Import Vendor Manual for
General Merchandise
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contact Information
1. Customer…………………………………………………………………………………..4
2. Notify Party……………………………………………………………………………......4
3. UPS Origin………………………………………………………………………………...4
4. International Logistics Team……………………………………………………………....4
Vendors Exporting Procedures
1. Carton Marking Requirements…………………………………………………..….5-13
2. Cargo Booking with UPS

Ocean Shipments……………………………………………………………...14&15
A. Cargo Booking Requirements
B. Cargo Delivery Requirements

Air Shipments………………………………………………………………….….15
3. Documentation & Requirements
a) Commercial Documents……….16
k) Requirements for Composite Fiberboard
Product-carb (if applicable)…...........................21
b) Commercial Invoice
Requirement……………………...16
l) Register Required for Pesticide (if applicable)
………………………………….......................21
c) Commercial Documents
Submission Deadline…………….16
d) Importer Security Filing
(ISF/10+2) ……………………….17
e) Requirements on Social
Compliance………………………18
m) Warning Label Requirements on Toxins
Chemicals Contained Product (if applicable)…22
n) Register Required for Bedding, Upholstered
Furniture, Stuffed Toys, etc (if applicable)……22
f) Requirements on C-TPAT…....19
o) Requirements for Plant and Fish & Wildlife
Products (if applicable)…………………...23&24
g) Buying/Selling Agent………19
p) USC Classification Forms (if applicable)…..25
h) General Certificate of Conformity
Requirements…………..………...20
q) Additional Requirements/Clauses (if
applicable)
i) Requirements on Uniform Law
Labels for Stuffed Articles……….19
j) Requirements for Wood
Packing Material (WPM)………...21
1. Caution Label—Candles……………………26
2. Caution Label—Dishwasher and Microwave
Appropriateness……………………………….26
3. Caution Label—not for Food Use…………..26
2
4. Caution Label—Seasonal Plush Decoration
Only……………………………………………26
5. Certificate of Ingredients and Packing (For
Foodstuff)……………………………………...26
4. Payment & Charges
1) Kroger Import Purchase Order(s)
6. Children’s Costumes Only………………….26
7. Caution Label—Plastic Bag Warning………27
Payment Terms……………………………….32
8. Clocks………………………………………27
2) Non-Compliance Charges Backs…………...32
9. Certificate of Origin NAFTA used for
Mexico………………………………………...27
3) General Information & Instructions for the
10. Candles…………………………………….27
Letter of Credit………………………….33 -36
11. Candle Holders…………………………….28
12. Cosmetics Use W/FDA Certification--Very
Important!!!........................................................28
13. Dishes……………………………………...29
14. Dog or Cat Fur on Textiles………………..29
15. FDA-Ceramic Eating Ware, Aluminum
Cookware……………………………………...29
16. FCC, Accession— (Radio Waves, Lazer
Emissions)……………………………………..29
17. Foam (Bikes, Cushions, Lawn Furniture,
etc)……………………………………………..29
18. Free of Charge Goods (Display Sample)….29
19. Hazardous Materials (batteries, aerosols,
chemicals, are generally considered a hazardous
material) ………………………………………30
20. Mirrors (Use Basic Template) …………….30
21. Kiln Dried Certificate (Real Tree Parts)
Alpine XMAS Trees…………………………..30
22. Qualified Industrial Zone Program (QIZ) for
Basic Apparel/Soft Goods……………………..30
23. Underwriter’s Laboratory “UL” or Electro
Technical Laboratory “ETL”— Electrical Items
Clause…………………………………………31
24. State of Utah: Upholstered Furniture,
Bedding, and Quilted Clothing………………..31
Hyperlinks
1. General Conformity Certificate 2013.doc
Please go to
http://www.thekrogerco.com/vendorssuppliers/import-vendors
2. CPSIA Overview and Important Points.doc
Please go to
http://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/vendorssuppliers-documents/cpsia-overview-andimportant-points.docx?sfvrsn=0
3. IM Washington State Law 13.doc
Please go to
http://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/importvendors/im-washington-state-law13.docx?sfvrsn=0
4. Letter of Credit instructions and examples of
compliant documents (pending)
25. U.S. Department of Transportation
Declaration (Trailers, etc. with Hitches)………31
26. Wicker or Rattan Baskets & Other………..31
3
Contacts
1. Customer
2. Notify Party
Fred Meyer, Inc. dba Kroger
Geo. S. Bush & Co., Inc.
nd
3800 SE 22 Avenue
825 N. E. Multnomah St.
Portland, OR, 97202
Suite 910
U.S.A
Portland, OR. 97232
U.S.A.
Telephone: (503)228.6501
Facsimile: (503)273.0432
Email: kroger@geosbush.com
3. UPS Origin
Please go to,
http://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/ups-origin-contacts.xls?sfvrsn=2
4. International Logistics Team
Title
Director International
Logistics
International Logistics
Manager
International Logistics
Support
International Logistics
Support
International Logistics
Support
International Logistics
Support
UPS Supplier
Management
Bank of America Supply
Chain Partner
Name
Dennis Gallacher
Jordan Fife
Sarah Blood
Barb Conery
Jenny Ogbonnah
Melissa Cisewski
Whitney Alexander
Barbara Ursua-Green
Contacts
+1 (503)797-7944
dennis.gallacher@kroger.com
+1 (503)797-5491
Jordan.fife@kroger.com
+1 (503)797-7182
sarah.blood@fredmeyer.com
+1 (503)557-2527
barbara.conery@fredmeyer.com
+1 (503)797-3813
jennifer.ogbonnah@fredmeyer.com
+1 (503)797-7196
melissa.cisewski@fredmeyer.com
+1 (503)797-3986
whitneyalexander@ups.com
+1 (503)797-3504
barbara.ursua-green@fredmeyer.com
4
THE
KROGER
COMPANY
CARTON MARKING REQUIREMENTS
PACKING LIST is required per PO.
ALL FOUR SIDES –
(Both Short and Long
Sides of Carton)
Purchase Order Number
Select Corresponding
Identifiers:
Item description:
Gross Weight (lbs):
Net Weight (lbs):
Carton Measurement
(inches):
GTIN #
UPC Code:
Quantity:
Made In:
TOP AND BOTTOM OF
CARTON
INNER PACK
MARKING
*No Carton Marking Here
Item Description
Style / Stock #
GTIN #
UPC
Quantity:
Made in: Country of
Origin
The Kroger Company
PURCHASE ORDER #
FM SKU:
Kroger PLN:
Ralph’s KLN:
Item Description: Dog Bowl
Gross Weight: 18 lbs
Net Weight: 15.4 lbs
Measurement:
H-19.25"/W-10.25"/D-18.75"
14 digit number
UPC Code: 730384-452811
Quantity: 8 pcs
Made In China
*(Unless going to Chehalis DC – then a
SCORS label can be placed here)
Item Description: Dog Bowl
Style #: 45281
14 digit number
UPC Code: 730384-452811
Quantity: 4 pcs
Made in China
5
Kroger Company Marking Instructions:
Packing list is required for each purchase order.
LONG & SHORT SIDES OF THE CARTON: This will be a duplicated label placed on both LONG &
SHORT sides of the carton.
1. Label must always have company name listed (The Kroger Company).
2. Purchase Order number
3. Select Corresponding Identifiers – FM SKU, Kroger PLN or Ralph’s KLN
4. Item description: It is now required that all carton labels must now include item description. Please
note that a $1,000.00 will be assessed for non-compliance.
5. Gross Weight (lbs): Total amount of carton weight
6. Net Weight (lbs): Total amount of product without the outside carton, blister package or additional
packaging.
7. Carton Measurement (inches): Dimensions of this particular carton.
8. GTIN #
9. UPC #
10. Quantity included inside carton
11. Made in: (Country of Origin).
Seasonal code (if applicable: EXAMPLE i.e. A, F, H) should be posted in the upper right hand corner of
the long side of the carton. This information is usually listed in the FM-PO comment screen. Not applicable
for all POs or buying departments. If any questions, check with your buyer contact).
TOP/BOTTOM OF CARTON: If PO is shipped to Chehalis, WA, Integra Trim carton barcode may be
required.
