance of cybersecurity has grown tremendously. In response, governments and regulators have introduced standards to ensure cyber safety for such devices. With mandatory cybersecurity regulations set to take effect in EU countries in August 2024, businesses need to prepare their products to comply with these regulations. Ensuring customers feel secure while using your products is essential to building trust in your brand. How can you help your clients have peace of mind? We can guide you through the steps to prepare for and comply with these regulations.
EU directives for E&E products: What you need to know to ensure product compliance?
Operating electrical and electronic (E&E) products could pose potential risks to users. To ensure consumer safety and keep up with technological development, governments worldwide are continuously revising and tightening safety regulations of E&E equipment. In the European Union (EU), various directives and regulations have been established for E&E products. Under the E&E related regulations, what requirements do you need to be aware of to ensure that your products are compliant? What upcoming regulatory updates do you need to prepare for and why is electrical safety test necessary for the EU market?
A Step-By-Step Guide on Implementing Your ESG Risk Strategy
Today’s volatile environment requires companies to rethink and reshape their traditional risk assessment approaches, including ESG risks. This quick guide will help organizations navigate supply chain disruptions, increasing regulatory pressures, the consolidation of a multitude of ESG frameworks and the increasing types and frequency of risks when implementing your ESG risk strategy.
PFAS: the "Forever Chemicals"
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl compound substances (PFAS) have been widely used in consumer products because of their properties, which include water and oil resistance, stability under extreme temperatures and chemical inertness. However, due to the dangers that PFAS pose to human health and the environment, the governments and consumer protection agencies of many countries have been taking steps towards stricter regulation and subsequent elimination of PFAS.
Taking Action: How to Rid the Textile Industry of APEOs
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has enacted a new requirement on textile article, Annex XVII to REACH, which came into effect on 3 February 2021. As many suppliers and their manufacturers found themselves failing the requirement, brands are having their own APEO requirements to ensure their textiles products achieve product compliance in the EU.
Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark) for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (LVE)
This handbook provides an introduction to the G-Mark certification process, specific requirements for LVE products, and guidelines for displaying the G-Mark on your products.
Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark) for Children’s Toys
This handbook provides an introduction to the G-Mark certification process, specific requirements for toys, and guidelines for displaying the G-Mark on your products.
Understanding EU food contact regulations
In September 2020, EU 2020/1245 was enacted by the EU to limit the ingestion of harmful substances from Food Contact Materials (FCM). This new regulation directly impacts the FCM industry, which is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. FCM brands need to adapt to the changes to stay compliant and continue to deliver safe products to consumers.
Proving E-Bike Quality and Safety for Recognition in the Growing EPAC Market
As people increasingly turn to e-bikes around the world for exercise and leisure or as a more environmentally-friendly option for commuting, regulations for quality and safety are quickly being put into place.
2022 Global Supply Chain Landscape
This report analyzes the latest developments in global trade in 2022, as well as the long-term trends and patterns of the past three years, with a focus on shifting sourcing geographies and supply chain disruption.
Mandatory Human Rights & Environmental Due Diligence: How to Get Prepared
With responsible business conducts becoming more stringent than ever, companies are required to follow an increasing number of mandatory due diligence legislations. This quick guide provides insights and guidelines on the current regulatory landscape to help you effectively implement your due diligence system.
Will Collaborative Intervention Finally End Modern Slavery?
With an estimated 40 million people enslaved worldwide, can collaborative efforts between consumers, governments, brands and NGOs eliminate modern slavery for good?
CE Compliance for Products Sold in EU Countries
The CE mark is required for many products to be sold in the EU, however, manufacturers are solely responsible for understanding the requirements for their products and ensuring compliance.
Proving E-Bike Quality and Safety for Recognition in the Growing EPAC Market
As people increasingly turn to e-bikes around the world for exercise and leisure or as a more environmentally-friendly option for commuting, regulations for quality and safety are quickly being put into place.
