Bon-Ton THE BON-TON STORES, INC.logistics.bonton.com/Documents/Quality Assurance Testing... · The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. will only work with BV testing facilities that have been approved

Revised November 2016

Bon-Ton

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

TESTING REQUIREMENTS

AND

PROCEDURES

Revised November 2016

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ....................................................... i

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1

OBJECTIVE ..............................................................................................................................1

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.. ..............................................................................................1

THE BON-TON STORE’S RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................2

VENDORS .................................................................................................................................2

VENDOR RESPONSIBILITIES ...............................................................................................3

BUREAU VERITAS CONSUMER PRODUCT SERVICES LABORATORIES ...................4

BV TESTING FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY .....................................................................4

APPROVED LABORATORY LOCATIONS ..........................................................................5

Soflines ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

SAMPLE SUBMISSION...........................................................................................................6

REPORTING – HOW TO INTERPRET ...................................................................................8

Hardlines ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

SAMPLE SUBMISSION...........................................................................................................9

PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT ..............................................................................................10

REPORTING – HOW TO INTERPRET .................................................................................13

Testing Continued ..................................................................................................................................... 14

PRODUCT TESTING FLOWCHART ...................................................................................14

RATINGS ................................................................................................................................15

PROTOCOL INTERPRETATION .........................................................................................18

SAMPLE DISPOSAL/RETURN.............................................................................................19

COSTS .....................................................................................................................................19

Forms ........................................................................................................................................................... 20

TEST REQUEST FORM .........................................................................................................22

GROUP TEST FORM .............................................................................................................23

GENERAL CONFORMITY CERTIFICATE (GCC) .............................................................24

WASHINGTON STATE CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY .............................................26

VENDOR CONFIRMATION FORM .....................................................................................27

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Testing Manual Introduction

Revised November 2016 1

Section

1

Introduction

OBJECTIVE

Product testing supports the commitment of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. to offer quality products to

its customers. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. has established a comprehensive testing program to

monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations as well as industry

and corporate quality standards. As a part of this program, all products must be tested prior to

shipment (production samples).

The vendor is responsible for all testing charges. Testing is mandatory for doing business

with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Vendors are not permitted to ship product that failed testing

until all deficiencies have been corrected and approved or discussed with The Bon-Ton

Stores, Inc. and waived if determined to be commercially acceptable.

This publication represents the official The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Testing Manual. It details the

procedures and requirements for all product testing as it relates to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. quality

assurance program.

This manual does not address procedures related to the following areas:

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Supplier Approval Process

Inspections (Product or Social Accountability)

Definitions

Softlines – Textile products such as clothing, draperies, bed linens etc.

Hardlines – Non-textile products such as electronics, toys, furniture etc.

THE BON-TON STORES, INC.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. currently markets product through their department stores nationwide

under the names of Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder Beerman, Herberger’s and

Younkers. We are committed to delivering quality merchandise to The Bon-Ton Store’s customers

and to maintaining a strong relationship with The Bon-Ton Stores product and service suppliers.

Product performance standards have been established to ensure that the expectations of The Bon-

Ton Stores customers are met. This translates to the evaluation of all products from the viewpoint

of overall consumer serviceability. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Testing Manual is provided to

suppliers to ensure that you are aware of our testing standards and requirements when working with

our buying staff.



The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Responsibilities

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc Testing Manual: Provide copies to all suppliers.

Update suppliers on test procedures, sample submission requirements and performance

standards as changes are made.

Obtain Signed Vendor Confirmation Form: Signed forms will be kept on file electronically.

Instruct Vendors On The Nearest Approved BV Testing Facility For The Submission Of

Test Samples: Product test reports will only be accepted from an approved laboratory.

Certain BV laboratory facilities possess specific capabilities unique to them (i.e. an on-site

electron microscope). BV will instruct vendors on the most appropriate BV facility for

submission of samples.

Report Follow-up: When The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Quality Assurance Department receives a test report from a

laboratory in which the submission has been

rated Rejected or Corrective Action Required

(C.A.R.), the Quality Assurance Department

will discuss the situation with the buyer (and

vendor, when necessary), then follow up with

a disposition as to re-testing, cancellation, or

acceptance of the order.

VENDORS

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. will only work with suppliers that are capable of producing product at

the highest level of quality as demanded by The Bon-Ton Stores customer. The Bon-Ton Stores,

Inc. carefully evaluates, qualifies and must approve all suppliers. Once a supplier is approved and

a manufacturing agreement has been reached, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. works hard to build and

maintain a close working relationship.