IF CARTON CONTAINS AN INNER PACK please include an inner carton label of the following
information. Placement should be duplicated on the long sides of the carton.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Item description
Style/Stock number
GTIN # (14 digit number)
UPC Code – 12 digit number
Quantity
Made in: (Country of Origin)
CARTON BARCODE REQUIREMENTS:
ONLY Pertains to PO’s sent to Chehalis, WA. DC
Placement for the carton barcode:
UPC barcode should be placed on the long side or top of carton to improve the read rate through SCORS.
Please ensure that the barcode is completely flat & isn’t placed across the seam of the flap. This can make
the barcode unreadable at conveyor speed.
Barcode height minimum:
Barcode width minimum:
Narrow bar width:
Wide bar minimum:
Quiet Zone:
.75”
1.6”
15 mils
30 - 45 mils
minimum 3 X widest bar
The Integra Trim label accommodates 12 digits, which can either be your customer UPC (same as
the product) or a special version of your Fred Meyer SKU. Example would be where you add 4 leading
zeroes to the 8-digit SKU and make 12 digits.
6
If carton contains inner packs, do not place barcode on outside master. Placement would be on the
inner packs only. Outer carton markings include import order shipping mark and reference “SCORS
MASTER”. This can be a label or a felt marker.
If master carton actually contains a single SET SKU then you would place on the outside of case
rather than the inner carton. If multiple SET SKU’s are contained within a master carton, label as you
would an inner pack.
Integra Trim carton barcode is NOT NEEDED when being shipped to Chehalis, WA when the
master carton is over 75 pounds or under 2 lbs or if it is a very large size, as product will not be processed
via the conveyor.
You can email an attachment or fax a sample of your UPC barcode to Betty Booher or Victoria
Smith for warehouse approval.
Betty Booher: Betty.Booher@fredmeyer.com Ph 503-797-3325
Vicki Smith:Victoria.Smith@fredmeyer.com Ph 503-797-7611 /Fax: 503-797-3810
Integra Trim contact:
Heather Grant Account Manager
2420 Sandcreek Road
Suite 1, #212
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 577-0271
heatherg@integratrim.com
Integra Trim Hong Kong
Pre-approved Barcode Label
PO number does not need to be barcoded.
It may be printed, (human-readable).
UPC/SKU barcode must be 12 digits long.
Use consumer UPC or Fred Meyer 8 digit
SKU number with 4 leading zero's.
Barcode minimum: 1.6"W by .75"H
Narrow Bar minimum: 15 mils
Wide Bar minimum: 30 - 45 mils
Quiet Zone minimum: 3 times the width of widest bar
7
DIRECT TO FLOOR DISPLAY CARTON
If carton shipped is the actual carton that is taken direct to the sales floor, you will not label as you would a
master carton that is discarded in the stock room. In this situation you need two carton markings EACH.
Placement would be on the back of carton and the side of carton.
If carton is very thin but has large front, carton marking placement for label could be on the back of the
carton.
Never place label on the front of carton.
Do not label over any picture of product, listed features or selling points.
Front & Side of Box
Back Of Box
Back of Box
Side of Box
The Kroger Company
Purchase Order #
Identifiers:
Item Description:
Gross Weight:
Net Weight:
Carton Measurements:
GTIN #
UPC Codes:
Quantity:
Made In:
8
PALLET CARTON LABELS
Two duplicate labels are required for pallets. Placement is on the opposite sides of the pallet.
This label would include the vendor name and address and SHIP TO name and address. Directly
below is the purchase order number. The same information should be on both labels.
Minimum label size requirement would be 8” X 11”.
FROM: COURTYARD CREATIONS
3RD Floor No. 219-1 Chien Kwo Road, Hsin Tien
Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
TO: The Kroger Company
Purchase Order #
Select Corresponding Identifiers:
Fred Meyer SKUs
Kroger PLNs
Ralph’s KLNs
PALLET A 2009
Packing list is required per purchase order. It is helpful if there is an orange label that shows
MASTER CARTON.
Each carton that is included in the PALLET needs to be labeled just as an inner pack. Placement
should be on the long side of the carton.
Identifiers
Item description
GTIN #
UPC #
Size (if applicable)
Quantity
Carton Measurement
Made in: Country of Origin
Individual carton would be labeled as follows:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Identifiers:
GTIN #
UPC #
Item Description:
Size: (if applicable)
Quantity:
Carton Measurement:
Made in: Country of Origin
Identifiers:
14 digits
041226-05483
Item Description: Aspen Chairs
Size: (if applicable)
Quantity: 4 pieces.
Measurement: H-83.86" / W- 43.31" / D- 51.57"
Made in China
9
THE KROGER COMPANY
CARTON MARKING REQUIREMENTS
FOR SHOES:
PACKING LIST:
Required per purchase order.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ALL FOUR SIDES – (Both Short and Both Long Sides of Carton)
Description↓
Example↓
Consignee The Kroger Company
Purchase Order number 45077221
FM SKU:
Select Corresponding Identifiers: Kroger PLN:
Ralph’s KLN:
Item Description: Leslie Wedge Shoe
(Kroger Only) 14 digit GTIN # 10041226737841
UPC# 041226737844
"Made in" (Country of Origin): Made in China
Style / Stock #: KG15697
Print / Color: (If applicable) Color: Black
Size Run 6 7 8 9 10
Pairs 1 4 4 2 1
Quantity: Quantity: 12 pairs
Gross Weight: Gross Weight: 26.4 lbs
Net Weight: Net Weight: 21.7 lbs
Carton Measurement: Measurement: H-22.64" / W-18.5" / D-10.24"
TOP/BOTTOM OF CARTON
16 No label here except SCORS label if PO is shipped to Chehalis WA
Barcode would include SKU #
Barcode is only needed for Fred Meyer POs
10
The Kroger Company Marking Instructions For Footwear:
Packing list is required per purchase order.
Long sides & Short sides of carton: This will be a duplicated label placed on both sides of the long sides
and short sides of carton.
1. The Kroger Company
2. Purchase Order #
3. Select Identifiers
4. Item description: now required on all carton labels. Please note that a penalty fee will be assessed
for non-compliance.
5. Gross Weight (lbs): Total amount of carton weight
6. Net Weight (lbs): Total amount of product without outside carton, blister package, or additional
packaging.
7. Carton Measurement (inches): Dimensions of this particular carton
8. GTIN #
9. UPC
10. Quantity included in carton
11. Pairs: Must list number of pairs per size
12. Must Include Size Run: Full Size with dash indicating ½ size
13. Print/Color:
14. Made in: (Country of origin).
Top/Bottom of carton. No label placement here accept barcode if PO is shipped to Chehalis, WA.
CARTON BARCODE REQUIREMENTS:
ONLY Pertains to PO’s sent to Chehalis, WA. DC
Placement for the carton barcode:
UPC barcode should be placed on the top of carton to improve the read rate through SCORS. Please
ensure that the barcode is completely flat & isn’t placed across the seam of the flap. This can make the
barcode unreadable at conveyor speed.
Barcode height minimum:
Barcode width minimum:
Narrow bar width:
Wide bar minimum:
Quiet Zone:
.75”
1.6”
15 mils
30 - 45 mils
minimum 3 X widest bar
The Integra Trim label accommodates 12 digits, which can either be your customer UPC (same as
the product) or a special version of your Fred Meyer SKU. Example would be where you add 4 leading
zeroes to the 8-digit SKU and make 12 digits.
11
The Kroger Company
OUTDOOR/INDOOR FURNITURE
Carton Markings Requirements:
PACKING LIST is required per purchase order.
