Where is july luggage made

Primary manufacturing hubs: production for this direct-to-consumer travel brand is concentrated in southern China (Guangdong, Zhejiang provinces) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong industrial zones). Volume runs and basic polycarbonate/ABS shells typically originate from Guangdong; higher-end injection-molded polycarbonate and aluminum alloy frames are frequently assembled in Vietnam factories that handle final QC and packaging.

How to confirm origin and authenticity: inspect the internal label near the lining or rear wheel for a “Country of Origin” entry and factory code, then verify that SKU/serial on the official site or with customer support. Request photos of the interior tag, zipper tape, and frame joints before purchase. Genuine pieces usually show YKK zippers, TSA-approved lock stamping, and a visible serial plate or QR code that links to manufacturer records.

Material and build metrics to prefer: hard-shell models with 100% injected polycarbonate at 0.9–1.2 mm shell thickness resist cracking under impact; 6061-T6 aluminum frames should list wall thickness and rivet specifications. Choose double-spinner wheels with sealed bearings (ABEC rating or manufacturer spec), replaceable wheel mounts, and metal-reinforced corners. Avoid thin ABS blends and single-bearing casters for frequent travel use.

Supply-chain checks sellers should request: ISO 9001 or equivalent factory certification, third-party drop and corner-impact test reports (specify number of cycles), and production batch images showing consistent screw torque and clean adhesive beads. For customs and tariffs, confirm HS codes on shipping documents (hard-shell travel cases typically fall under HS 4202.92 or local equivalent) and note that origin listed as Vietnam can affect duty treatment under regional trade agreements.

Practical buying tips: ask customer support to provide the purchase order (PO) number and production date for the specific unit, compare the listed factory location with the origin label on the product, and prioritize sellers who supply clear serial verification and a minimum one-year warranty that covers wheels, handles, and locks.

Production locations and verification for the brand

Primary manufacturing is concentrated in mainland China and Vietnam; confirm each item’s country-of-origin on the product tag and the online product page before ordering.

• How to verify origin:
  1. Inspect the physical tag or label for “Manufactured in” details once you receive the parcel.
  2. Check the product description and FAQ on the seller’s official site for factory or country information.
  3. Ask customer service for the factory name, address and recent factory-audit certificates (BSCI, SMETA, ISO).
  4. Search import/shipment databases (Panjiva, ImportGenius) using the brand name and SKU to view supplier records and ports of entry.
• Indicators on packaging:
  • Manufacturer address or distributor imprint on the box.
  • Barcode country prefix and customs declarations on shipping paperwork.
  • QC stickers, batch numbers and production dates that can be referenced with support.
• Differences by production country:
  • China: large injection-molding capability for hard-shell cases, broad component sourcing, typically faster prototype-to-production cycles.
  • Vietnam: common for assembly of soft-sided pieces and mixed-component products; competitive labour costs and growing factory compliance programs.
• Buyer recommendations:
  1. Prefer purchases from the official store or authorised retailers to ensure accurate origin claims and warranty coverage.
  2. Request photos of internal seams, zippers, and shell stamping if origin transparency is part of your purchase decision.
  3. Register the product for warranty – registration often records serials tied to production sites.
  4. If origin matters for tariffs or regulations in your country, ask for commercial invoices and HS codes before shipment.

For resellers or bulk buyers: require pre-shipment inspection reports (AQL), factory audit documentation, and a sample production run to confirm materials and assembly match the advertised specifications.

Which countries and specific factories produce the brand’s travel cases

Request the factory name, full address and a recent third‑party inspection report before purchase; most models are produced in a handful of specific industrial hubs and factory types listed below.

China: Guangdong province (Dongguan, Shenzhen, Foshan) – large injection‑molding plants for polycarbonate/ABS shells and high‑volume assembly lines; Zhejiang (Wenzhou, Ningbo) – aluminum extrusion, CNC milling and frame fabrication shops for metal designs; Fujian (Xiamen, Quanzhou) – textile sewing houses for soft‑side carry‑ons and lining installation. Vietnam: Binh Duong and Hanoi area facilities – high‑capacity sewing, wheel installation and final assembly for mid‑range ranges. Taiwan: Taoyuan and Taichung – precision tooling, spinner‑wheel producers and premium component finishing used on higher‑end models. Italy: Marche and Tuscany regions – small workshops handling aluminum cases, leather trimming and artisan finishing for limited‑edition models. Indonesia: Jakarta/Surabaya – competitive sewing houses and zipper assembly for value lines.

Factory types to look for on supplier documentation: high‑tonnage injection‑molding shops (specify press tonnage), CNC/aluminum extrusion and anodizing lines, accredited sewing houses with pattern‑making and ultrasonic welding, dedicated wheel/spinner assembly plants with fatigue testing rigs, and certified hardware suppliers (zippers, locks, telescopic tube manufacturers). Ask whether components (wheels, zippers, telescopic pulls) are sourced domestically or imported – that affects final origin traceability.

