Press Releases from SGS Consumer Testing Services (203 total)
End of Transition Period for Australian Electrical Standards
Compliance Mark for Electrical Products
The single Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) was introduced including a three-year transition period.
The RCM illustrates a product’s compliance with all applicable ACMA standards—telecommunications, radio communications, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic energy (EME).
Suppliers must register on the online national database and start using the RCM.
Phasing out C-Tick and A-Tick
Products that have already been labeled with the C-Tick or A-Tick can continue to be supplied until labeled stock…
First From SGS – Semiconductor Development Functional Safety Training
Rising to the challenges of the automotive industry, SGS has developed functional safety training courses specifically focused on semiconductor development in accordance with ISO 26262 and ISO/PAS 18451.
Launching in April 2016, SGS will deliver new training courses at various locations, including California, USA and Munich, Germany.
Achieve SC-AFSP Qualification
Offering training and formal qualifications for semiconductor developers, this brand new two-stage training course is tailored specifically to the semiconductor industry’s development…
Electrical Regulations Revised in South Korea
The beginning of 2016 brings regulatory changes in South Korea, with many of them impacting electrical and electronic products’ EMC compliance, as well as KC marking requirements.
EMI and EMS Standards Harmonized in Amendment
The electromagnetic interference criterion (EMI) and the electromagnetic susceptibility criterion (EMS) were applicable to electrical and electronic (EE) products prior to the publication of the amendment on December 3, 2015. This amendment does not signify a change in…
France Issues Notice to Decree N° 99-777 Regarding Deckchair Safety
France has issued a notice to decree n° 99-777 of September 9, 1999 on the prevention of risks resulting from the use of deckchairs, referring to version 2015 of NF D 61 – 062.
Different Standard for Certain Deckchair Models
On February 5, 2016, the French government issued a notice to decree 99-777 of September 9,1999 on the prevention of risks resulting from the use of deckchairs.
This notice [1] makes it mandatory…
EU Report Outlines Guidelines for Footwear Components
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published PD CEN/TR 16417:2016 with guidelines regarding the presence of certain chemicals known as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
Body:
SVHC Candidate List Cited in Report for Footwear Industry
Technical Report PD CEN/TR 16417:2016 “Footwear – Footwear industry guideline for substances of very high concern (Annex XIV of REACH)” supersedes PD CEN/TR 16417:2012 and indicates which SVHC may be present in footwear components…
U.S. Congress Introduces “Made in America Act of 2016”
The U.S. Congress has introduced a bill directing the Federal Trade Commission to establish labels that may be used as a voluntary means of indicating to consumers the extent to which products are of United States origin, and for other purposes.
Bill Intended to Promote US Manufacturing
On February 1, 2016 The United States Congress introduced “A BILL” [1], H.R. 4409, to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish a labeling…
EN 16732 Outlines New Specs for Slide Fasteners
European Standards bodies published a new specification for slide fasteners (zips): EN 16732. Based on BS 3084, the standard gives greater quality assurance to all users, domestic and commercial.
European Committee for Standardization Releases Zip Specifications
In December 2015, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) finalized the specifications for slide fasteners (zips): EN 16732. The national standards bodies for the countries within the European Union now have the opportunity to publish their…
EU to Limit NPEs in Textile Products
On January 14, 2016, the European Commission published a regulation in the Official Journal of the EU to restrict the use of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in textile articles and to amend Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH).
Newly Produced Textile Products Must Comply
The restriction applies to any unfinished, semi-finished or finished products comprising at least 80% textile fibers or any other product containing a part comprising at least 80%…
Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products No Longer Strictly Prohibited
The local ‘Toxic Toys’ law has been amended in Rockland County, New York, by eliminating the strict prohibition of 7 chemicals in children’s apparel and children’s products. The new law will take effect on February 21, 2016.
Rockland County Legislature Rethinks Ban
The local ‘Toxic Toys’ law has been amended by eliminating the strict prohibition of 7 chemicals in children’s apparel and children’s products. The new law will take effect on February…
Hong Kong Announces Measures to Ensure Safe Products for Children
Hong Kong has recently amended its list of safety standards for toys and certain children’s products. The new standards will be effective on October 1, 2016.
Toy Safety Regulations Amended
On January 15, 2016, Hong Kong published a press release announcing an update of applicable and acceptable safety standards for toys and four categories of children’s products falling under the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Chapter 242). These new standards are…
Azo Compounds Restrictions in Textile Products Enacted in Japan
The Japan MHLW released an amendment to the existing “Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances.”