DIRECT TO FLOOR Display Model:
WITH LITHO LABEL
1
LONG SIDE OF CARTON
Side # 1
WITH
LITHO LABEL
NO CARTON MARKINGS WITH
LITHO LABEL
OPPOSITE
LONG SIDE OF CARTON
List all information below:
2
Kroger Company
Purchase Order #
3
Select Corresponding
Identifiers:
4
Item Description
Purchase Order #
FM SKU:
Kroger PLN:
Ralph’s KLN:
Item Description: Corsica 42” Steel
Table
Gross Weight (LBS)
Gross Weight: 25 LBS
6
Net Weight (LBS)
Carton Measurement
(Inches)
Net Weight: 22.2 LBS
Carton Measurement:
H-66.5”, W- 4.5”, D-42”
7
GTIN #
8
UPC#
9
Made in: Country of Origin
5
10
ON ADDITIONAL 4 SIDES
SHOW THIS INFO
Top, Bottom & both short
carton ends
11
Select Corresponding
Identifiers:
12
Item Description
13
Print / Color (If applicable)
14
Quantity:
15
GTIN #
16
UPC #
14 digits
UPC# 608474-209327
Made in China
List all information below:
FM SKU:
Kroger PLN:
Ralph’s KLN:
Item Description: Corsica 42” Steel
Table
Color: Black
Quantity: 1 each
14 digits
UPC # 608474-209327
12
If product has 2 Litho labels on carton, please do not add any additional printed markings
on that side.
The Litho labels should always stand alone.
 One on the front or long side of carton and
 One on an end side of carton
If master carton is actually contains a single SET SKU then you would place on the outside of case rather
than the inner carton. If multiple SET SKU’s are contained within a master carton, label as you would an
inner pack.
Integra Trim carton barcode is NOT NEEDED when being shipped to Chehalis, WA when the
master carton is over 75 pounds or under 2 lbs or if it is a very large size, as product will not be processed
via the conveyor.
You can email an attachment or fax a sample of your UPC barcode to Kyla Galbraith for
warehouse approval.
Kyla Galbraith: mailto:kyla.galbraith@kroger.com Ph: 503-797-7611
Integra Trim contact:
www.integratrim.com
Heather Grant - Account Manager
2420 Sandcreek Road
Suite 1, #212
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 577-0271
heatherg@integratrim.com
13
Cargo Booking with UPS
B. Cargo delivery Requirements:
FCL
LCL
Vendors
A. Cargo booking
Requirements:
UPS load
CFS/CFS
a) Shipping
Order per
Purchase
Order.
UPS load
CFS/DOOR Bookings must
UPS/CFS
before delivering
cargo to UPS/CFS
A) For all deliveries,
vendors may contact UPS
Origin’s operations
representatives to arrange
trucking and customs
clearance if needed.
before delivering cargo to
UPS/CFS
be made at least
Vendor load ten (10)
CY/DOOR calendar days
CY
before delivering goods to CY
Vendor loading guideline:
 Cargo must be evenly distributed inside the container
 Equipment used is subject to carrier equipment
availability
 Overflow cargo should be delivered to UPS-SCS CFS for
consolidation
b) Bookings require the following typed information:
1. Shipper/Consignee/Notify Party name and address
2. Port of loading/Port of discharge/Final destination
3. Fred Meyer Purchase Order number and SKU number
4. Shipping mark and detailed description of the goods
5. Quantity / Cartons / CBM / KGS per SKU number
6. Expected cargo delivery date
7. Local company contact information including telephone
number, fax number, contact person, email address, etc.
B) For CY cargo deliveries
1. Shipping Instructions (SI)
should be submitted to UPS before
SI cutoff time which is listed on
the carrier Shipping Order. Please
use the SI form which is provided
by UPS origin office. If the SI
cutoff time cannot be met,
vendor’s container cannot be
loaded on planned vessel and all
the charges should be charged on
vendor’s account.
Ocean
Shipment
~ 2. Cargo will be accepted if
achieve the utilization minimum
(P17 chart2):~
14
NOTE: Containers which are unevenly loaded to the extent that they are in violation of U.S. highway limitations shall be considered
overweight even if their total weight falls within the weight limits indicated below. For vendor loaded containers, the vendor is responsible
for the proper blocking & bracing of cargo at the time of loading to prevent any shifting or uneven distribution of cargo while in transit.
Chart1: UPS Notes
Chart2
UPS Charges and Invoicing (applicable for CFS/DOOR &
CFS/CFS)
CFS Receiving Charge
CFS Terminal Handling
Charge
CFS Port Construction Fee
CY THC
CY Port Construction Fee
CY Administration Fee
Documentation Charge
AMS Fee
AMS Amendment Fee
Document Amendment
Late Document Charge
Container
Size
per CBM
per CBM
20'
per CMB
per 20’ Dry
per 40’ Dry/HQ
Reefer/40’HQ
per 45’ HQ Dry
per container
per container
per FCR
per FCR
per amendment
per FCR
per set
** Amount is subject to origin’s local tariff
Once the documents have been received by UPS and payments
are settled, forwarder’s Cargo Receipt (“FCR”) will be released
to vendors.
40'
Standard
40' HC
40' HC Dry
Reefer (NOR)
45'
Kroger
Standard CBM
Minimums
Comments
Needs approval**
15CBM
Max Cargo WT:
38000Lbs/17236Kgs
54CBM
Max Cargo WT:
44000Lbs/19958Kgs
62 CBM CY/Door
65 CBM CFS/Door
Max Cargo WT:
43700Lbs/19820Kgs
Non-Operating Reefer (NOR)
preferred. When possible 1st
request a (NOR). No approval
required.
Max Cargo WT:
43700Lbs/19820Kgs
72 CBM
Max Cargo WT:
43700Lbs/19820Kgs
Vendor
ofaccordance
factory loads
must
~ Vendor bookings of factory
loadsbookings
must be in
with
thebe in accorda
appropriate equipment size/type maximizing container utilization and
minimizing per-unit freight costs.~ As such, priority will be given to the
-the
45’cube,
highand
cube,
40’cube.
high cube.
use
of use
45’ of
high
40’and
high
1. Vendor provides shipping order to UPS by individual Purchase Order 10 days before shipment.
2. Documentation and submission deadline (Refer to Documentation & Requirements #3).
3. Print the proper and complete shipping marks, description of goods, SKU no., carton no. and
quantities by individual SKU no. total measurement and total gross weight
4. If more than 1 style involved in purchase Order, the carton must be numbered from 1 to end. No
duplicate carton numbers are accepted. E.g. Style A (C/No. 1-10) Style B (C/No. 11-20)…etc.
5. Cargo receipt must be faxed to Li& Fung within one (1) working day after the goods are
delivered to warehouse, if they are a Li & Fung vendor.
6. All air shipments must be approved by Kroger/FM International Logistics Management
prior to shipping.
AIR SHIPMENT
15
Documentation &
Requirements
a) Commercial Documents
All commercial documents should be submitted as per
below:of Document
Original
Type
Commercial Invoice
1
Packing List
1
Certificate of Origin (NOT OPTIONAL)
1
Certificate of Material
1
Beneficiary Certificate and Vendor Agreement
1
Inspection Certificate Issued by Li & Fung Int’l
1
(if applicable) or Factory if a non- Li & Fung
vendor
Wearing Apparel Details Sheet
1
Footwear Details Sheet (or Interim Footwear Invoice)
1
CPSC – Certificates of Compliance and test
results
CARB Statement
Preferential Trade Program Qualifying
Statement (e.g. GSP), if applicable
Applicable Certificate (e.g. Certificate of
Fumigation, etc.)
FCR (cargo receipt) – copy acceptable
1
1
1
b) Requirements on Commercial Invoice
Copy(s) Signed Commercial Invoice
certifying compliance with:
1. U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Improvement Act of 2008, if applicable.
Otherwise, if a General Certificate of
Conformity or Certificate of Compliance
for children’s products is not applicable for
this shipment, the commercial invoice must
state “U.S. Consumer products Safety
Improvement Act of 2008 not applicable”.
2. Product descriptions must be thorough
and clear to enable the customs broker to
properly classify each product.
3. Separate Commercial Invoice and
Packing List must be submitted for each po.
1
1
Example Documents and Instructions for the below forms
can be found under “Payment & Charges” in this manual.
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Material,
Beneficiary Certificate and Vendor Agreement and
General Information for the Letter of Credit.
c) One (1) FCR is to be issued per shipper
per sailing per BL destination; no
exceptions.
d) Commercial Documents Submission Deadline
All commercial documents must be submitted to UPS within four (4) business days prior to the
ETD, or on the date of cargo receipt for CFS cargo.