All suppliers must meet the legal requirements applicable in the country of production as well as

all of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. quality, performance and social standards. Such standards are not

intended to restrict or hamper a supplier’s competitiveness. The objective is to evaluate the

capability and suitability of a supplier, in terms of set-up, attitude, equipment and general standards,

to produce a product that meets the requirements of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. reserves

the right to require re-testing when deemed

necessary due to among other things,

product non-conformities found during the

quality assurance process, or during

distribution or sale of the merchandise.

All costs associated with re-testing will be

the responsibility of the vendor.



Vendor Responsibilities

Receipt of The Bon-Ton Stores Testing Manual: Read and abide by all The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. performance and quality requirements.

Complete the vendor confirmation form and return it to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. within 14

working days (see form on page 24).

Forward The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Testing Manual to those individuals and departments that

work with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Production Testing (must be production quality with final approved components and

labeling/packaging): The vendor is responsible for all testing fees. Testing is mandatory for doing business

with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Quality testing is required for all new products and reorders with expired test results. Test

results are valid for 12 months from the last test date to In DC of a reorder. All new colors

must be tested regardless of the timeframe. If a style has multiple deliveries within a season,

some items, such as children’s replenishment styles or programs over 100,000 units must be

tested more frequently (see section below).

Additional Production Testing – For All Programs in Excess of 100,000 Units - Samples will

be randomly pulled by the Agents or Bon-Ton’s third party inspection team or pulled from the

top of production by the vendor and forwarded to BV lab of choice for final testing approval.

Shipment will be contingent on production samples meeting Bon-Ton performance

requirements of the pulled samples when testing is required.

Replenishment Styles – Replenishment styles that fall under CPSIA regulations (i.e.

children’s items and other non-exempt items requiring a GCC) must be tested every six

months even if the style DOES NOT exceed 100,000 units.

Submit samples with a fully completed Bon-Ton Stores Test Request Form to a Bureau

Veritas Lab of choice. Test laboratories will not accept samples if the test request form is

missing or incomplete.

If you have questions regarding the testing costs for the product you are producing for The

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. contact Kevin Clancy ([email protected]) for further

information or a local lab prior to sample submission to

obtain an estimate.

Submit the required minimum number of samples for

testing representing bulk production, all styles, colors,

and/or fragrances purchased. Unless otherwise noted

and approved, such as in the case of development

samples, all products must be in the same form as they

will be sold, including labeling and final packaging.

Visually unsatisfactory samples (i.e. stains, tears,

missing pieces) will not be accepted for testing.

Each vendor is responsible for ensuring that prior to

shipment, all products are accurately labeled in

accordance with all laws and that each product has been

tested in accordance with all the procedures as outlined

by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Quality Assurance

program.

Packaging is considered an important part of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. quality image and

must be included with test samples.

Regulatory Testing – The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. tests all items to various state and federal laws

and regulations. When laws are unclear in their requirements, as is the case for California

Proposition 65, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. chooses to test to levels established in previous

settlements whether or not they are involved in such settlements. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

uses the lowest allowable limits to establish testing guidelines

Regardless of whether

or not a laboratory has tested a

particular item, the vendor is

solely responsible for ensuring

that their products meet or

exceed all regulatory standards

and voluntary industry

standards in the markets in

which they are sold. Products

which fail to meet any such

applicable local, state, or

national standards will not be

accepted by The Bon-Ton

Stores, Inc.



BUREAU VERITAS CONSUMER PRODUCT SERVICES LABORATORIES

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. will only work with BV testing facilities that have been approved.

All BV laboratories meet the legal requirements of the country

they are located within.

BV Testing Facilities Responsibilities

Receipt of Samples When the test request form is incomplete and/or insufficient sample is submitted, the

laboratory notifies Bon-Ton Quality Assurance. Until complete information and/or sufficient

number of samples has been received; testing will be put “on hold” and delayed. To prevent

unnecessary delay, the laboratory shall notify Bon-Ton Quality Assurance department

immediately if testing must be put on hold.

Testing Of Samples Conduct testing and evaluate products in accordance with all Bon-Ton quality standards.

Reporting Of Test Results At the conclusion of testing, provide complete written report, including the reasons for failure

and the recommendations for improvement (Rejected, Corrective Action Required [C.A.R.] or

Approved with Comments [AWC] ratings).

Additional Program Services Technical Seminars And Workshops

Technical Meetings With Vendors

Technical Training For Buyers

Technical Updates/Publications

Currently, Bureau

Veritas is the only Bon-Ton

approved test laboratory for the

evaluation of its products.



BUREAU VERITAS LOCATION LISTING

To obtain the latest lab location guide please visit www.bureauveritas.com

Then highlight Your Industry (1).

Then under the Quick Access panel at the bottom of the page click locations (2).

