1. Overview & Purpose

Cup Source maintains strict product, operational, and compliance standards to ensure quality, safety, and reliability for all wholesale clients. This document outlines the standard restrictions applied to our catalog, along with the formal process for requesting and approving exceptions.

Important: All exception requests must be submitted in writing and reviewed by our Supply & Compliance team. Verbal approvals are not binding. Unauthorized deviations from standard policies may result in order cancellation or fulfillment delays.

This policy applies to all B2B clients, distributors, private-label partners, and retail affiliates operating under a Cup Source supply agreement.

2. Product Restrictions

Our catalog is curated to meet food-safety standards and environmental regulations. The following restrictions apply to all standard product lines:

  • Material Composition: All paper-based products must contain minimum 70% fiber content. Plastic/PET alternatives must be food-grade certified (FDA 21 CFR compliant).
  • Custom Printing: Full-color CMYK printing requires a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 5,000 units per SKU. Spot-color or single-logo runs are subject to a 10,000-unit MOQ.
  • Eco-Claims: Products marketed as "compostable" or "biodegradable" must carry verified third-party certification (BPI, OK Compost, or EN 13432). Uncertified items cannot carry eco-labeling in client marketing.
  • Lid & Sleeve Compatibility: Custom rim modifications require engineering approval. Non-standard cup diameters may not be compatible with stock lid inventories.
⚠️ Products exceeding 24oz capacity require reinforced glazing and are subject to structural testing before production approval.

3. Order & Pricing Exceptions

Standard pricing tiers and fulfillment windows are non-negotiable for routine orders. Exceptions may be granted under the following conditions:

Restriction Standard Policy Approved Exception Criteria
Minimum Order Quantity 1,000 units / SKU Startup programs or pilot runs (500 units) with 15% surcharge
Pricing Tier Volume-based discount structure Multi-year contracts (≥24 months) eligible for fixed-rate pricing
Payment Terms Net 30 / Prepayment Net 60 available for clients with 12+ months credit history & annual spend ≥$50K
Production Lead Time 10–14 business days Rush production (5–7 days) available for 20% expedite fee, subject to capacity

All pricing and term exceptions require signed addendum agreements. Verbal promises regarding discounts or extended terms are not enforceable.

4. Geographic & Shipping Restrictions

Cup Source fulfills orders primarily within North America, with select international partnerships. The following geographic restrictions apply:

  • Contiguous USA: Full catalog access. Standard ground shipping (3–5 days). Expedited options available.
  • Canada & Mexico: Select SKUs available. Cross-border customs documentation required. Import duties are client responsibility.
  • International (Non-NAM): Limited to certified export-grade packaging. Must comply with destination country food-contact regulations (EU FDA, UKCA, etc.).
  • Restricted Zones: Shipments to regions under active trade sanctions, embargoes, or conflict zones are strictly prohibited.
🌍 Climate Note: High-humidity or extreme-temperature regions may require reinforced liners or desiccant packaging to prevent product degradation during transit.

5. Regulatory & Compliance Standards

All Cup Source products and exceptions must adhere to applicable food-safety, environmental, and trade regulations:

  • FDA Compliance: All food-contact surfaces must meet FDA 21 CFR Part 177 standards for indirect food additives.
  • Proposition 65 (CA): Products containing PFAS, BPA, or phthalates must carry mandated warning labels. Cup Source prioritizes PFAS-free alternatives.
  • Export Controls: Dual-use or restricted packaging materials require BIS/ITAR clearance where applicable.
  • Sustainability Certifications: FSC, SFI, and BPI certifications must be valid and verifiable at time of shipment. Expired certifications void eco-compliance claims.

Non-compliant orders will be halted during quality control. Clients are responsible for verifying destination-market regulatory requirements.

6. Exception Request Process

To request an exception to any restriction outlined above, follow this standardized procedure:

  1. Submit Request: Complete the Exception Request Form via the client portal or email exceptions@cupsourcing.com.
  2. Provide Justification: Include business rationale, projected volumes, compliance documentation, and proposed timeline.
  3. Technical Review: Our Supply & Compliance team evaluates feasibility, material sourcing, and regulatory alignment (5–7 business days).
  4. Approval & Agreement: Approved exceptions are issued as a binding addendum. Rejected requests include detailed reasoning and alternative recommendations.
  5. Production & Fulfillment: Exception terms are logged in the ERP system and automatically enforced during order processing.
📅 Exception approvals are valid for 90 days from issuance unless converted to a standing contract addendum.

7. Liability & Limitations

Cup Source shall not be held liable for product failure, regulatory penalties, or supply chain disruptions resulting from unapproved modifications, unauthorized customizations, or client-side misuse of products outside certified specifications.

Exception agreements supersede standard catalog terms only where explicitly documented. In the event of conflict, written addendums govern. Cup Source reserves the right to amend this policy with 30 days written notice to active contract holders.

Need an Exception or Custom Approval?

Our compliance team reviews all requests within 5 business days. No commitment required.

Submit Exception Request →