Concrete verification steps: obtain the manufacturer business license and registration number; request SGS/Intertek/Bureau Veritas inspection and BSCI/SMETA social audit reports; ask for recent factory photos showing production lines and serial‑number stamping; request sample packing list and Bill of Lading to confirm export port and shipper; cross‑check supplier name in import/export databases; scan any QR/serial on the case through the brand’s verification page. If supplier refuses these basic proofs, treat it as a red flag.

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Component sourcing: shells, fabrics, wheels and zippers

Choose models that specify Makrolon (Covestro) or Lexan (SABIC) polycarbonate or PC‑ABS blends with at least 30% post‑consumer recycled PC; fabrics listed as 1680D ballistic nylon, 840D nylon or 600D polyester with Econyl (Aquafil) recycled‑nylon options; wheels with polyurethane tread hardness 85–92 Shore A on a reinforced nylon core and sealed stainless bearings (NSK or SKF, ABEC‑5+); closures using YKK Vislon #8/#10 or Riri metal teeth and YKK AQUAGUARD for water resistance.

Shells and resin supply

Primary resin suppliers: Covestro (Makrolon, Germany), SABIC (Lexan, global), Mitsubishi Chemical (Asia) and LG Chem (South Korea). Finished hardshells are typically injection‑molded in specialized tooling shops in Zhejiang, Taizhou and Dongguan (China) and in select factories in Taiwan; higher‑end runs use European moulding partners for tighter tolerances. Look for UV stabilizers, anti‑yellowing additives and indication of PC‑ABS ratios on the spec sheet; impact testing references such as ISTA protocols or specified drop heights are usually listed when shells use premium resins.

Fabrics, wheels and closure details

Fabrics: mills include Invista (Cordura) for ballistic nylon and Aquafil for Econyl. Common constructions: 1680D ballistic nylon for high‑abrasion panels, 840D for body panels, 600D polyester for lighter items. Finishes: TPU/PU laminates and PFC‑free DWR coatings; look for GRS or Oeko‑Tex certification and Martindale abrasion ratings (≥30,000 cycles on heavy‑duty panels).

Wheels: spinner modules are manufactured by specialist vendors in Taiwan and China; polyurethane treads often sourced from large chemical suppliers (Covestro, BASF) and cast/bonded to nylon or polyamide cores. Recommended specs: tread hardness 85–92 Shore A, sealed stainless steel bearings (NSK or SKF), ABEC‑5 or better, and replaceable wheel modules. Endurance claims of 20k–50k rotations or stated load per wheel (20–30 kg) are useful performance indicators.

Zippers and hardware: main suppliers are YKK (global production in Japan, China, Vietnam, Philippines), Riri (Switzerland) for premium metal teeth, and SBS for economy lines. Preferred types: YKK Vislon molded #8/#10 for main openings, YKK Excella or Riri for premium metal teeth, and YKK AQUAGUARD for water resistance. Check tensile/pull strength values (manufacturer data) and whether sliders are replaceable and lockable.

Supplier verification checklist: model spec sheet naming resin and fabric brands, certificates (GRS, Oeko‑Tex, REACH compliance), ISTA or ASTM test references, bearing brand and ABEC rating, and stated DWR type. If spec sheet omits these, request factory test reports or third‑party lab results before purchase.

How to verify country-of-origin labels and serial numbers on the brand’s suitcases

Immediate action: Before payment, photograph the origin label and the full serial (exact characters, barcode/QR, any embossed plates) and submit those images to official support for confirmation.

Locate identifiers: Typical placements: sewn fabric tag inside the main zip pocket, heat-stamped plate under interior lining or near the telescopic-handle well, embossed on the shell edge close to the wheels, and on warranty cards or hang tags. Check zipper tapes and the underside of wheel housings for additional stamps.

Record everything precisely: Capture the whole serial string (include hyphens, slashes, and leading zeros), SKU/model code, barcode digits (GTIN/EAN/UPC), QR contents, and any short alphanumeric batch codes printed separately. Take macro photos under good light so fonts and holograms are legible.

Decode barcodes and QR codes: Scan the barcode or QR with a trusted app and compare the decoded GTIN/URL to the product page on the manufacturer’s site. Use a GS1/GEPIR lookup to confirm the company prefix portion of the GTIN corresponds to the brand’s registered range.

Check label fidelity: Genuine tags typically use consistent fonts, clear microprinting, factory-style rivets or heat-stamps, and durable woven or laser-engraved plates. Red flags: misspellings in the origin-country name, fuzzy printing, removable glue residues, mismatched logo artwork, or labels that peel easily.