Here you can view any international lab location by region or download a PDF version of the list under

ResourcesLocations PDF

Or you may contact your local lab or BonTon’s testing program manager Kevin Clancy to obtain the latest lab

location listing and test request forms.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

310 West Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

Attn: Kevin Clancy

Program Manager

Tel: (414) 347-5251

E-mail: [email protected]

1

2

4

http://www.bureauveritas.com/

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Test%20Request%20Form

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Testing Manual Product Evaluation


Section

2

Softlines Testing SAMPLE SUBMISSION

• Testing Fees

The vendor is responsible for all testing fees. Testing is mandatory for doing business with

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt

• Fabric Testing

A minimum of two (2) square yards must be submitted to any Bureau Veritas lab for full testing.

A minimum of ½ square yard must be submitted for additional colorways.

• Note: Pricing can be found in testing protocols, for information about obtaining and interpreting

protocols (please see INTERPRETING PROTOCOLS, Page 12)

• Submit samples with a fully completed Test Request Form. BV will not accept sample if the

form is incomplete. Vendor may obtain Test Request Forms directly from BV (See Section 4,

TEST REQUEST FORM, Page 19).

• Samples must be submitted using a Bon-Ton test request form. Failure to submit test requests on a

Bon-Ton test request form will result in an unofficial test report format that may not be accepted

as a valid test report by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

• Softlines garment/home textiles must include all trim, accessories and embellishments.

Note: Production trim for all colorways must be submitted for testing.

• VISUALLY UNSATISFACTORY SAMPLES (stains, tears, missing pieces) WILL NOT BE

ACCEPTED FOR TESTING!

• A retest sample would follow the same submission procedures as outlined above.

• Production Garment/Home Textile Testing

Adult Garment Testing: Send three (3) garments for each adult style in one (1) colorway.

Children’s Garment Testing: Send four (4) garments for each children’s style in one (1)

colorway and one (1) additional garment in each additional colorway.

If additional garment/ fabric is required, BV will immediately contact the vendor.

Home Textile Testing: The number of samples required for testing varies depending on the

product. You may request current protocols for home textiles from your local lab or by

contacting Kevin Clancy ([email protected]).

The reference number of the passing Fabric Test Report must be submitted on the test request

form. Failure to do so will require the lab to repeat fabric testing at vendor’s expense.

mailto:[email protected]



Note 1: Submit one (1) additional garment/home textile sample in each affected colorway for an

adult style containing high contrast color combinations or significant trim/decoration differences

at the color level.

Note 2: Production garment/home textiles must be made on bulk production machinery in the

fabric quality contracted by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and include all labeling and packaging.


Revised August 2013 8

REPORTING – HOW TO INTERPRET

Report Cover

This section is a quick reference of

the same test property sections as

found on the test protocol. The ratings of each

property will determine the

overall rating of the test report (see

above).

This section provides detailed

information on the sample that was received and tested by the laboratory.

Client Information

As directed by Bon-Ton, this would be the

current mailing address and attention for

delivery of all completed test

reports.

BV Number

Every sample submitted to the lab, receives a unique BV

number.

Overall Rating

This is the final rating of the sample

based on all test data.

Client Retest Number

Internal Bon-Ton Reference Number

Used For Re-submits

No. Working Days

Total number of working days from the time the sample was received to the time testing is completed.



Section

3

Hardlines Testing

SAMPLE SUBMISSION

Vendors are to submit samples to the

appropriate BV testing facility. In some cases,

samples from domestic vendors may be

requested by and submitted to The Bon-Ton

Stores, Inc. Quality Assurance department who

will forward them to the correct BV testing

facility. A completed Bon-Ton Stores Test

Request Form must accompany all samples

submitted.

Failure to submit test requests on a Bon-Ton test

request form will result in an unofficial test

report format that may not be accepted as a valid

test report by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

The required number of samples (dependent upon the individual product type) must be sent for

testing. If the correct number of samples is not received by the laboratory, testing will be put on

hold or testing could require extended periods of time to complete. The suggested minimum

number of samples is indicated on the last page of each test protocol or can be obtained by

contacting The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Quality Assurance department or laboratory directly.

Test Request Form (See the ‘Forms’ Section 5 of This Manual)



PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT

All samples received by the laboratory are tested in accordance with an established Bon-Ton Stores

test protocol. If at the time samples are received, a Bon-Ton Stores test protocol does not exist for

that particular product, the laboratory will develop a test protocol. Additional time may be required

for the development of test protocols under certain circumstances such as the research and ordering

of standards for foreign countries. Test protocols are easily identified by their landscape style

orientation and the presentation of information in table format (see below example).

