What Toy Brands Can’t Afford to Ignore: Why Compliance Is Not Optional
In today’s hyper-scrutinised regulatory landscape, one statement has become increasingly common among small and emerging toy brands: “I can’t afford compliance.” It’s a phrase that sounds understandable on the surface. Toy companies operating on thin margins, trying to scale quickly, often treat compliance as a distant necessity, something to tackle once revenue stabilises. But this […]
Heads-Up for EU Product Sellers: Rising RAPEX Alerts Mean You Can’t Wing Your Post‑Market Surveillance
A Legal Double-Whammy: Language and Surveillance Obligations You might not realise it, but if you’re selling in the EU, the legal compliance bar just got a lot higher, especially in the face of surged use of the Safety Gate Rapid Alert System (formerly RAPEX). Under General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, key clauses enforce two […]
Behind Closed Doors: The Compliance Crisis in the Adult Toy Industry
Subheading:Too many brands are hiding behind the absence of specific regulation. It’s time we call out the pretenders and demand better for the safety of consumers and the integrity of the industry. Let’s be honest.The adult toy industry has boomed. Innovation, inclusivity, and liberation have propelled it into the mainstream. But behind the glossy branding, […]
The Automation Blind Spot: Why AI Won’t Ever Be Able to Handle All Your Compliance
Is AI really coming for everything? That’s the mantra echoing across boardrooms and LinkedIn posts right now. AI drafts contracts, analyses trends, even writes your marketing campaigns before you’ve had your first coffee. But let’s pause and challenge the hype. When it comes to regulatory compliance – one of the most nuanced, political, and high-stakes […]
The Loophole Loop: How Founders Outrun Regulators (and Why It Can’t Last Forever)
In every regulated market, there’s a quiet war being fought. On one side, there are the regulators: well-meaning (most of the time), armed with statutes, enforcement teams, and the belief they’re protecting the public from harm. On the other side, there are the founders: scrappy, fast-moving, and laser-focused on growth. This isn’t a fair fight. […]
Navigating the UK Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Duty Stamps Scheme: A Brief Guide and FAQs for Industry Stakeholders
Introduction The UK vaping industry is set for a major shift as the Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) scheme comes into force on 1 October 2026. Key Dates & Application Process Applications open: 1 April 2026 Transitional Duty Stamps (TDS) affixed to all products manufactured or imported before 1 October 2026 […]
Nowhere to Hide: Why Digital Product Passports and AI Enforcement Will Reshape Compliance Forever
Over the past few months, we’ve been deep in the weeds on Digital Product Passports (DPPs). What started as a slow burn is now roaring toward centre stage, and whether you realise it or not, this is about to upend how compliance is done in almost every market. This isn’t just about another layer of […]