Azo Compounds Designated as Harmful
The Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) officially released an amendment to the existing “Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances”, where azo compounds are designated as hazardous substances. Twenty-four specified aromatic amines are regulated and cannot be used in household products in amounts…
Asbestos Fibers in Thermos Flasks Trigger New EU Product Recall
Europe recently recalled thermos flasks containing asbestos fibers present in the separators of their double glass wall.
Thermos Flask Safety Compromised by Asbestos
Asbestos fibers can be present in the separators of the double glass wall of some thermos flasks. The separator is used to separate two glass walls in vacuum condition and to minimize heat transfer from inside to outside the flask. If the thermos breaks, the users may inhale asbestos…
SGS Informs on 2015 Update of European Kick Scooter Standard EN 14619
The new version of the European standard for roller sports equipment – EN 14619:2015 - Kick scooters - Safety requirements and test methods has superseded EN 14619:2005 effective from 30 April 2015.
Changes Aim to Improve Kick Scooter Safety
The following main changes have been introduced in the new version:
a) The Scope has been changed: the user body weight in the old version is 35kg to 100kg while the new version is…
Regulations on Baby Bottles and Milk Containers to Be Expanded in Thailand
Thailand has recently announced draft rules for the manufacture of feeding bottles and liquid milk containers for infants and young children. The proposed implementation date is 180 days after publication in the Official Gazette.
Proposal Applies to Milk Containers, Feeding Bottles and Components
On March 17, 2015, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated Notification G/SPS/N/Tha/220/add.1 to announce that the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of Thailand is proposing to adopt the…
Decathlon Asia Awards SGS India with Best Performer 2014 in South East Asia
SGS India’s Dinesh Sivabalan has been awarded ‘Best Performer 2014 in South Asia’ by its client, Decathlon, for meeting the overall quality of service criteria and for his online testing initiative.
Best Performer Award is Mark of Distinction
Ganesh Balaji, PL Tech of Decathlon India, part of the French sporting goods chain with stores located throughout the world, presented the award to Dinesh Sivabalan in a ceremony held at SGS’s Tirupur Laboratory…
SGS Announces Opening of Footwear Testing Facility in Indonesia
SGS in Indonesia is proud to announce the opening of its new Footwear Physical Laboratory in Jakarta, Cilandak.
Footwear Testing Laboratory Adds to SGS Network
The new testing facility builds on Indonesia’s successful footwear testing services, offered since 2011.
The leather and footwear testing laboratory now provides the full range of physical and chemical testing to the industry. For consumers, shoes represent fashion and personal style, as well as a personal protective…
EU REACH Regulation Tightens Lead Restrictions
The European Union (EU) has expanded the scope of restriction of lead to articles or accessible parts of articles for the general public if children can place such articles or components in the mouth. The enforcement date will be June 1, 2016.
Amendments to EU REACH to Protect Young Children
In October 2014 information was released that the European Commission (EC) had notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a proposal (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-17814-eu-notifies-wto-draft-regulation-restriction-lead-reach-a4-en-14.pdf)…
California Prop 65 Applies New Limits on 4,4’-MDA in Nylon Cooking Utensils
Proposition 65 is the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,’ a ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly by California residents in 1986.
California Prop 65 Protecting Consumers for Over 28 Years
Since its enactment (1), there have been numerous lawsuits that resulted in the reduction of carcinogenic and reproductive chemicals by reformulations of consumer products containing such chemicals.
Prop 65 is now more than 28 years old and has been effective in…
SGS Informs on the Issue of Chemical Safety in the Textile Industry
In the current textile and footwear industry, the difficulty in controlling diverse health or environment-related chemical hazards lies not only in the vast volume of chemicals used in the manufacturing process, but is also due to the complexity and multi-tiered textile supply chain which involves tens of thousands suppliers worldwide. Chemical information is not always transparent and does not always move smoothly along the supply chain. Suppliers, especially small-to-midsized ones,…
Common Water Vapor Permeability Testing Methods for Functional Fabrics
SGS provides a technical update on common water vapor permeability testing methods and procedures for rainwear and other functional fabrics or textiles.
Many outdoor jackets or rainwear may be labeled with functional claims such as waterproof breathable. The shell fabrics may be treated with finishes, coating or lamination to achieve the waterproof breathable function. However, if an improper treatment is applied, it may reduce the breathability and therefore inhibit the evaporation…
California to Issue Final Draft for Green Chemistry Regulations
The California Office of Administrative Law has received and approved the final version of the Safer Consumer Products regulations sent to them by the Department of Toxic Substances Control on August 28, 2013.