A test protocol is a compilation of various requirements (i.e. tests) into a “Basic Test Package” that

the product must meet. An assortment of Basic Test Packages (testing protocols) have been

approved by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Test Protocol



The Basic Test Packages (test protocols/worksheets) serve two primary purposes:

1. The Basic Test Packages provide information regarding what tests will be performed so that

vendors understand the expectations of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. for their products prior to

testing. As some items may be slightly different, the Basic Test Package is to be used as a

guideline only at the point of negotiation. A product-specific Test Package will be developed

at the sample submission stage if necessary.

2. Once established, the Basic Test Packages ensure consistency between laboratories around the

world by providing instructions to the approved testing laboratories on what tests are required

for specific Bon-Ton products.

While the extent of the laboratory tests will vary by product category and by specific item,

consumer products will be subjected to numerous tests to attain quantitative data on overall

consumer serviceability in addition to verification of its conformance with required federal and

state laws/regulations and industry safety criteria. Common regulations to be observed are as

follows:

Domestic (partial list) Flammable Fabric Act

Poison Prevention Packaging Act

Child Safety Protection Act (CSPA)

Textile Fiber Products Identification Act

Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA)

Coalition of New England Governors (CONEG)

Toy Safety Amendment to the Hazardous Substances Act

California Safe Drinking and Toxic Enforcement Act (Prop. 65)

Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA)

Leather and Simulated Leather Labeling Act

Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)

Federal Wool Products Labeling Act

Hazardous Substances Act (HSA)

Fur Products Labeling Act

Care Labeling Rule

International (partial list) Green Laws (in the UK)

EC 9462 (in the UK)

Canadian Hazardous Products Act (CHPA)

Certain states have additional licensing requirements pertaining to the permanent labeling of stuffed

toys, upholstered furniture, bedding and other items stuffed or filled with concealed material.

Bon-Ton believes strongly in

compliance with all government

regulatory and labeling requirements. It is

the vendor's responsibility to ensure that

merchandise shipped to Bon-Ton

complies with all applicable regulatory

standards. Merchandise in violation to a

regulation will automatically be rejected.



The types of tests conducted on items will differ depending on the intended use. In most cases,

evaluation of the products will include:

Safety: Could the product cause illness or injury in normal use or in foreseeable abuse?

Instructions: Are they easy to understand and carry out? Are they accurate?

Packaging: Does it provide all necessary information? Does it comply with labeling regulations?

Actual Use: Will it accomplish satisfactorily the purpose for which it is intended by providing good

performance characteristics and durability?

Standards: The government has issued regulations on many of the items that are tested. Where

no government standards exist, the testing lab will research all reasonably available

studies and market conditions in order to establish practical end-use standards.

Testing procedures are designed to ensure a uniform understanding and implementation of The

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. quality assurance program by all vendors, agents and laboratories.

Test protocols for new products are developed at the time samples are submitted for testing.

Development of protocols for new items will require research to determine what is reasonable and

technically possible for that product. The foundation of most test protocols (methods, procedures

and requirements) are developed in reference to a standard(s) or other information from one or

more of the following organizations:

Domestic (partial list)

AATCC American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists AFMA American Furniture Manufacturers Association

ANSI American National Standard Institute

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASQ American Society for Quality

ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials

BHMA Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association BIFMA Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturers

Association

CBHF California Bureau of Home Furnishings CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CPAI Industrial Fabrics Association International

CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission DOT Federal Department of Transportation

ETL ETL Testing Laboratories, Inc.

FCC Federal Communication Commission

FDA Federal Food and Drug Administration FED Federal Specifications and Standards

FTC Federal Trade Commission

IFAI Industrial Fabrics Association International ISO International Organization for Standardization

ISTA International Safe Transit Association

MIL Military Specifications and Standards NAHM National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology TAPPI Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry

TMA Toy Manufacturers Association

UFAC Upholstery Furniture Action Council UL Underwriters Laboratories

USP United States Pharmacopeia

International (partial list)

AS Australian Standards Institute (also SA) BIS Bureau of Indian Standards

BSI British standards Institute

CEN European Committee for Standardization CGSB Canadian General Standards Board

CNS Chinese National Standards

CSA Canadian Standards Association DIN Din Deutsches Institut Fur Normung E.V.

(German National Standards)

EU European Union ISO International Organizations for Standardization

JIS Japanese Industrial Standards

NOM Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (Mexican National Standards)

UNI Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione

(Italian Standards) WTO World Trade Organization

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Testing Manual Forms


REPORTING – HOW TO INTERPRET

Report Cover

This section is a quick

reference of the same

test property sections

as found on the test

protocol. The ratings

of each property will

determine the overall

rating of the test report

(see above).

This section

provides detailed

information on

the sample that

was received and

tested by the

laboratory.

