Quality control (Q.C. or QC) is the regulation of quality performance against set standards and acting on those whose performance is below par. Quality assurance (Q.A. or QA) is the activity and proof showing that the quality operation is being carried out adequately and assuring customer's confidence and satisfaction in using the product. Without Q.C. and Q.A., the export-manufacturer could end up losing his/her business.

Q.C. must start from the time the materials or component parts arrive at the factory. For example in the production of electric irons, if a component part like the thermostat is defective on arrival but is unknowingly being fed into the assembly line, the final product will not work. In such a case the loss to the company can be very high, considering the loss of time, materials, labor and overhead. The exporter might not be able to ship the electric irons on time as required by the L/C, thus the order and the expected profit could be lost.

Q.A. is the concern of everyone in the company. Further to the example given above, assume that the incoming thermostats passed the Q.C. test, but during warehousing they were damaged due to carelessness. The same devastating result may occur. Mishandling of the products during warehousing and on their way to (and on) the assembly line must be avoided.

Safety is zero injuries. Product safety must be seriously considered during the early stages of research and development (R&D). Even a simple plastic bag used in export packaging must not be overlooked, it can potentially kill babies and children.

Export goods may be required to meet the safety standards or requirements of the exporting country. In addition, they may also be required to meet the safety requirements of the importing country. For example, children's toys and playthings cannot contain excessive levels of toxic materials such as arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium lead, mercury, selenium and soluble compounds of barium.

In many countries, it is necessary to obtain safety test marks or safety standards marks before a product can be sold in the market. For example, the safety marks UL in USA, CSA in Canada, JIS in Japan, and CE in European Community.

If the market potential of a product is small in an export market, it may not be worthwhile to enter the market and to obtain the safety mark, considering the costs of penetrating the market and in applying and maintaining the safety marks.

The safety mark is necessary for a wide range of products, such as toys, household appliances, tools, machines and leisure equipment. The exporter may apply for the safety mark directly with the testing laboratory concerned or hire an independent consulting firm experienced in the application of safety marks. The wordings in the standards and the safety requirements for a product are straightforward, they mean one thing---SAFETY.

For example, if a manufacturer plans to sell a new coffee maker to the U.S. market, it may apply for a UL Marking by contacting the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Offices in the U.S.A. at Northbrook (Illinois), Santa Clara (California), Melville (New York), and Research Triangle Park (North Carolina) or the UL subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan or the UL overseas location in Germany. The typical product submittal to the UL (Underwriters Laboratories):

1.	Applicant submits a request for testing and a product description in a letter with photos, instructions, brochures, etc. (Even before submitting, the applicant may wish to discuss the product design with UL engineers.)
2.	UL determines the appropriate testing program, number of samples required and cost limit. UL sends cost limit with application forms to applicant. UL then sends Follow-Up Service Agreement.
3.	Applicant sends a preliminary deposit, completed application form, required number of samples and signed Follow-Up Service Agreement.
4.	UL examines and tests products, resulting in a determination that product is either acceptable or not acceptable.
	4-1.	If acceptable (product complies with UL requirements) --- A final report is issued describing product test performance, construction and notice of UL Listing, Classification or Recognition. UL Follow-Up Services field representative visits factory to determine production compliance with Follow-Up Procedure.
	5.	Applicant is then authorized to use UL Marking on product, and in product advertising and literature.
	4-2.	If not acceptable (not complying with UL requirements) --- UL sends letter to applicant stating specific test results that indicate nonconformance to UL requirements.
	5.	Applicant makes design correction(s) and resubmits product.

With the existing pool of highly experienced production engineers in many countries, any new product design or invention can be imitated in no time when it enters the international market. Hence, it is important to patent and register the new product.

It is also important to register the trademark of the company and/or product, the brand name of the product, and the copyrights of products like software, in order to avoid imitations and infringements which can cost a huge amount in lost revenue to the company. The registration of trademarks, brand names and patents in the exporting country does not give protection in the importing countries, unless they are also registered. The exporter may file for registrations directly with the Trademark and Patent Office in the importing countries or hire an independent law firm experienced in trademark and patent registrations.

The exporter must be cautious in the use of any registered brand names, for example the Teflon non-stick coatings. The word "Teflon" is a registered brand name belonging to Du Pont. Should the exporter use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) other than Teflon PTFE on cookware, he/she cannot claim that the cookware is coated with Teflon and cannot mention the word "Teflon" in the product, packaging or any advertising materials.

The exporter must be careful when using brand names registered by others.

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