Cross-check serial format: Compare the serial structure to examples on the brand’s official verification or registration pages. Repeated identical serials across different listings or serials that don’t match the model code pattern suggest counterfeits or recycled tags.

Contact official channels correctly: Send a concise message to support with: product photos (label, serial, overall item), purchase receipt, seller name, and the scanned barcode/QR output. Ask for a written confirmation (ticket number and reply) stating the serial matches a genuine unit and its origin country.

Use purchase protections for secondary-market buys: Request the original sales invoice and ask the seller to register the item with the manufacturer in your name during escrow period. If the seller refuses clear provenance checks, decline the transaction.

Final quick checklist: high-resolution photos of label + serial; scanned barcode/QR and GS1 lookup; compare serial format to official examples; written verification from brand support; original receipt or warranty card retained.

Request ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited third‑party reports (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV) that explicitly list ISTA 3A or equivalent drop protocols, wheel endurance, handle-cycle and climatic‑cycle procedures; if only a factory report is provided, demand full raw data, time‑stamped photos and chain‑of‑custody documentation.

Factory quality laboratories typically run component and assembly checks (pre‑production shell impact, zipper cycle, wheel spin), while accredited external houses perform full system tests under certified standards and publish traceable reports. Independent labs most often used for case testing: SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV Rheinland, UL.

Key test types and typical targets

Drop / transit simulation – standard referenced: ISTA 3A or equivalent; protocol includes multiple drops on corners, edges and faces, plus vibration. Look for pass/fail criteria and number of cycles.

Wheel and axle endurance – continuous rolling or cyclic load tests. Typical endurance benchmarks reported by reputable labs: 10,000–20,000 cycles or simulated kilometers; report must show speed, load, surface and sample count.

Handle and trolley tests – extension/retraction cycles and tensile/load tests on telescopic systems; common reporting shows 5,000–20,000 cycles plus peak pull force and permanent set measurements.

Zipper and lock fatigue – cyclic opening/closing counts, corrosion exposure on metal sliders; salt spray (ASTM B117) and cyclic humidity/temperature exposure used for corrosion resistance.

Climatic tests – thermal shock, temperature/humidity cycling, UV exposure (ASTM G154 or equivalent) and salt spray. Test report should state temperatures, dwell times, ramp rates and number of cycles.

How to verify test reports

Confirm laboratory accreditation: the report should include an ISO/IEC 17025 statement and an accreditation body logo (e.g., A2LA, UKAS). Contact the accreditor to validate the lab ID if unsure.

Match sample identifiers: serial number, SKU or lot number in the report must correspond to the item’s label or production batch; request photos or video of the tested sample with visible serials.

Check referenced standards and protocols: acceptable reports explicitly cite ISTA 3A, ASTM or ISO test numbers and list the exact procedures and pass criteria used.

Verify chain of custody and timing: report date, sample dispatch and receipt stamps, and tester signature; avoid reports older than 24 months for current product runs without retest confirmation.

Ask for raw data and failure modes: raw sensor logs, torque/load plots, and notes on any damages observed. A report that only states “pass” without data is insufficient for high‑usage claims.

Quick buyer checklist – request: accredited third‑party report, full protocol & raw data, photos/videos of tested sample, matching serial/SKU, lab accreditation ID and report number.

Import, customs and typical shipping routes for brand travel cases to US and EU buyers

Recommendation: For direct-to-consumer parcels use DDP with IOSS registration for EU and express couriers (DHL/FedEx/UPS) for the US; for wholesale consignments use FOB origin plus a licensed customs broker and ocean FCL to major gateway ports.

Documentation & customs actions

Commercial invoice must include HS code (general chapter 4202 for trunks/suitcases), accurate material breakdown (hard-shell polymer vs textile), net/gross weight, dimensions, unit value and country of origin marking. Provide packing list, bill of lading or AWB, and supplier-signed export declaration. For EU B2C shipments under €150, register and declare VAT through IOSS; for EU commercial imports ensure importer has an EORI number. For US ocean shipments file ISF (10+2 data) no later than 24 hours before vessel departure; small parcels under the US de minimis of $800 enter duty-free but still require correct paperwork for customs clearance if flagged.

Obtain a Certificate of Origin when pursuing preferential tariff treatment or using bonded warehouses. Engage a broker to assign the correct HTS/HS subheading–duty rates commonly fall in low single digits but vary by material and exact classification.

Typical routes, carriers and transit times

Sea (bulk wholesale): main export hubs–southern China (Yantian, Shekou, Nansha), northern Vietnam (Haiphong), southern Vietnam (Cat Lai/HCMC). Common carrier lines: Maersk, MSC, COSCO, CMA CGM. Typical transit times: China/Vietnam → US West Coast (Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle) 16–25 days; China/Vietnam → US East Coast (New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Virginia) 28–40 days via Panama Canal; China/Vietnam → NW Europe (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg) 25–35 days via Suez.