Client Information As directed by Bon-

Ton, this would be

the current mailing

address and

attention for

delivery of all

completed test

reports.

Client Test Number Internal Bon-Ton

Reference Number

Client Retest Number Internal Bon-Ton

Reference Number Used

For Re-submits

BV Number Every sample submitted

to the lab, receives a

unique BV number.

Overall Rating This is the final rating

of the sample based on

all test data.



Section

4

Testing – Continued

PRODUCT TESTING FLOWCHART

*Note – The laboratory makes every effort to complete testing within the established time frame. This time may increase based on the

nature of a specific product, requests for extended testing or circumstances beyond the control of the laboratory.

BV

Retains original Email copy

BV Completes Testing Within 5-7 Working Days for a Single Sample*

BV Develops Test Protocol

(When Applicable)

Vendor Submits Samples to Bureau Veritas

(Including Test Request Form & Minimum Number of Samples)

Vendor Reads QA Manual & Returns the Vendor Confirmation Form

Within 14 Working Days to the Bon Ton QA Department

Bon-Ton QA Department Sends QA Manual to Vendor

BV Distributes Completed Test Report As Follows

Bon-Ton QA/Vendor



RATINGS

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. performance specifications (protocols) will be updated periodically to reflect

changes in technology and data available on developing products. The primary goal in revising

performance specifications is to establish standards, which are realistic or reflective of a specific product's

capabilities and/or limitations. The test laboratory makes every effort to evaluate products in the shortest

time possible. Under normal circumstances, products will be evaluated in accordance with the basic

testing packages (protocols) within five to seven working days (not including the day the sample is

received). In the case of comparison testing, products will be evaluated in accordance with the basic

testing packages (protocols) within ten working days (not including the day the sample is received).

Under certain circumstances it may not be possible to complete testing on an item within the established

five working days due to conditions inherent to specific test requests (i.e. a request for extended

environmental testing of 500 hours) or the product itself (i.e. candles that burn for 200 hours).

The Bon-Ton Stores’ testing protocols vary by each individual product and can vary by each style. Basic

Test Packages are subject to change if the product varies from the initial product for which the Basic Test

Package was developed. Upon receipt of actual samples, it is at the laboratory’s discretion to determine

which, if any, additional tests are necessary.

Each test property as well as the overall rating of the final report will be based on the following Bon-Ton

Stores established rating system:

Ratings

Approved

The product provides good overall consumer serviceability with no improvement required.

Approved With Comments (AWC)

The product provides good overall consumer serviceability. However, for example, there may be

minor labeling or construction deficiencies that the laboratory will suggest be changed on future

production runs. In such cases The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. will permit shipment of current

production. However, it will be the responsibility of the vendor to follow laboratory

recommendations going forward.

Corrective Action Required (CAR)

The product exhibits deficiencies either in packaging and/or product qualities that requires

changes to be made and a corrected, improved sample to be re-submitted. If final packaging has

not been included for testing and the product provides good overall consumer serviceability, the

final report will still show a rating of C.A.R. Final Packaging must then be submitted to the

laboratory or The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. QA Department for final approval. Vendors are not

permitted to ship product rated as C.A.R. until all deficiencies have been corrected and

approved or discussed with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. and waived if determined to be

commercially acceptable.

Rejected

The product has deficiencies of such severity that there is POSSIBLE risk of injury to the

consumer through normal use, customer dissatisfaction will likely result and/or the product is in

non-compliance of regulatory requirements. Vendors are not permitted to ship product rated

as Rejected until all deficiencies have been corrected and approved.



PROTOCOL INTERPRETATION

Protocol Identification

Located at the top of all The Bon-Ton Stores test protocols are the words “BON-TON STORES,

TEST PROTOCOL FOR”. This identifies The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. as the laboratory client for

whom that test protocol was developed.

Protocol Number

Every protocol has a protocol number unique to that specific test package (product). The protocol

number is listed at the top of the protocol directly below the protocol identification and consists of

a prefix, a core number, and a suffix.

The prefix letters indicate the BV client for whom that particular test protocol was developed.

The BV designated prefix letters for The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. are “BTON”.

The core number indicates the number assigned to that specific product protocol. These

numbers are chosen from a sub-category and remain constant throughout protocols regardless

of which country or client the protocol is created for.

The suffix indicates the country of export for which the protocol was developed.