The complexities of importing to Mexico and the importance of a proactive focus
What are the main challenges of importing products to Mexico? Is there a way to reduce the risks of delay and additional costs?
Quick Guide: Quality and Compliance for Amazon Sellers
Amazon sellers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are high quality, safe to use, and meet all regulatory standards of their target market.
Brexit Guide for UK Importers and Exporters
This guide provides clarity on the regulatory impacts of Brexit to help ensure business continuity during this period.
Germany's New Supply Chain Law: What You Need to Know
Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act was adopted in June 2021. This Quick Guide provides an overview of the legislation (as of July 2021) and practical suggestions on preparing your supply chain for the upcoming changes.
Omnichannel Retail and the Quality Risk
How can quality control at the source help prevent costly product returns for retailers?
Quick Guide: Safely Restarting Your Retail Business Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
An overview of best practice prevention measures and guidance to support retail stores to safely resume and continue their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Guide: Safely Restarting Your Restaurant Business Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
An overview of best practice prevention measures and guidance to support restaurants to safely resume and continue their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Guide: Safely Restarting Your Fitness Center Business Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
An overview of best practice prevention measures and guidance to support fitness centers to safely resume and continue their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Guide: Safely Restarting Your Hotel Business Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
An overview of best practice prevention measures and guidance to support hotels to safely resume and continue their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Verifying Hygiene Practices at Your Factories Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
An overview of best practice health and safety measures that should be in place at your factories to ensure safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making Sense of SASO, SABER, and SALEEM
This handbook provides an overview of the requirements for businesses importing goods into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Evolution of Global Sourcing in 2020
This report analyzes the evolution of global sourcing in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, US-China trade tensions and other disruptions to global supply chains.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Quality Control and Compliance Program
An introduction to outsourcing quality control processes and the many benefits for businesses.
Covid-19 Epidemic and Global Supply Chains
Gain insights into the unfolding impact of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) epidemic on global sourcing.
The Netherlands Child Labor Due Diligence Law: What You Need to Know
Prepare your supply chain for the latest human rights due diligence regulation, taking effect in 2020.
2019 QIMA Supply Chain Conference - the Full Report
QIMA gathered more than 300 supply chain professionals in Hong Kong for our 3rd annual conference on the driving forces affecting global supply chains.
The Second Year of the Trade War: the Economic and Legal Implications
QIMA Supply Chain Conference 2019 - Session 1: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Global Supply Chain
Emerging Regions: Growing Pains for Businesses Expanding into New Geographies
QIMA Sustainability Conference 2019 - Session 1: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Global Supply Chain
From Traceability to Sustainability: the Virtually Limitless Applications of Technology in Global Supply Chains
QIMA Sustainability Conference 2019 - Session 1: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Global Supply Chain
The Present and Future of Circularity in Fashion
QIMA Sustainability Conference 2019 - Session 2: Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Progress and Challenges
Are Global Supply Chains Making Progress in Ensuring Safe and Decent Work?
QIMA Sustainability Conference 2019 - Session 2: Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Progress and Challenges
Technology for Good: Innovative Tools for Protecting Human Rights in Global Supply Chains
QIMA Sustainability Conference 2019 - Session 2: Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Progress and Challenges
C-TPAT Audit and Compliance
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection focused on improving the security of private companies' supply chains with respect to terrorism.
Global Supply Chains Amid the Trade Wars of 2019
Explore the findings of QIMA’s 2019 survey of 150+ businesses worldwide to find out how global supply chains and sourcing strategies are evolving in the second year of the US-China trade war.
China’s Changing Social Insurance Regulations: What You Need to Know
Stay up to date on China’s new social insurance regulations.
Trade Wars, Brexit, and Global Supply Chains in 2018
Get an exclusive look behind the scenes following a survey to QIMA's database to undercover how the escalating US-China trade stand-off is affecting global supply chains and sourcing strategies halfway into 2018.