Failure to submit commercial documents within 4 days will result in a Delayed Document Notice
from UPS.
Failure to present originals of all documents required for bank payment within 7 business days of
cargo receive date, will result in a banking penalty of 300USD.
16
d) Importer Security Filing (ISF/10+2)
Overview
U.S. Customs has a security program called “Importer Security Filing” (or simply ISF) where certain
information about the imported cargo is manifested to U.S. Customs PRIOR to the vessel arriving at the
U.S. port of discharge. This security filing is mandatory and Kroger will require certain manufacturer
and container information to be able to comply with this U.S. Customs requirement.
What kind of shipments needs ISF?
Containerized Ocean freight only destined to the
United States. Bulk cargo and air freight are exempt
from ISF requirements.
*Notes for Vendors:
1. To fill out the ISF data, please go to
http://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/importvendors/isf-form.xlsx?sfvrsn=0
Who is responsible for ISF 10+2 Data?
10: Kroger ISF Filing Agent, Geo S Bush & Co.
Inc is responsible for the timely, accurate, and
complete submission of the 10 data elements in
the ISF.
3 of those 10 data elements come directly from
the vendors and must be provided to Geo S Bush
& Co. Inc 3 days prior to the ETD of the vessel
for which the goods are booked.
Data1: Manufacturer (or supplier)
name and address – this is the
actual manufacturer of the
merchandise being shipped.
(Remember that for textiles, we
must have the actual manufacturer
for entry purposes.)
2: The
steamship line,
is responsible
for the 2
container
tracking reports.
Data2: Container stuffing
location – this is the name and
address of the location at which
the container is stuffed; for
factory-loaded containers, this
will be the factory location.
2. Secure the required bill of lading numbers.
The lowest level bill of lading must also be
submitted for U.S. Customs to link the ISF
data to AMS data. If the bill of lading is split
in transit, a new ISF will need to be filed for
each new B/L and the original ISF will need to
be amended.
3. For questions please contact Kroger
International Logistics Manager.
Data3: Consolidator (stuffer) name and
address – this is the party who is
responsible for the stuffing of the container;
for factory-loaded containers, this will
17
likely be the factory name and address;
for
LCL shipments, this will be the name and
address of the forwarder.
e) Requirements on Social Compliance
Kroger is committed to social
responsibility and security in
our supply chain because we
value the trust of our customers,
associates, and shareholders.
The PREFERRED audit standard is the
“Kroger Social Responsibility” audit
performed by SGS and is offered to Kroger
suppliers at a discounted rate.

Factories producing direct import or branded
products for Kroger must maintain a safe,
secure and fair working environment which
is confirmed through onsite factory audits.
Audit standards are based on ILO
Conventions and Recommendations and
cover the following areas:
1. Child Labor
2. Forced & Compulsory Labor
3. Health & Safety
4. Freedom of Association & Right to
Collective Bargaining
5. Discrimination
6. Disciplinary Practices
7. Working Hours
8. Remuneration
9. Management Systems
10. Environment
Each foreign factory that manufactures
product for Kroger must be audited every
year before orders can be placed.
**Factories not audited within the prescribed
time frame may have their existing orders
postponed or cancelled**
**Audited factories with severe workplace
conditions such as child labor or fire safety
hazards will have their existing orders
postponed or cancelled**
For factories in high risk countries
such as Bangladesh, Cambodia and
Pakistan, this audit standard is the
only standard Kroger will accept.
You may contact Ray or Cindy at SGS to
schedule these audits:
Ray Xu - ray.xu@sgs.com
Cindy Sue - cindy.sue@sgs.com
ACCEPTABLE standards for factories in
low risk countries are SMETA, SA8000,
ICTI and BSCI.

Other standards may be approved
on a case by case basis but we prefer
factories audited to the “Kroger
Social Responsibility”standard.
Please review the document ““Social
Compliance Questionnaire” on our website
below to review the most common questions
and categories factories can expect during a
Kroger Social Responsibility audit.
http://www.thekrogerco.com/vendorssuppliers/import-vendors
These audits must be completed and their
associated reports showing acceptable levels
of compliance submitted to the International
Logistics Manager BEFORE cargo can ship
from the port of export.
Any cases of bribery discovered during one
of these audits will lead to an automatic one
year suspension of that factory.
18
f) Requirements on C-TPAT
C-TPAT audits must be emailed to Melinda
Harding and cc Jordan Fife BEFORE cargo
can be allowed to ship.
The Kroger
Company works with C-TPAT which seeks
to safeguard the world’s vibrant trade
industry from terrorists, maintaining the
economic health of the U.S. and its
neighbors. The partnership develops and
adopts measures by improving security, at
not only physical borders and ports of entry,
but globally in collaboration with the
international trade community.
3rd party security audits must be performed
before cargo can be shipped. Acceptable
agencies for C-TPAT audits include SGS,
Bureau Veritas, and GVS. Please send this
report to Kroger before cargo ships. If you
do not have such a report, we have engaged
the services of SGS, one of the world’s
largest inspection, testing and certification
companies, to implement this process. Based
on Kroger’s size, we have negotiated
favorable rates for these audits. Vendors are
responsible for yearly audits. Audits are
performed at shipper’s cost. Standards
which cover important C-TPAT areas
include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Personal Security
Storage & Distribution
Physical Security
Shipment Information Controls
Records & Documentation
Information Access Controls
Contractor Controls
Export Logistics
Melinda Harding at
Melinda.Harding@fredmeyer.com
Jordan Fife at
Jordan.Fife@Kroger.com
Click here to see the full C-TPAT audit
check list “Security Audit Checklist”
http://www.thekrogerco.com/vendorssuppliers/import-vendors
g) Buying/Selling Agent
In cases where a vendor charges Kroger a
buying agent commission for their services
and this commission is NOT included on the
commercial invoice, the vendor must
complete a buying agent agreement and send
it to the Kroger International Logistics team.
These agreements are to be reviewed and
signed every 2 years.
Buying agents must be considered “bona
fide”. For more information on what
determines a “bona fide” buying agent,
please paste the below URL into your web
browser and review this document starting
from page #8.
http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/docu
ments/icp004r2_3.pdf
19
h) Requirements on General
Certificate of Conformity
*Who needs to meet this requirement?
All shipments. And, this requirement has been
inserted into all Letters of Credit and
documentary open account applications.
Requirements:
Copy of General Certificate of Conformity for
products manufactured after Nov. 12, 2008,
stating the products have met all applicable
product safety standards including the U.S.
Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of
2008. Certificates must include the following
Eight (8) conditions
1. Identification of the product covered by the
certificate.
2. Citation to each CPSC product safety
regulation (i.e., standard or ban) for which the
product is being certified.
3. Identification of the U.S. importer Fred Meyer
Inc. DBA Kroger 3800 S.E. 22nd Ave., Portland,
Oregon 97202.
4. Date (month and year) and place (city, state,
country or admin. region) where this product
was manufactured.
5. Date and place (city, state, country or admin.
region) where this product was tested for
compliance with the regulation(s) cited above.
6. Identification of any third-party laboratory on
whose testing the certificate depends (name,
address and phone number).
7. For children’s products defined by the CPSIA,
we now require actual third-party test results
covered under each purchase order in this
shipment be submitted with General Certificate
of Conformity, from any one of the CPSC
accepted labs worldwide.
You can see the list of labs by following this
website:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/labaccred.html
For General Certificate of Conformity:
http://www.thekrogerco.com/vendorssuppliers/import-vendors
8. For Children’s Textiles and Mattresses
Manufactured after Nov 16, 2010, Flammability
Testing/Certification issued by a CPSCaccredited third-party lab must be submitted and
certified for compliance with the Standard for
the Flammability of Clothing Textiles (16 CFR
Part 1610).
For The Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act Overview and Important
Points:
http://www.thekrogerco.com/vendorssuppliers/import-vendors
i) Requirements on Uniform
Law Labels for Stuffed Articles
Filled bedding, furniture, sleeping
bags and toys sold in the USA
require a special label. These labels
must meet specific requirements. At least 16
states require registration as part of the labeling
process.