1

2

2 3

4

5

6

15

13

14

7 8 9 10 11 12

1



Prefix Core Number Suffix

BTON Bon-Ton 0 – 999 Softlines CN Canada

1000 – 1999 Home Textiles FR France

2000 – 2999 Apparel Accessories & Luggage DE Germany

3000 – 3999 Furniture JP Japan 4000 – 4999 Electrical - Battery - Mechanical MX Mexico

5000 – 5999 Stationery - Organizational Accessories UK United Kingdom

6000 – 6499 Housewares (Food) US United States 6500 – 6999 Housewares (Non-Food)

7000 – 7999 Health & Beauty

8000 – 8499 Toys 8500 – 8999 Sporting Goods

9000 – 9199 Packaging - Shipping

9200 – 9399 Footwear 9400 – 9599 Candles

9600 – 9799 Pet Supplies

9800 – 9999 Food

Protocol Name

The next line below the protocol number identifies what item that particular protocol was developed

for (i.e. Candle or Outdoor Table).

Number of Samples Required For Complete Testing

The minimum number of samples required for testing is listed on the last page of each test protocol;

it is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure that the correct number of samples are submitted for

testing. If insufficient samples are submitted, the testing may be delayed or results may be

incomplete. When the laboratory finds it necessary to have additional samples to complete the test

requirements, BV will ask the vendor to submit an additional sample(s).

Items that contain any painted surface and small painted components (trim, decorations,

etc.) will require additional samples. It is recommended that additional samples of any

painted component be submitted to avoid any delays in testing.

Number of (Fully Packed) Shipping Cartons for Transit Testing

(Only if required in writing by The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. QA department)

Beneath the number of samples required, the minimum number of shipping cartons required for

transit testing is listed. Shipping cartons must be sent to BV fully packed, as they would be upon

delivery. Shipping cartons must also be delivered to BV “double-packed” with an external label

secured to the over-packaging indicating that “This is an over-packaged shipping carton for transit

testing”. Items submitted for transit testing will not be accepted for product testing regardless if it

passes all transit tests due to the stresses involved in the transportation simulation.

Number of Working Days for Complete Testing

The number of working days required for testing in accordance with each particular protocol is

located on the last page of each protocol just below the number of cartons required for transit

testing.

Evaluation

Listed down the left-hand side of each test protocol are the test properties applicable to that item.

All test properties listed are performed when applicable. Additional tests may be added to the Basic

Test Package, if necessary, due to variations between the item for which the Basic Test Package

was developed and the actual product submitted for testing.

3

4

5

6

7



Citation / Method

The second column lists the test method for each

specific test property. The test method indicated most

often is a reference to an established testing standard

or methodology from one of the regulatory agencies or

standard developing organizations listed previously.

Number of Samples

The third column listed down each protocol represents

the number of samplings or readings that are required for each test property. This should not be

confused with the minimum number of samples required for testing.

Criteria

The fourth column of the protocol lists the general test principle and/or test requirements. These

requirements must be met in order to comply with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. quality standards or

product specifications as identified in the test property column.

Results

This is where any data, comments or other test findings are recorded.

Rating

This is where each test property is given a rating (Approved / Approved with Comments /

Corrective Action Required / Rejected).

Creation Date

The creation date is located at the bottom right-hand corner on the last page of each protocol. This

indicates the date on which that particular test protocol was first developed for The Bon-Ton Stores,

Inc.

Revision Date

The last revision date is located at the bottom right-hand corner on the last page of each protocol

just under the creation date. This indicates the date on which that particular test protocol was last

edited. Changes can be of a formatting or content nature or both.

Pricing Information

This section lists the cost of testing. Prices are given for the USA labs as well as all other labs

(‘Overseas’).

TEST PROTOCOL LIST

Please contact your local BV lab or The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. QA department for most

updated protocols.

SAMPLE DISPOSAL/RETURN

8

9

10

13

14

11

12

15

Where no industry test methods are available, an

appropriate test method (‘BV Method’) may be created by

the laboratory. Please note that any such test methods are

the property of Bureau Veritas and are provided to sourcing

channels and/or vendors in strict confidence. They are to

be used solely in dealings with Bon-Ton Stores Inc. and are

to be returned to the Bon-Ton Quality Assurance

Department immediately upon the cessation of the

sourcing channel and/or vendor’s dealings with Bon-Ton

Stores or upon request.



Product testing is fully destructive. All samples become the property of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

and are retained by the test laboratory for three months from the date of submission. Samples sent

for transit testing are retained for two weeks while customer complaint samples are returned to The

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Vendors can have samples returned to them provided they accept all costs

for re-packaging and shipping. Before the laboratory can return any samples, the vendor must

obtain authorization from The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Q.A. department.

Vendors are responsible for all shipping costs associated with the submission of test samples to

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Q.A. department and return of such samples from BV if authorized by

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Neither The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. nor the laboratory is responsible for

product damage incurred as a result of shipping.