2018 QIMA Sustainability Conference - the Full Report
Annual conference bringing together hundreds of supply chain and CSR professionals to discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in sustainable sourcing and supply chain ethics.
Sustainability and Ethics in Supply Chains: Current State and Progress
Sustainability Conference - Michael Bland presented an overview of the current state of sustainability and ethics in global supply chains, highlighting issues specific to individual countries and industries.
Lessons for Brands Looking to Eliminate Forced Labor from Their Supply Chains
Sustainability Conference - As the leader of the Modern Slavery Outreach Program implemented by the major sporting brand Adidas, Aditi Wanchoo shared the brand’s experience mitigating modern slavery risks at multiple tiers of a supply chain.
The Importance of Worker Voice in Managing Migrant Labor Modern Slavery Risks
Sustainability Conference - Pentland Brands, together with the NGO Issara Institute, emphasize the importance of making worker voice heard cross complex supply chains and shared practical examples of fostering worker empowerment and ethical recruitment practices.
Leveraging Technology to Fight Modern Slavery in Supply Chains
Sustainability Conference - The Mekong Club aims to harness the skills of the private sector to combat human trafficking. Dr. Zoe Fortune outlines the main advantages and opportunities offered by modern digital technologies in the ongoing fight against modern slavery.
Working Towards Gender Equality in Global Supply Chains
Sustainability Conference - Marat Yu shares key insights on gender equality and women’s rights from his work with HERProject, a collaborative initiative that strives to empower low-income women working in global supply chains.
Best Practices for Establishing Your Brand as a Recognized Sustainability Leader
Sustainability Conference - Building on 20+ years of data collected by the strategy and insights consultancy Globescan shares practical insights to help brands better communicate their sustainability efforts to the consumer and become recognized sustainability leaders.
How Will China’s New Environmental Protection Tax Affect Your Sourcing?
Sustainability Conference - China’s changing environmental regulations continue presenting challenges to business. Brian Ho of EY, provides valuable insights for businesses on navigating the latest Environmental Protection Tax Law.
The Power of Information Disclosure in Greening China’s Supply Chain
Sustainability Conference - The Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, China, gives an overview of the groundbreaking work the NGO has carried out since 2006 to increase transparency around environmental issues in China.
Sustainability and Chemical Management – Practical insights from Fristads Kansas
Sustainability Conference - Speaking as the sustainability and CSR officer for Fristads Kansas, a major workwear and servicewear manufacturer, Caroline Bouisset shares practical experience of implementing a sustainability and chemical management program.
Key Compliance Considerations for Brands Sourcing from Small Factories in China
Sustainability Conference - Based on 15 years of experience of directly working with over 1,000 Chinese factories, Charles Coletta provides an overview of the key challenges a brand or buyer may face when sourcing from small factories in China and strategies to overcome them.
Invisible Links of Global Supply Chains: Dealing with Unauthorized Subcontracting
Understand the cause and risk of unauthorized subcontracting and how to mitigate the problem.
2018 QIMA Global Sourcing Survey
A survey of 250+ companies focusing on popular sourcing, QC and compliance practices, top sourcing challenges and major 2018 trends.
China’s Environmental Crackdown: is Your Supply Chain Ready?
Stay up to date on China’s anti-pollution campaign.
In the Fast Lane: What Does Speed to Market Mean for Consumer Safety?
Learn more on how hasty business decisions during product development can impact consumer safety and your brand.
Are Supply Chains Truly Ready to Go "Beyond" Audits?
Modern CSR strategies involve a variety of tools, but can any of them fully replace supplier audits?
QIMA Ethical Compliance Conference
Watch our presentation and learn more about ethical compliance in global supply chains and procurement.
Structural Safety: the Life and Death Question of Your Supply Chain
In-depth analysis of the state of structural safety around the globe
Modern Slavery: The Facts
On any given day in 2016, over 40 million people were victims of modern slavery.
5 Reasons Why Millennial-Focused Brands Cannot Afford to Ignore Social Responsibility
Read about the growing importance of Gen Y and social responsibility for your brand.