Filled jackets and clothing must also have a
sewn-in label that accurately reflects the filling
material. The state of Utah requires registration
for any company selling filled clothing such as
jackets and vests.
The following link to
IABFLO International
Association of Bedding and Furniture Law
Officials has a helpful website providing general
information as well as links to the individual
states for registration. As state information is
frequently updated, please ensure registration is
compliant to the current regulations and date.
http://abflo.info/index.htm
Registration for Kroger stores in this category is
currently not needed for the following states:
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
20
j) Requirements for Wood Packing
Material (WPM)
 Explanation of WPM: examples of
WPM
(but is not limited to):
○ Bins
○ Boxes
○ Bracing
○ Cases
○ Containers
○ Crates
○ Cratings
○ Drums
○ Dunnage
○ Load Boards
○ Pallets
○ Pallet collars
○ Reels
○ Skids
Not WPM:
○ Packing material made
entirely from thin wood 6
mm or less in thickness.
○ Packing Material made
wholly of processed wood
material, such as:
• plywood
• particle board
• oriented strand board or
veneer that has been created
using glue, heat or pressure,
or a combination thereof.
○ Sawdust
○Wood shavings
○Wood wool
2. If shipment contains no WPM, then
Commercial Invoice as wells as FCR
must state 'This shipment contains no
solid wood packing material.' or 'This
shipment contains no regulated wood
packing material.’
Must provide a statement showing “All
products
containing composite
fiberboard
k) Requirements
for wood
composite
mustfiberboard
meet formaldehyde
emissions
standards
product-CARB (if of
the California Air Resources Board 93120” and
label accordingly.applicable)
Similar Federal Requirements
are pending from the EPA under the
Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood
Products Act or Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA). These proposed requirements are
designed to implement the statutory formaldehyde
emission standards for hardwood plywood,
medium-density fiberboard, and particleboard.
 Kroger Expectations
1. If regulated WPM was used in supporting,
protecting, or carrying the
commodity, vendor must
state that all WPM used in
this shipment have been
heat treated or fumigated
with Methyl Bromide in
accordance with US regulations, and have been
marked in accordance with the International
Plant Protection Convention standard ISPM
Number 15.
Required Valid Logo on Wood: example
l) Register Required for Pesticide
(if applicable)
Example: Citronella
products
Based on State of Colorado Pesticide Act,
vendor must register with the State before any
product can come in under this law. Federal
EPA approval is needed for Pesticides before
they can be registered in the State of Colorado.
Please note: All pesticides sold in Colorado,
including the EPA Federal Insecticide
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 25(B)
exempted products, must be registered by the
Colorado Department of Agriculture.
For more logo information, please read P20 of
this PDF
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/trade
_outreach/wood_packaging_pp.ctt/wood_packag
ing_pp.pdf
Please contact the Department of Agriculture’s
Pesticide Product Registration at 303-239-4181
or go to comments@ag.state.co.us
21
m) Warning Label Requirements on
Toxins Chemicals Contained Product
(if applicable)
State of California Safe Drinking
Water and Toxic Enforcement
Act of 1986 or Prop 65 requires
the state of California to publish
a list of chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other productive
harm. The list includes two types of chemicals –
carcinogens and reproductive toxicants.
The chemicals may be
additives or
ingredients in
pesticides, common
household products,
food or drugs. Others may include industrial
chemicals, dyes, lead in paints, glazes, ceramic
ware and glassware, solvents in dry cleaning,
electrical wires possibly containing lead,
manufacturing, and construction. Others may be
byproducts of chemical processes.
Vendors MUST
provide warning labels
on products that
contain any of the
known toxins if the
products want to come
into Kroger family stores. The warning can be a
sticky label or built right into your packaging.
For FAQ (frequently asked questions). Use the
following link
http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/p65faq.html
Please click on ~ clear and reasonable warning
To find information for two versions of the
correct warning label
n) Register Required for Bedding,
Upholstered Furniture, Stuffed Toys,
etc (if applicable)
The following articles of bedding, upholstered
furniture, stuffed toys, stuffed decorative items,
and any such articles not otherwise designated
herein, containing hidden materials for sleeping,
sitting resting or reclining purposes shall come
under the scope of the Ohio Bedding and
Upholstered Furniture regulations. The
regulations require that vendors register, submit
a sample of your product(s) for analysis of the
filling content, submit a law label(s) for
approval, and/or are responsible for the
semiannual fee of four cents per item for
products brought into OH or offered for sale in
OH.
Required For:
Cushions
Toys & Dolls including decorative items
Infant Accessories
Bedding & Pillows
Sport & Leisure
Utility Items
Upholstered Furniture
Dual Sleeping Furniture
Other Items: water or air mattresses that contain
filling material, child carriers for bicycles, tree
stands, boat cushions, hot or cold therapeutic
pads, magnetic pads or bedding, etc.
Excluded Items:
Wall hangings, pot holders, place mats,
children’s slippers with stuffed animals on the
toe, Halloween costumes, wearing apparel, any
pad or cushion that is solid all the way through
with no outer covering (self-skinning urethane
foam), automotive creepers with a small padded
headrest only.
Business Office: 614-644-5583 for licensing and
registration information
To apply for the required license in Ohio,
please visit
http://www.ohiostatefair.com/osf/downloadb
ooks/rental/2012bedding.pdf
For more information and clarifications,
please go to, http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3713
22
o) Requirements on Plant and Fish & Wildlife Products
Introduction to Lacey Act
The Lacey Act combats trafficking “illegal” plants, fish and wildlife into the U.S.A.
Plant and Plant Product
Plant and plant product declarations will be
required for all products that are classified
under the following HTS Chapters.
























4401 – Fuel wood
4402 – Wood charcoal
4403 – Wood in the rough
4404 – Hoopwood; poles, piles, stakes
4406 – Railway or tramway sleepers
4407 – Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise
4408 – Sheets for veneering
4409 – Wood continuously shaped
4412 – Plywood, veneered panels, except
4412.99.06 and 4412.99.57
4414 – Wooden frames
4417 – Tools, tool handles, broom handles
4418 – Builders’ joinery and carpentry of
wood
4419 – Tableware & kitchenware, of wood
4420 – Wood marquetry; caskets; statuettes
4421 – Other articles of wood
6602 – Walking sticks, whips, crops
8201 – Hand tools
9201 – Pianos
9202 – Other stringed instruments
9302 – Revolvers and pistols
9305.10.20 – Parts and accessories for
revolvers and pistols
9401.69 – Seats with wood frames
9504.20 – Articles and accessories for
billiards
9703 – Sculptures
Notes:
1. A declaration is required only for the
product itself – not the sundries that can
accompany the product (such as tags, labels,
manuals or warranty cards.) Packaging
material is also exempt, unless the
packaging material is the item that is being
imported.
For paper and paperboard products with
recycled plant content, it is not required to
specify the species or country of harvest
with respect to the recycled plant product
component but is required to provide the
average percentage of recycled content. If
the product also contains non-recycled plant
materials, the basic declaration requirements
still apply to that component of the product
imported.
2. “Plants” exclude common cultivars,
common food crops, scientific specimens
and plants to be replanted.
23
 Requirements For Plant & Plant
Products
Insert at the end of the Commercial Invoice
as follows:
1. Provide a brief description of each article,
or component of an article, that is
manufactured from plants or plant parts.
2. List the scientific names (genus and
species) for each article/component
3. Indicate the country of harvest where the
plant was harvested.
4. List how much plant material (including
the unit of measure) for each
article/component.
5. List the percentage of recycled material
for each article/component contains (0 100%), if it is paper or paperboard.
For more information on what is required as
well as example, please go to
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/lace
y_act/downloads/declarationform.pdf
What is “fish & wildlife”?
Fish & Wildlife Product
“Fish &Wildlife” is
any living or dead
wild animal, its
parts, and products
made from it.
Wildlife not only
includes mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but also
invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans,
arthropods, mollusks and coelenterates
 Requirements for Fish & Wildlife
Products
Insert at the end of the Commercial Invoice
as follows:
1. List the scientific name for each species.
This is a Latin name including genus and
species (and sub-species).
2. List the common name in English for
each species.