COSTS

The cost of testing in accordance with a particular Basic Test Package (protocol) is listed at the

bottom of each protocol in the ‘Pricing Information (US$)’ box. The pricing information box is

only visible on test protocols sent to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. for review and archiving. On final

test reports, the pricing information box is not visible. Some test properties will require an

additional charge. Additional charges (i.e. analytical work) are noted with an asterisk next to the

test name in the test property column and on the bottom of the Basic Test Package in the Pricing

Information box under additional charges.

Normal Service Refer to Protocol (5+ Working Days)

2+ Item Comparison Testing Refer to Protocol (10 Working Days)

Rush Service 40% Surcharge (3 Working Days)

Priority Service 100% Surcharge (24 Hours if applicable to tests selected and available)

All costs associated with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. testing program will be evaluated annually. If

there is to be a change to established costs during the yearly evaluation, vendors will be notified

accordingly. The vendor is responsible for all testing costs. Testing is mandatory for doing business

with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.



Section

5

Forms

To obtain the latest Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. protocols or forms contact your local lab or Bon-Ton

Store’s Lab testing coordinator at the following location:




Attn: Kevin Clancy

Program Manager

Tel: (414) 347-5251

E-mail: [email protected]

TEST REQUEST FORM

When submitting a sample for testing, a Bon-Ton test request form must be filled out completely

and sent in with the sample to be tested. Failing to fill out the test request form completely and

accurately may result in delayed testing. To obtain the latest test request form please refer to

page 22.

GROUP TEST FORM

Group testing forms are used to group similar items together to reduce overall testing costs.

Hardline items that are of the same base material and construction but of different colors can be

grouped together based on these similarities. One item would require full testing, while other

colors/styles would require regulatory testing only. All group testing forms must be reviewed

with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. QA team prior to submitting. The group test form as well as

acknowledgement from The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. must be submitted with the test request form to

prevent delays in testing.

GENERAL CONFORMITY CERTIFICATE (GCC)

GCC forms are either created by BV (for most children’s items and when requested) or can be

issued by the vendor (for adult products or children’s products exempt from CPSIA regulations).

However whether BV, or the vendor creates the GCC, it is the vendor’s responsibility to obtain

the document, assure all information on the document is correct and to store the document with

the assumption if The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. or another agency needs to reference it, it will be

readily available. This document also needs to be presented at the time of inspection.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Test%20Request%20Form



WASHINGTON STATE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

The Children’s Safe Product Act enacted by the State of Washington requires manufacturers

(including importers of record) of children’s products to provide notice to the Washington

Department of Ecology if a children’s product contains one or more Chemicals of High Concern.

The required notice must list each Chemical of High Concern that is intentionally added to a

children’s product in a concentration that can be reliably measured using scientifically defensible

standard analytical methods (“Practical Quantification Limit” or “PQL”). In addition, any

Chemical of High Concern in the product that was not intentionally added must be reported if it is

at any concentration above 100 ppm.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. cannot determine whether it must file a report with respect to a product

without receiving information from your company. Therefore, for each product intended for

children that you supply to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., you must provide data showing (i) whether

any Chemical of High Concern was intentionally added to a component of the product at any

concentration above the PQL, and (ii) whether any chemical on the Chemical of High Concern

list is a contaminant present in a product component at any concentration above 100ppm.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is requiring each supplier of children’s products to provide the data to

Bon-Ton in a specific format, below is the Declaration of Conformity form, which should be self-

explanatory. Both the Declaration of Conformity form and accompanying GCC should be

submitted to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. for all children’s products.

Note that each component of a children’s product must be assessed to assure that you are

providing Bon-Ton with the highest known level of any Chemical of High Concern. If a product

comes in several styles, you can report the data for each style on the same declaration form. The

declaration form must be provided to The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. for all children’s merchandise and

must include data on all components making up the finished product.

VENDOR CONFIRMATION FORM

Please sign and date this form confirming that you have received and read The Bon-Ton Stores,

Inc. Quality Assurance Testing Requirements and Procedures Manual. Then please mail, fax, or

e-mail the completed form to:




Attn: Michael DiCocco

Director of Quality Assurance

Tel: (414) 212-6793

Email: [email protected]



TEST REQUEST FORM

SOFTLINES TESTING.doc

HARDLINES TESTING.doc

To obtain the latest Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. test request form please visit www.bureauveritas.com Then highlight Your Industry (1).

Then under the Quick Access panel at the bottom of the page scroll over to the right (2) until you see

Test Request Forms (3).

Then on the Test Request Forms Screen select Client Specific Forms and Choose Bon-Ton Department Stores,

Inc. (4), then click the go box (5) and click the form you would like to download (6).