The Five Golden Rules to a Successful QC Outsourcing Program
Quality Control best practices from the world's largest brands and retailers
QIMA Ethical Audits: Compliance, Trends, Procedures and Outcomes
Read about the processes and criteria involved in a successful ethical audit program.
Q3 2024 Barometer: Halfway into 2024, Global Sourcing is on a “See-Saw” Trend
So far this year, global procurement volumes have been trending upwards, reflecting increased consumer optimism in parts of the West and efforts to restock inventories after a subdued 2023. Meanwhile, on the supply side, many manufacturing hubs across Asia are experiencing a “see-saw” effect, with some sourcing markets, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and India, rebounding after a lackluster 2023, while some of last year’s leading markets are showing a slowdown.
Q2 2024 BAROMETER: Q1 Procurement Uptick: a Beacon of Hope for Western Retail?
After a year of sluggish demand, the first quarter of 2024 witnessed a rise in sourcing volumes across the board, both in overseas supplier regions as well as nearshoring markets. This swell in procurement can be linked to multiple factors, such as fading recession fears and improved consumer sentiment in the West, inventory replenishment following the holiday season, as well as brands relying on larger shipments to mitigate longer freight transit times on routes affected by the Red Sea crisis.
Q1 2024 BAROMETER: 2023 in Review: Is Nearshoring Becoming China’s Plus One?
Between global economic downturn and geopolitical tensions, 2023 placed significant pressure on brands and retailers to optimize their costs and secure their supply chains. For many, this meant refocusing their attention on China, increasing nearshoring efforts, or pursuing both strategies simultaneously. Meanwhile, ongoing challenges with supply chain visibility indicate that businesses are far from prepared for the impending wave of ESG legislation set to take effect in the coming months. This barometer report, informed by QIMA’s internal data and the findings of our survey of 800+ businesses with international supply chains, offers a retrospective of 2023 in sourcing and expectations for the coming year.
Q4 2023 BAROMETER: Is China Sourcing Back in the Spotlight as Consumer Demand Slows Down in the West?
With consumer demand slowing down, global brands and retailers are turning back to China sourcing again. Meanwhile, China’s competitors struggle with keeping up with the recent influx of new businesses. This barometer report, informed by QIMA’s data on product inspections and factory audits, offers an insight into the shifting state of the global sourcing landscape as 2023 draws to a close.
Q3 2023 BAROMETER: ESG Legislation Progress Means No More Business as Usual in Supply Chain Sustainability
As we approach mid-2023, long-awaited progress in European supply chain law is finally mandating ESG compliance and placing a greater emphasis on supplier analysis. Despite Western buyers seeking greater supply chain variety both domestically and internationally, QIMA's sourcing insights show that China remains a constant player in global procurement.
Q2 2023 Barometer: Global Buyers Eye China’s Tentative Comeback, While Need for Supply Chain Digitization Grows
2023 promises stronger competition among Asia’s manufacturing powerhouses. More businesses are turning to digital solutions to improve supply chain. This barometer report is informed by QIMA’s data on inspections and audits, as well as the insights from our latest survey of over 250 consumer goods businesses.
QIMA Q1 2023 Barometer: 2022 in Review: No Slowing Down the Global Sourcing Rollercoaster
Russia-Ukraine geopolitical crisis thrown into sourcing landscape; logistics hurdles remain in COVID-19 aftershock—supply chain disruptions are here to stay.
Q4 2022 Barometer: Another Turbulent Holiday Season in Store for Global Sourcing
Three quarters into 2022 and QIMA data shows that the global sourcing landscape remains in flux, with a deepening decoupling of global supply chains from China and intensified competition between other sourcing markets in Asia, while the specter of recession in the West chips away at consumer confidence and buying volumes.