3. List the foreign CITES permit or
certificate number for each species, if
applicable.
4. List the U.S. CITES permit or certificate
number for each species, if applicable.
5. List the applicable description code for
each species. (See link below for description
codes)
6. List the appropriate one-letter wildlife
source code for each species. (See link
below for source codes)
7. Provide the quantity of items containing
wildlife, and unit of measure for each
species. (See link below for units of
measure)
8. Indicate the total value of items
containing wildlife in U.S. dollars (rounded
to the nearest dollar) for each species.
9. List the two-letter ISO (International
Organization for Standardization) code for
the country where the animal was taken
from the wild or where the animal was born.
10. Indicate whether each species of live
wildlife identified is venomous
For more information on what is required,
please go tohttp://www.fws.gov/le/pdf/3177instructions.pdf
24
p) USC Classification Forms
Required for the following goods. Shipper must fill out corresponding classification forms and submit
directly to our broker at Kroger@geosbush.com
 Candles
 Baskets & Wickerhttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/baskets-other-wickeritems.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Beddinghttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/bedding.docx?sfvrsn=2
 Clockshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/clocks.docx?sfvrsn=2
 Dinner/Kitchen/Tablewarehttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/dinner-kitchentableware.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Furniture (Indoor & Outdoor)http://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/furniture-(outdoorindoor).docx?sfvrsn=0
 Gazeboshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/gazebos.docx?sfvrsn=2

Lamps & Lightshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/lamps-lights.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Display Rackshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/display-racks.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Bird Feeders
 General Use Glasswarehttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/general-useglassware.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Small Wooden Boxeshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/small-woodenboxes.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Woven Shirtshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/woven-shirts.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Jacket/Outerwear/Coat
 Table Linenshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/table-linens.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Luggagehttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/luggage.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Knit Shirt/T-Shirt/Sweater Type Garmentshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/knitshirt-t-shirt-sweater-type-garments.docx?sfvrsn=2
 Lower Body Garmentshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/lower-bodygarments.docx?sfvrsn=0
 Towelshttp://www.thekrogerco.com/docs/import-vendors/towels.docx?sfvrsn=0
25
q) Additional Requirements/Clauses (if applicable)
The following clauses are based on certain commodities. If this applies to your product, then
you will need to provide the additional documentation addressed below.
●
●
●
1. Caution Label—Candles
Add to the Beneficiary Certificate
Certify that a cautionary label has been
affixed to each candle that is compliant with
ASTM F2058 Standard Specification for
Candle Fire Safety Labeling.
●
●
●
●
●
●
2. Caution Label—Dishwasher &
Microwave Appropriateness
Add to the Beneficiary Certificate:
Certify that an appropriate caution label
indicating the suitability of food containers,
flatware, cookware and kitchen tools for use
in dishwashers and microwaves has been
conspicuously affixed to each applicable
item.
●
●
●
3. Caution Label—Not For Food Use
Add to the Beneficiary Certificate:
Certify that the following caution has been
permanently marked on the underside item
along with a removable caution label affixed
on the top of each applicable item, as
follows:
1. For decorative purpose only
2. Not for Food Use
3. Food Consumed from this vessel may
be harmful.
●
●
●
4. Caution Label—Seasonal Plush
Decoration Only
Add to the Beneficiary Certificate
Certify that the following caution label has
been permanently affixed to each applicable
item of seasonal, plush decoration.
“This is not a toy. For decorative purposes
only.”
Please note, this category falls under the
Ohio State Bedding law for stuffed articles
and will require a toy or bedding label even
labeled “not a toy”.
● ● ●
● ● and Packing
5. Certificate of ●
Ingredients
(For Foodstuff)
Provide One (1) copy of Certificate of
Ingredients and Packing stating a complete
breakdown, giving a detailed list of
ingredients and specific packaging
information, such as but not limited to: sugar
packed in plastic bags and plastic bags
packed in cardboard boxes.
●
●
●
●
●
●
6. Children’s Costumes Only (SCPC)
Add to Beneficiary Certificate, stating that
all Children’s Costumes in this Shipment
meet the Consumer Product Safety
Commission Guidelines for Children’s Use.
●
●
●
26
●
●
●
7. Caution Label—Plastic Bag Warning
Add to the Beneficiary Certificate
Certify that an appropriate caution label has
been conspicuously printed on or securely
attached to each applicable plastic bag.
WARNING
To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this
plastic bag away from babies and children.
Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriage,
or playpens. This bag is not a toy.
Please note: The WARNING label must be
repeated every 18 inches on the plastic bag
●
●
●
8. Clocks
Add to the Certificate of Material. For
Clocks list the following:
1. Whether Clocks are an Alarm or Non
Alarm Clock.
2. Whether Clocks are Battery Operated or
Electrical Clocks.
3. Whether Batteries are included with the
Battery Operated Clocks.
4. Whether Clocks have Opto-Electric
display or Manual Hands.
5. Whether Clocks are a desk, wall or other
type of clock.
Add to the Commercial Invoice:
The following table sets forth type
requirements that will satisfy all state and
local requirements except Gering, NE which
requires ¼ inch type size.
Total Length and
Width of Bag
Combined (except dry
cleaning bags)
Less than 25 inches
25 to 39 inches
40 to 59 inches
60 inches or more
Dry cleaning bags
Minimum Type
Size
10 point
14 point
18 point
24 point
36 point
State that all Paint used is Free of Lead and
that the Clocks meet the USA Consumer
Protection Guidelines.
●
●
●
9. Certificate of Origin NAFTA used for
Mexico
Provide One (1) copy of Certificate of Origin
issued by NAFTA.
●
●
●
10. ~Candles
SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION…
●
●
●
●
●
●
27
●
●
●
11. ~Candle Holders
SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION…
●
●
●
●
●
12. Cosmetics Use W/FDA Certification-Very Important!!!
●
Lotions, Creams, Colognes, Nail Polish,
Color Cosmetics, Non-Permanent Tattoo’s,
etc.
For all Cosmetic Items, the Certificate of
Materials must also state the exact description
of each Item, listing exact ingredients with a
percentage of each ingredient.
Additional documentation required:
*Commercial invoice and packing list
*Quote sheets
*Clear, legible, enlarged photo of all side of
outer packaging and of the item itself
showing the ingredients and country of origin
labeling. (Must be photos of the item as
actually shipped – cannot be prototypes.)
*List of ingredients in each product in
descending order of prominence from the
largest quantity to the smallest
*If any dyes or colorants were used to make
the product, each batch of color must be
certified by the Chief of Colors branch of the
U.S. FDA. FDA assigns what is called a
Batch Certification number. We will need a
copy of the batch certificate or, at the
minimum, the batch certification number
itself. The number is made up of 2 letters
followed by 4 numerals. An example would
be AR1845.
*If items come in a set, we will need a value
breakdown for each item in the set. The value
should include the cost of the packaging.
*Name and address of actual manufacturer for
each item.
28
●
●
●
●
●
●
13. Dishes
Provide One (1) copy of Certificate of
Material:
16. FCC, Accession— (Radio Waves,
Lazer Emissions)
Add to Commercial Invoice
1. Provide a breakdown of each component,
including each item in the set, by price in
USD and net net weight in KG for each style.
This total must match the first cost price of
style on invoice, including set prices. All
costs are to be included in this pricing
breakdown.
1. Provide the Accession Number or DHHS
Number. If not applicable, state in the
Beneficiary’s Certificate that the Accession
Number or DHHS Number is not required.
2. Specify the type of material (ex: Porcelain,
China Course-Grained Earthenware, CourseGrained Stoneware, Fine Grained
Earthenware having a reddish colored body
and Lustrous Glaze, Glass, Plastic or just
Ceramic.)
3. State the diameter of each plate listed in
centimeters.
●
●
●
14. Dog or Cat Fur on Textile
Add to Commercial Invoice, certifying that
the products listed on the Invoice do not
contain dog or cat fur.
●
●
●
15. FDA-Ceramic Eating Ware,
Aluminum Cookware
Add to Commercial Invoice showing FDA
Registration number or CCC Number, and
complete Name and Address, of the Actual
Overseas Manufacturer for each specific item
●
●
●
2. Provide the FCC Identifier Number. If
FCC Identifier Number is not applicable,
state that the product is FCC compliant.
