Frequently Asked questions
Common questions asked by our clients may also help you make informed decisions
about registration and compliance.
Q: What is a Uniform Registration Number?
The Uniform Registration Number (URN) identifies a company as the manufacturer of its products and must be printed on all law labels. A URN is issued by one state when a manufacturer registers in that state. The URN number given is then registered in other states where registration is required. If a manufacturer has multiple plants, it must have a different URN for each location.
Proper law label registration is required for products imported and distributed in the United States. U.S. companies that are importing products must ensure that the foreign manufacturer is in compliance with law label registration requirements. Worldwide Registration Services assists retailers and importers with this task.
Q: What is an RN number?
A RN is different from a URN.
A registration number (RN) is a registered identification number issued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to U.S. businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, or sell products covered by the Textile, Wool, and Fur Acts.
The RN is optional for the law labels.
Q: What is Registration?
Many states in the U.S. require the manufacturing facility making a product (or more specifically, the facility where the product is filled) to be registered with the local government entity. Importers need to be registered separately in some areas as well. Although some differences exist for each jurisdiction, products that require registration include pillows, comforters, mattresses, upholstered furniture, chair pads, baby products, quilts, toys, etc.
Q: Who exactly is required to be registered?
Registration is required of the manufacturer (and in some cases also the importer) in order for a manufacturer's goods to be sold in a certain jurisdiction. However, the global supply chain can be complicated. Sometimes a manufacturer does not realize their products are being sold in a jurisdiction. Local authorities can and do hold the retailers and/or importers of the products responsible for compliance.
Q: I registered once before so I am finished, right?
It all depends - registration needs to be maintained for all areas where the merchandise is being sold. Contact WRS about renewal services today to make sure you are NEVER out of compliance.
Q: What is the cost of registration?
This depends on the product, jurisdictions where the goods are being sold, and the time of the year the factory is applying. Contact us today to get an accurate quote to make sure you are in compliance.
Q: How long will my registration take?
WRS offers a quick turnaround for a URN. Usually, this is all that is needed to print law labels. However, a full registration in all states and provinces, takes about 4 - 6 weeks, sometimes longer. Processing time varies from state to state.
Q: Once I have the URN may I ship my products?
Yes. If you received your URN and all registrations have been submitted to the required states, you may ship your goods as the registration will most likely be completed before the goods arrive.
Q: What happens if I do not register or renew?
If the goods are discovered for sale in a jurisdiction where the factory is not in compliance or has never registered, this would usually lead to fines, loss of reputation, and off sales until the situation is remedied. If this has happened to you, please contact us immediately.
Q: What is the easiest way to handle registration?
The easiest and quickest way to handle registration issues is to contact us at Worldwide Registration Service. We are the experts. We understand the supply chain, we have people on the ground in China who speak Chinese, and we have a detailed understanding of the regulations and what is required.
Q: What is the general process for registration?
This is basically how the registration process works: once payment is made, we would obtain a URN (uniform registry number). This is the number you will print on your law labels. We will then proceed with registering the URN in the other states. You may use the same URN on your law labels in all states.
Q: How long will it take to finish the process?
A RUSH ORDER can get a URN in as little as the same day US time. The entire process takes about 2-4 weeks. However, OH is an exception. Your product will need to be tested in OH before they will issue a license and this process takes several weeks. However, you will still be considered in compliance.
Q: What about license management?
You’ll be provided with newly updated license copies of each state after we finish registration, and we do renewals once a year (usually at beginning of every Nov.) to keep all your license active before the expiration date comes. You do not need to pay any additional fees or worry about non-compliance during next year.
Q: I use multiple facilities but I only need to register one facility, right?
Wherever the product is being finished is the location that needs to be registered. If pillows are being filled in one facility and comforters in another facility both need to be registered and this needs to be reflected correctly on the labeling. If you have any questions regarding licensing or labeling, contact us today.
Q: If I have any other questions who would be the best people to contact?
If there are any questions or you have a state violation, please reach out to us.