Q3 2022 Barometer: Supply Chains Might Get Worse Before they Get Better
As supply chain disruptions rage on, QIMA’s latest barometer report, informed by internal data on supply chain inspections and audits and the findings of a survey of 400+ global sourcing businesses highlights the continued evolution of supply chain strategies worldwide.
Q2 2022 Barometer: Global Sourcing in 2022: Uncertainty the New Norm
Still struggling with the uneven recovery and logistics chaos that dominated 2021, global supply chains received new blows in late February and March 2022, with the resurgence of COVID-19 in critical sourcing regions and the added uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global trade.
Q1 2022 Barometer: Review of Global Sourcing for 2021: Is there an end in sight?
A tumultuous 2021 saw promising recovery trends falter with the resurgence of COVID-19 outbreaks, China's power crunch and ongoing logistics chaos.
Q4 2021 Barometer: Can South Asia Sourcing Save the Holiday Season from Supply Chain Chaos?
Between the ongoing global logistics logjam and a new wave of COVID-19 related lockdowns in Asia, global sourcing displays ominous signs for the upcoming holiday season.
Q3 2021 Barometer: China’s recovery slows down, while ethical compliance hits a 3-year low
China sourcing exceeds pre-pandemic levels, but further growth may be stalled by virus resurgence.
Q2 2021 Barometer: As Businesses Look To Leave ‘Crisis Mode’ Behind, Diversification Continues While Ethical Compliance and Quality Take a Hit
QIMA inspection, audit and survey data collected in the first quarter of 2021 highlights the desire to diversify global supply chains.
Q1 2021 Barometer: 2020 in Review: Global Trade COVID Disruption Reveals Changes in Consumption Habits and Rampant Ethical Risks, as China Sourcing Beats the Odds
Almost a year into the COVID-19 crisis, uncertainty and disruption continue dominating global trade.
Q4 2020 Barometer: Global Trade Sees Asia's Manufacturing Powerhouses Begin to Rally Following Rebounding Demand in the West
Despite the fairly apocalyptic outlook that prevailed earlier in the year, sourcing insights for Q3 suggest that the crash of global trade in 2020 may ultimately be less dramatic than predicted.
COVID-19 Impact: China Sourcing Suggests W-Shaped Recovery While Manufacturing Struggles in Rest of Asia
Throughout Q2 2020, global supply chains have remained in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns are triggering dramatic yet erratic drops in demand and supply.
Q2 2020 Barometer: COVID-19 Impact: After a Brief Post-Lockdown Rebound, Sourcing from China Plummets 19% in Late March
Q1 2020 has been by far the most turbulent quarter since QIMA started analyzing trends in global sourcing, quality and compliance in 2012.
Q1 2020 Barometer: 2019 in Review – China Sourcing Volumes Drop for First Time Ever, While Quality and Sourcing Ethics Suffer in Emerging Regions
While the promise of a US-China trade deal may have brought some welcome optimism to the holiday season, the changes wrought on global trade by the trade wars of 2019 will linger.
QIMA Q4 Barometer: Quality and Sourcing Ethics Take a Hit as US Businesses Accelerate their Retreat from China
Last quarter, in a QIMA survey of 150+ global businesses in all major consumer segments...
QIMA Q3 2019 Barometer: Trade War: US Demand for China-based Inspections Drops by -13% as Other Regions Reap Benefits
Despite new US-China tariff hikes being on hold, the continuing shifting of US sourcing away from China underscores the lingering uncertainty faced by American businesses...
Q2 2019 Barometer: Safety Concerns Keep Growing as Manufacturing Competition Rages in Asia
Global sourcing in the first quarter of 2019 is still largely shaped by the fallout of 2018, in which US-China trade wars shook up the global sourcing landscape and drove many...
Q1 2019 Barometer: A Look Back at Global Sourcing in 2018: Trade Wars, Diversification, Sustainability Challenges
Between the US-China tariff stand-off and the increasing consumer and governments’ scrutiny on sustainability issues, 2018 proved a challenging year for global sourcing...