3. A blank FCC form can be emailed to you
if needed. Contact us.
●
●
●
●
●
●
17. Foam (Bikes, Cushions, Lawn
Furniture, etc)
Provide Signed Manufacturer’s Letter:
Showing that it was issued on the
Manufacturer’s letterhead, listing the type of
foam used in the manufacturing of the foam
itself. If not applicable, Beneficiary’s
Statement stating that any type of foam was
not used in the manufacturing of this product.
●
●
●
●
●
●
18. Free of Charge Goods (Display
Sample)
Add to Commercial Invoice, state that, for
U.S. Customs Purposes Only, Merchandise
of Display Samples is Valued at USD
(XXXXX) and Free of Cost to the Buyer.
●
●
●
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●
●
●
19. Hazardous Materials (batteries,
aerosols, chemicals, are generally
considered a hazardous material)
At the time of booking, you must indicate
whether or not the cargo you are shipping is a
hazardous material:
1. If not a Hazardous Material, you must
indicate “Cargo contains no hazardous
materials” in your shipper’s letter of
instructions to UPS.
2. If the cargo contains any hazardous
materials, you must submit a complete
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to UPS
at the time of booking and the MSDS must
indicate:
a. The appropriate 4-digit UN number
b. The class
c. The packing group
●
●
●
21. Kiln Dried Certificate (Real Tree
Parts) Alpine Christmas Trees
Certificate issued by a third party on their
letterhead stating that the wood in the
product shipped has been kiln dried or
Beneficiary’s Certificate that no wood was
used in this product.
●
●
●
●
●
●
22. ~Qualified Industrial Zone Program
(QIZ) for Basic Apparel/Soft Goods
SECTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION…
●
●
●
*Notes for batteries:
All included batteries must be mercury free.
Products that contain batteries will include
proper instructions and warnings.
●
●
●
20. Mirrors (Use Basic Template)
Add to Commercial Invoice:
1. Stating that the mirrors are framed or not
framed, and that the
● reflecting
● ● area for
mirrors is stated as CM2 (square
centimeters).
2. Stating that all paint is lead free.
3. Stating that the merchandise does meet the
USA Consumer Protection Guidelines.
●
●
●
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●
●
●
23. Underwriter’s Laboratory “UL” or
Electro Technical Laboratory “ETL”—
Electrical Items Clause
Add to Beneficiary Certificate,
State that the Electrical merchandise is U.S.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Listed or
Electro Technical Laboratory (ETL)
certified on all electrical goods.
●
●
●
●
●
●
24. State of Utah: Upholstered Furniture,
Bedding, and Quilted Clothing
For bedding, upholstered furniture, clothing,
or any other product with an enclosed layer
of filling material, add to Beneficiary
Certificate:
Certify that all goods in this shipment meet
the requirements of the Federal Textile Fiber
Products Identification Act, Federal Wool
Products Labeling Act, and the State of
Utah’s Bedding, Upholstered Furniture, and
Quilted Clothing Act, including registration
with the state of Utah, and carrying the
applicable ABFLO “uniform” tag as listed in
the “Tagging Law Manual” of the
International Sleep Products Association
(ISPA).
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
26. Wicker or Rattan Baskets & Other
For Wicker, Rattan, Etc., the Certificate of
Material must also show:
1. The measurement of each item in inches.
2. The specific weaving material used.
3. Whether that material is flat or round strips
(not required if weaving material is 100
percent willow only).
4. For Baskets only: Each individual item in a
basket set must be listed separately along
with cost per item and specific plaiting
material used to make each item. It must
state the specific plaiting material (example:
Willow, Rattan, Palm) used to weave each
item and whether that plaiting material is in it
is natural state (original round strips) or has
been processed in any way (resulting in flat
strips). The total cost of the set is also
required. A picture, including measurements
of each item in inches, must be attached to
the Certificate of Material.
●
●
●
25. U.S. Department of Transportation
Declaration (Trailers, etc. with Hitches)
Provide One (1) fully completed copy of
U.S. Department of Transportation
Declaration Form HS-7.
●
●
●
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Payment & Charges
(1) Kroger Import Purchase Order(s) Payment Terms
The only THREE (3) methods of payments offered for any
import order(s) are:
1. Li & Fung Open Account
(Li & Fung handles exclusively).
2. Letter of Credit (L/C)
Handled exclusively by Bank of America Hong Kong.
3. Documentary Open Account-Handled exclusively by
Bank of America Hong Kong. Not be confused with the
standard OA, Wire Transfer, or Telegraphic Wire
Transfer. (Acceptance for this method of payment is
subject to approval and is very rare. Vendor must show
consistent compliance to all the Letter of Credit terms
and conditions from previous transactions for at least 6
to 12 months.)
Bank of America offices will
continue to advise you of either
a L/C and/or Documentary
Open Account process as well
as handle the distribution of
payment as approved by an
authorized Fred Meyer
authority; Bank of America will
continue to be our primary bank
handling the processing of
documents submitted for either
method of payment and will
remain as the paying bank.
With Documentary Open Account payment terms, there is a
reduction of bank processing fees (i.e. reduced document
examination charges, no document discrepancy fees, no
reimbursement charges, etc.). The same basic document
requirements stipulated on a L/C will also be required on
the Documentary Open Account process. The only
significant difference is the reduction of processing fees.
(2) Non-compliance Charges Backs
Fee Description
Fee Collection
$1000 per PO: UPC Violations, Hang Tag, Garment Labels or any changes made to
import quote sheet after the PO has been issued.
Kroger will deduct the amount due from any outstanding invoice. ~If there are
monies due Kroger that have not been deducted within sixty (60) days, Vendor must
pay by check. These amounts are in addition to and not in lieu of Vendor’s
indemnification and other obligations to Kroger. Vendor agrees that all amounts set
forth in this fee schedule are reasonable liquidated damages and do not constitute a
penalty.
32
GENERAL INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE LETTER OF CREDIT
+ .+++.Copy(s) Signed Commercial Invoice certifying compliance with:
1. Fred Meyer Inc. DBA Kroger relative Purchase Order Number.
2. Showing the purchase price of each item in U.S. Dollars and the Country of Origin.
Please see the example document the Kroger Vendor & Supplier website.
+ .+++.Copy of Packing/Weight List showing number of cartons, weight and contents of each
carton. Please see the example document the Kroger Vendor & Supplier website.
+ .+++.Copy of Certificate of Material showing breakdown of each component by price in
USD and net weight in KG for each style. If component includes fabric,
the Certificate of Material must state if fabric is knit or woven and list the fiber content. If item is
a set, a breakdown of each component by price in USD and net
weight in KG for each style must be shown. Please see the example document the Kroger
Vendor & Supplier website.
+ .+++.Beneficiary signed certification and vendor agreement:
Please see the example document the Kroger Vendor & Supplier website. Note that the
instructions and example are separate.
A. To protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, The Kroger Co., all its affiliates, and
subsidiaries, agents, and employees, from and against any and all claims,
actions, demands, liabilities, losses, cost, and expenses including attorney fees:
1. Arising out of any actual or alleged injury to or death of any person, or damage to any
property, or any other damage or loss, by whomsoever suffered,
including Vendor or Kroger Co., resulting or claimed to result, directly or indirectly, from the
purchase, shipment, storage, delivery, sale, or other handling of the
goods sold hereunder, caused by the negligence of the vendor.
2. Resulting from the actual or alleged breach of any Vendor warranties, guarantees, regulatory
compliance or other covenants contained herein, or
3. Resulting from any actual or alleged trademark, patent copyright, or other proprietary right
infringement of the goods sold hereunder.
B. 1. The items covered under the above reference purchase order(s) contain no Class I or II
Ozone depleting chemicals as defined by the U.S. Government
Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Stating the actual Manufacturer(s) Name and Address and Shippers Name and Address for
U.S. Customs purposes.
C. That merchandise was not manufactured with convict labor and/or indentured labor under
penal sanctions, nor with illegal child labor, either employed in
production or manufacture of the merchandise.