Air (urgent stock replenishment): main airports PVG, PVG/Shanghai, CAN/Guangzhou, SZX/Shenzhen, HAN/Noi Bai, SGN/Tan Son Nhat to LAX/JFK/AMS/ FRA. Transit 1–5 days door-to-door with standard air freight; express couriers 2–7 days for parcels and small batches.

Parcel consolidation: for multi-country EU fulfillment, consolidate at a Netherlands or Belgium hub to optimize VAT invoicing and last-mile costs. For US omnichannel retail, route bulk ocean to a coastal distribution center and cross-dock for regional courier delivery.

Practical shipping tips:

– Use DDP + IOSS for B2C EU to avoid customer-side customs refusals.

– For FCL ocean, calculate CBM precisely (include master cartons) and request TEU/LCL quotes when volume doesn’t fill a container.

– Palletize to standard euro or industrial pallet sizes, cap pallet height ~1.8 m and weight ≤1,000–1,200 kg to avoid rework charges.

– Request supplier to pre-declare HS codes and provide photos of COO label placement to speed physical inspections.

How the brand selects and audits manufacturing partners for labor and environmental compliance

Require a validated third‑party social audit (SMETA or BSCI) plus an independent environmental assessment before signing contracts; refuse partners without evidence of corrective action on any critical findings (child labor, wage withholding, illicit wastewater discharge).

Selection checklist (must-haves)

• Certifications: valid SMETA/BSCI audit within 12 months, ISO 14001 or equivalent environmental management documentation, ISO 45001 or local occupational health & safety system.
• Operational capability: documented processes for polymer thermoforming/injection, textile sewing, zipper assembly and wheel installation; capacity forecast matching projected monthly orders with at least one contingency line.
• Financial & legal: three years of audited financials, business license, tax records, and export/import history.
• Environmental controls: on‑site wastewater treatment (STP) with monthly monitoring logs, chemical inventory and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous inputs.
• Labor practice baseline: payroll registers, social insurance records, worker contracts and an accessible grievance mechanism in local language(s).

Audit protocol and corrective-action matrix

1. Desk review: remote check of certificates, three months of payroll and timecard samples, recent utility bills and STP discharge reports. Decision within 5 business days.
2. Full on‑site audit: 1 auditor per 100 workers, 6–10 hour audit for medium sites; sample worker interviews = max(50, 10% of workforce) but at least 12 interviews across shifts and functions.
3. Labor checks: confirm age via ID records, verify 3 months of wage payments vs. legally required minimums and any collective bargaining agreement, calculate average overtime (target ≤20 hours/month average), ensure paid leave and social contributions are current.
4. Environment checks: review STP logs (pH, COD/BOD, TSS), chemical storage (secondary containment, labeling), hazardous waste disposal contracts and last three months of discharge test reports from an accredited lab.
5. Audit scoring and CAPs: scorecard weights – quality 35%, social compliance 25%, environmental 20%, delivery 10%, cost 10%. Non‑conformances classified as Critical, Major, Minor with remediation windows: Critical = immediate halt to production until fixed or verified (0–7 days for containment, max 30 days for corrective plan); Major = corrective action plan within 30 days, verification within 90 days; Minor = action within 90 days.
6. Unannounced follow-ups: minimum one per year for active partners and additional spot audits if complaints or adverse media surface.

Escalation policy: suspend new orders after failure to deliver a credible CAP within 30 days for Critical items or within 90 days for Majors; terminate contract if CAPs remain incomplete after 180 days. Use third‑party verifiers (SGS, Intertek, TÜV) for re‑inspections and to validate remediation evidence.

• Grievance mechanism: factory must provide a worker hotline and an independent worker representative; audit verifies functionality by test calls and interview confirmation.
• Subcontracting control: no subcontracting without prior written approval and audit of sub‑tier facilities; subcontractors must meet the same compliance requirements.
• Supplier scorecard: quarter‑by‑quarter ratings drive production allocation and price revision eligibility; compliance failures reduce allocation and may trigger cost withholding until fixed.

Contract clauses to include (sample language): right of access for audits and inspections; requirement to submit monthly payroll and utility documents for 12 months; timelineed CAP submission; reimbursement clause for third‑party remediation costs where non‑compliance is confirmed; clause requiring maintenance of an anonymous grievance channel.

Buyer verification checklist – what to request before placing an order:

• Latest full audit report (SMETA/BSCI) and CAP with closure evidence (photos, receipts, verifier signature).
• Three months of payroll, timecards and social insurance payments; worker interview notes or transcripts (redacted where required).
• Wastewater test certificates from accredited lab for last three months, chemical inventory & SDS, hazardous waste manifests.
• Third‑party recheck report after remediation (SGS/Intertek/TÜV) for any Critical/Major non‑conformance.

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