2

4 5

3

6

Note: The following

information is mandatory on

all Test Request Forms:

6. Vendor Name

7. Resource #

8. Manufacturer

9. Factory #

10. Style #

If unknown, please contact


1

http://www.bureauveritas.com/



GROUP TEST FORM:

BTON-GB-SUPP-GROUP TEST FORM-V1.xls



GENERAL CONFORMITY CERTIFICATE (GCC)

BV Issued GCC :



Vendor Issued GCC :

GCC version 8.xls



WASHINGTON STATE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY:

Washington State Declaration.xls

Manufacturer(s):

Adress: Phone #:

Bon-Ton Style

Numbers:

Product Category:

Component and

function:

Other Information:

CAS ChemicalNot

Present

Chemical of

High Concern

intentionally

added

Chemical of

High

Concern not

intentionally

added

<100 ppm

(0.01%)

100 ppm -

<500 ppm

(0.05%)

500 ppm -

<1000 ppm

(0.10%)

1000 ppm -

<5000 ppm

(0.50%)

5000 ppm -

<10,000 ppm

(1.00%)

>=10,000

ppm

(>1.00%)

50-00-0 Formaldehyde

62-53-3 Aniline

62-75-9 N-nitrosodimethylamine

71-43-2 Benzene

75-01-4 Vinyl chloride

75-07-0 Acetaldehyde

75-09-2 Methylene chloride

75-15-0 Carbon disulfide

78-93-3 Methyl ethyl ketone

79-34-5 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane

79-94-7 TBBPA; Tetrabromobisphenol A

80-05-7 Bisphenol A

84-66-2 DEP; Diethyl phthalate

84-74-2 DBP (Dibutyl phthalates); di-n-butyl phthalate

84-75-3 di-n-hexylphthalate

85-44-9 Phthalic anhydride

85-68-7 BBP; butyl benzyl phthalate

86-30-6 N-nitroso-diphenylamine

87-68-3 Hexachlorobutadiene

94-13-3 n-Propyl paraben

94-26-8 Butyl paraben

95-53-4 2-Aminotoluene

95-80-7 2,4-toluenediamine

99-76-3 Methyl paraben

99-96-7 4-hydroxybenzoic acid

100-41-4 Ethyl benzene

100-42-5 Ethylenbenzene; styrene

104-40-5 4-n-nonylphenol (n-NP)

106-47-8 Chloroaniline

107-13-1 Acrylonitrile

107-21-1 1,2-Ethandiol; Ethylenglycol

108-88-3 Toluene

108-95-2 Phenol

109-86-4 2-Methoxyethanol

110-80-5 Ethylene glycol monoethyl ester

115-96-8 TCEP (tris-(2-chlorethyl)-phosphate)

117-81-7 Bis (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate

117-84-0 Bis(n-octyl) Phthalate (DNOP)

118-74-1 Hexachlorobenzene; HCB

119-93-7 3,3’- Dimethylbenzidine

120-47-8 Ethyl paraben

123-91-1 1,4-Dioxane

127-18-4 perchloroethylene; tetrachlorethylene

131-55-5 BENZOPHENONE2

140-66-9 4-tert-octylphenol

140-67-0 Estragole

149-57-5 2-Ethyl hexanoic acid

556-67-2 Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane

608-93-5 PeCB; pentachlorobenzene

842-07-9 C.I. Solvent Yellow 14

872-50-4 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinon; NMP

1163-19-5 BDE 209; Deca-BDE

1763-23-1perfluorooctane sulfonate; PFOS; PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONIC ACID

1806-26-4 4-Octylphenol

5466-77-3 2-Ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate

7439-97-6 Mercury & mercury compounds

7439-98-7 Molybdenum & Molybdenum compounds

7440-36-0 Antimony & Antimony compounds

7440-38-2 Arsenic & Arsenic compounds

7440-43-9 Cadmium

7440-48-4 Cobalt & Cobalt compounds

13674-87-8 Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP)

25154-52-3 Nonylphenol

25637-99-4 HBCD; Hexabromocyclododecane

26761-40-0 Diisodecyl phthalate

28553-12-0 Di-isononyl phthalate

Vendor Signature:

Declaration of Conformity

We Hereby claim that the below product contains one or more Chemicals of High Concern to Children ("Chemical of High Concern") according to Washington State's Children's Safe products Act (WAC 173-

334-130). This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge.



The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Vendor Confirmation

We acknowledge receipt of The Bon-Ton Stores Quality Assurance Testing Requirements and

Procedures Manual.

We have read and understand the importance of the policies and procedures set forth in the above

document and agree to comply with them.

Company Name (Type or Print)

Company Officer’s Signature

(Type or Print Name Signed Above)

Title Date

Please be sure to complete and sign this form and return to the below contact.




Attn: Michael DiCocco

Director of Quality Assurance

Tel: (414) 212-6793

Email: [email protected]