Q4 2018 Barometer: Are Supply Chain Ethics Becoming a Casualty of the Trade Wars?
As Asia’s manufacturing hubs are ramping up production for the upcoming holiday season, this quarter’s barometer paints a picture of increasingly diversified global sourcing and...
Q3 2018 Barometer: Ethical, Environmental Concerns Run High in Global Supply Chains
While concerns about international trade tensions abound halfway into 2018, QIMA's latest data on quality inspection and supplier audit demand offers some perspective on the shape...
Q2 2018 Barometer: China Unfazed by Global Trade Stand-Off, Supply Chains Face New Ethical Concerns
As manufacturing picks up in Asia’s sourcing hubs following the Chinese New Year break, QIMA's Q1 statistics for inspection and audit demand reflect the emerging sourcing trends...
QIMA Q1 Barometer: What Does 2018 Hold for Global Supply Chains
QIMA's 2018 Q1 Barometer offers a collection of unique insights on the state of sourcing, quality and compliance in 2017, as well as the trends that will shape the sourcing...
QIMA Q4 Barometer: Manufacturing Peak Season Brings New Quality and Ethical Challenges
As the holidays approach and manufacturing peak season has started in sourcing powerhouses throughout Asia, QIMA data on inspection and audit demand reflects the overall trends in ...
QIMA Q3 Barometer: Quality, Safety, Ethics: Supply Chains Still Struggle in 2017
Halfway through 2017, QIMA's onsite inspection and supplier audit statistics paint a picture of the ongoing struggle between old-school sourcing giants and their up-and-coming...
QIMA Q2 Barometer: 2017 Brings Product Quality Issues and Ethical Challenges
QIMA's Q1 figures for inspection and audit demand are a reflection of the sourcing trends that will continue shaping global trade throughout the rest of 2017. The first quarter of...
QIMA Q1 Barometer: 2016 in Review: Worrying Trends for Quality and Compliance across Global Supply Chains
QIMA 2016 audits and inspection demand gives an indication of the attractiveness of each sourcing regions for global brands and buyers. Read more in QIMA's Q1 barometer...
QIMA Q4 Barometer: China Growth Stabilizing as Exploding Batteries and Factory Fires Plague Supply Chains
QIMA data for Q3 2016 in China shows increased audit and inspection demand, at +12.6% compared to Q3 2015, consistent with the economic rebound China has displayed recently...
QIMA Q3 Barometer: Asia Pacific Unfazed by Global Trade Uncertainty, Apparel Supply Chains Struggle with Responsible Sourcing
Q2 2016 brings a lot of uncertainty to global trade, but China and Asia Pacific appear unfazed. Meanwhile, global apparel supply chains still struggle with safety and unethical lab...
QIMA Q2 Barometer: New Trade Directions Emerge, While Forced Labor and Structural Risks Plague Global Supply Chains
The year 2016 begins with shifts in global trade, ongoing quality issues, and a host of ethical challenges: from structural risks accompanying expansion in Egypt, Bangladesh, and...
QIMA Q1 Barometer: 2015 Ends with Exploding Hoverboards and Growing Ethical Concerns
China still in the spotlight for product safety, ethical issues abound in new sourcing regions and environmental impact is moving up the supply chain priority list.
QIMA Q3 Barometer: Southeast Asia Sees Staggering Growth, Food Violations Continue
While the economy of China may be growing at its slowest pace in six years, global brands are readily expanding their supply chains to other low-cost destinations in Asia...
QIMA Q2 Barometer: 68 Million Children Forced to Work, Death at Work Every 15 Seconds
The ILO published that every 15 seconds someone dies as a result of an occupational accident or disease. Congruent with what seems to be a sharp rise in global awareness on ethical...
QIMA Q1 Barometer: Cheap Labor Came at a High Price in 2014
Increased global supply chain transparency in 2014 revealed shocking statistics on the number of forced and child laborers worldwide, while workers across Asia faced consistently...
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