33
D. Any wood packing material used in this shipment has been heat treated or fumigated in
accordance with U.S. Regulations and has been marked in accordance
with the International Plant Protection Convention Standard ISPM Number 15. If the fumigation
certificate is not applicable, Commercial Invoice as well as
Forwarders Cargo Receipt must state -This shipment contains no solid wood packing material.or -This shipment contains no regulated wood packing material.E. Have complied with all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and sanctions related to AntiBribery and Anti-Corruption as may be applicable to its performance,
including but not limited to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practice Act, and we have not engaged in
any activity, practice, or conduct which constitute a criminal offence
under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act if such activity, practice, or conduct had carried out
in the U.S., and have complied with Kroger Ethics, Anti-Bribery,
and Anti-Corruption Policies.
F. All goods in this shipment have been found to be free of any defects and of top quality
G. Have cooperated in Fred Meyer Inc., DBA Kroger Trucking Security Program and met the
below minimum criteria for compliance:
1. Select trucking and dray carriers that are dependable and willing to participate in security
measures.
2. Have trained personnel inspect all containers and seals prior to departure.
3. Designated a direct route to the port of departure or CFS station.
4. Estimate travel time for the trip.
5. Monitor actual time to destination.
6. Provide a gate in receipt for the trip.
7. State that the factory understands and is cooperating in this Trucking Security Program
Factory must actually have a program in place and able to prove
compliance on-site, if and when asked for.
H. Products containing composite wood fiberboard meet Formaldehyde emissions standards of
the California Air Resources Board 93120 and labeled if
applicable. If not applicable, commercial invoice must state – Product in this shipment does not
contain composite fiberboard.
+ .+++. Copy of General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) stating the products have met all
applicable product safety standards as well as the U.S. Consumer
Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008. GCC must be in English and include the following:
If unsure which products are applicable, please visit the CPSIA website; you may also contact
the manufacture for product verification. Follow up questions may be sent to Kathy Payne
kathleen.payne@kroger.com
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) | CPSC.gov
34
1. Identification of the product covered by the certificate.
2. Citation to each CPSC product safety regulation (i.e., standard or ban) for which the product is
being certified.
3. Identification of the U.S. importer Fred Meyer Inc. DBA Kroger 3800 S.E. 22nd Ave.,
Portland, Oregon 97202
4. Date (month and year) and place (city, state, country or admin. region) where this product was
manufactured.
5. Date and place (city, state, country or admin. region) where this product was tested for
compliance with the regulation(s) cited above.
6. Identification of any third-party laboratory on whose testing the certificate depends (name,
address and phone number).
7. For childrens products defined by the CPSIA we now require actual third-party test results
covered under each purchase order in this shipment be submitted
with the General Certificate of Conformity, from any one of the CPSC accredited labs
worldwide. You can see the list of labs by following this website:
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/labaccred.html.
8. For Childrens Textiles and Mattresses Manufactured after Nov 16, 2010, Flammability
Testing/Certification issued by CPSC-accredited third-party lab must be
submitted and certified for compliance with the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing
Textiles (16 CFR Part 1610).
+ .+++.A General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is applicable to both Adult and
Children’s Products. For all shipments covering Childrens Products a CPSIA
Product Certificate must be submitted if applicable. Otherwise if a General Certificate of
Conformity (GCC) is not applicable for this shipment, Commercial Invoice must state -U.S.
consumer products safety improvement act of 2008 not applicable for this shipment.
For guidance regarding Adult and Children’s products, please visit the Kroger General
Merchandise vendor-shipping manual http://www.thekrogerco.com/vendors-suppliers/importvendors.
Follow up questions may be sent to Kathy Payne kathleen.payne@kroger.com
OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
35
+ .+++.For multiple purchase orders covered in this Letter of Credit:
1. Partial shipments permitted however each purchase order must be shipped complete. A
separate Commercial Invoice must be presented for each single PO.
2. Purchase Orders combined and covered under a single invoice is strictly prohibited.
+ .+++.Third party documents are acceptable, but shall not include the draft or give such other
third party the right to demand payment under this letter of credit, or any transfer thereof, unless
such party has been specifically designated as beneficiary or transferee.
+ .+++.Cargo received date on the Forwarder's Cargo Receipt is to be considered as the shipment
date.
+ .+++.All documents must indicate this documentary credit number and the purchase order
number(s).
+ .+++.Beneficiary must present originals of all documents required except Forwarder's Cargo
Receipt to UPS Asia Group Pte Ltd or UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. within 7 business days
of delivery of cargo. Failure to comply will
result in a penalty of USD300.00
+ .+++.Combined drawings with other letters of credit are not allowed.
+ .+++.LACEY ACT/ARTICLES MADE OF OR INCLUDING WOOD.
+ .+++. In coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for Phase I, II, and III of this
Act, if your product is classified in the HTS Chapter 44, then you
will be required to fill out the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant health
Inspection Service (APHIS) form. If not applicable, statement on
Commercial Invoice that product is not classified in the U.S. Customs and Boarder protection for
Phase I, II, and III under HTS Chapter 44

If your product is classified in the HTS Chapter 44 then you will be required to fill
out the U.S Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant health Inspection Service
(APHIS) form.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/lacey_act/downloads/declarationform.pdf

If your product is not classified, a statement on the Commercial Invoice must say,
“this product is not classified in the U.S. Customs and Boarder protection for Phase I,
II, and III under HTS Chapter 44”
36
Revision History :
12/03/2013 – Completely revised vendor shipping manual posted; final version.
02/11/2014 – Removed some editing marks that were meant as place holders for future updates.
02/26/2014 – Updated max cargo load weight for 40HC equipment from 44000lbs to 43700lbs
02/26/2014 – Clarified uneven load containers that are under max weight limits but still considered overweight.
02/27/2014 – Updated max cargo load weight for 45HC & 40HC (NOR) equipment from 44000lbs to 43700lbs
03/14/2014 - Made formatting and spelling changes requested by Hazel George.
03/14/2014 - Changed “Fred Meyer Inc DBA Kroger” to “The Kroger Company”.
03/14/2014 - Clarified FM SKUs vs. Kroger PLNs vs. Ralph’s KLNs.
03/24/2014 – Removed some of the pending comments and noted “Sections under construction”.
03/24/2014 –Removed red revisions. Renamed the document to clarify this manual is for G.M. imports only.
03/26/2014 – Removed requirement to affix packing list to outside of carton. Updated Jeannette’s extension.
04/25/2014 – Added #4 to section “b” on commercial invoice page #17 in response to ISA annual self-audit.
05/02/2014 – Added “NOT OPTIONAL” to certificate of origin in response to ISA audit finding.
05/13/2014 - Updated p.11 shoe carton marking section. Added space between “Integra” and “Trim” on page 14.
06/05/2014 - Added FCR note to page #17 to reconfirm our existing FCR policy.
06/17/2014 – added note on bribery to social compliance section.
07/24/2014 – updated social compliance page to match letter to vendors and policy updates. Minor CTPAT changes.
07/25/2014 – removed manuf. cert. of guarantee requirement. Now covered under condition “C” under bene.cert.
07/28/2014 – removed comments “for Kroger Only at this time – Kroger will supply” per Greg Ho.
08/21/2014 – Added information to GCC Section, updated format of manual
09/04/2014 – MH added General Information and Instructions for LC (pgs 34-37)
09/08/2014 – JF small format updates.
09/08/2014 – Expanded recycled materials comments in Lacey act section.
09/08/2014 – Added buying agent section.
10/15/2014 – Added to Plastic Bag Warning Label section (pg 28)
10/21/2014 – Added “Separate Commercial Invoice and Packing List must be submitted for each po.” (pg 17)
11/03/2014 – Changed all references to “packing list by shipment” to “packing list by purchase order”
06/29/2015 – Removed requirement to affix packing list to outside of carton (overlooked in previous update)
7/22/2015- Removed “for children’s products regarding GCC information (pg 36)
11/2/2015- Updated contacts on p. 4 (SB)
11/30/2015- Removed page 10: section on Kroger pre-price labels. Updated SCORS contact to Kyla Galbraith. (SB)
37