Private Label and OEM Diapers and Detergent from Malaysia

Many importers and distributors build their own brand on products made by a Malaysian factory. This is called private label or OEM manufacturing. Here is how the process usually works for household and hygiene products such as diapers and detergent.

In short: Private label puts your brand on a factory's existing product, while OEM uses your own specification or design. Agree the specification, packaging, artwork, samples, minimum order and your market's regulations before production starts.

Private label and OEM: the difference

With private label, the factory produces a product from its own existing formula or design, and you put your brand and packaging on it. With OEM, you may supply or approve a custom specification, formula or design. Both models are common, and many factories offer a mix.

What to specify

Product details: size or grade, performance targets, fragrance or variant, and any claims you want to make on the pack.
Packaging: pack size, material, carton quantity, barcode and labelling language.
Artwork: your logo and design files, and who is responsible for checking the final proof.
Quality: the tests, reports and certificates your market requires.

Samples and approval

Ask for a sample of the existing product first, then a pre-production sample with your branding. Approve it in writing before mass production starts, and keep it as the reference for the final shipment.

Minimum order quantities

Minimums differ between factories and products, and they often depend on the packaging and the printing involved. Ask for the minimum for your own design and for a standard design, because the difference can be large.

Regulations in your market

Hygiene and household products can have product registration, safety testing and labelling rules in your country. Check them before you place an order and give the requirements to the factory early.

Protect the deal

Agree who owns the artwork and brand, and put quality, lead time and payment terms in writing. Verify the factory first with our supplier checklist.

Start a private label project

We match buyers with Malaysian manufacturers of diapers, detergent and other household goods. See our household and hygiene range or request a quotation.