California’s Safer Consumer Products Act (“California Green Chemistry initiative”) was signed into law in 2008 and implementation rules have been under development for several years. The purpose of the law is to accelerate the quest for safer…
60 Percent Recent US Food Product Recalls Due to Undeclared Food Allergens
On 19 August the ExpertRECALL Quarterly Index was published, summarizing key findings from recalls announced in the second quarter of 2013 in the United States (US). Among these findings, undeclared allergens have consistently been a top trend for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administered recalls for the last several quarters and data trends indicate those numbers will continue to rise (1).
Product Recalls Due…
SGS to Present at LUXEPACK Monaco 23-25 October 2013 at Grimaldi Forum
LUXE PACK MONACO, the leader show for creative packaging, will take place in Monaco at Grimaldi Forum on 23-25 October 2013.
The event will gather together the world's leading specialists of packaging and materials serving cosmetics, perfumes, wine & spirits, watches, fashion, tobacco etc.
SGS Global Technical Manager for Cosmetic, Personal Care and Household, Hubert Brundu, will participate at the round table “Cosmetic regulations: Passage to the World”.
During this session, they…
EU Plans to Restrict DecaBDE
One year after the last expansion of the list of Persistent Organic a first indication on a possible restriction of Bis(pentabromophenyl)ether (DecaBDE)under REACH Annex XVII or POPs Regulation (proposed by Norway in May 2013) was published on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) website on August 1, 2013.
The group of polybrominateddiphenylethers has a long history of restriction in the European Union including the POP (Regulation (EC) No. 850/2004 and amendments), REACH…
UV Protection Factor (UPF) of Textiles
Over exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun has raised considerable public health concerns. Consumers have an increased awareness of skin cancer, eye damage (such as cataracts) and premature skin aging and as a result they are looking for protection beyond sunscreens such as lotions and creams.
Depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the earth’s surface from harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays, has forced the need for…
Free EU RoHS2 Compliance Seminar Hosted by SGS and ENVIRON on October 14 in Texa …
With revenues and reputations at stake, manufacturers, importers and distributors of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) are focused on minimizing the risk of having product sales in Europe stopped and/or products recalled due to non-compliance with requirements in the RoHS2 Directive 2011/65/EC. To help US manufacturers navigate the regulatory requirements, SGS, the global leader in chemical testing and certification services, and ENVIRON, manager of the BOMcheck.net industry-led materials declarations web…
Adapted EU Food Labeling Regulation for Products with Plant Sterol and Stanol Es …
On 25 July 2013 the European Commission (EC) adopted Commission Regulation (EU) No 718/2013(1) amending Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 (2) concerning the labeling of foods and food ingredients with added phytosterols, phytosterol esters, phytostanols and/or phytostanol esters.
Warning Label Requirement Concerning Plant Sterol and Stanol Esters
According to the new regulation products will be required to bear a statement that the product is not intended for people who do not need to…
Guangdong Province to Amend the Work Safety Regulation
On 5 July 2013, the Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress released the revision of “Guangdong Province Work-Safety Regulations” (hereinafter referred to as the “second draft”) for public opinion on its official website. The “second draft” proposes to set up liability insurance provisions in case of safety failures in production, refine the measures of safe production, and further strengthen legal responsibilities.
The provision of safe working conditions has always been…
Latest SVHC Screen Lite Program for Textile and Footwear Products
Following the expansion of the SVHC Candidate List, SGS offers an updated SVHC Screen Lite Program that helps reaching compliance with the REACH SVHC requirements for textile and footwear products.
New SVHCs in the Candidate List
With the addition of six new SVHCs to the Candidate List on 20 June 2013, the number of SVHCs has been expanded to total 144 substances (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-11513-svhc-candidate-list-expands-to-contain-144-entries-a4-en-13.pdf). In light of this rapid change, SGS has updated…
New EU Directive on Requirements for Workers Occupational Health and Safety for …
The new Directive, 2013/35/EU annuls Directive 2004/40/EC and it outlines the minimum requirements for improvements to work environments meant to ensure better protection of workers from exposure to risks arising from electromagnetic fields (EMF).
This Directive addresses all direct and indirect effects caused by exposure to EMFs not only for the purpose of protecting individual workers, but also for establishing a safety basis for all workers in the EU.
However, contact…
France to Lengthen Formamide Restriction in Toy Puzzle Mats
France recently extended the temporary restriction of formamide in toy puzzle mats. The extension period is for a further 12 months and took effect on 1 August 2013.
History of Formamide Restriction in Toy Puzzle Mats
In December 2010, Belgium and France announced the removal of toy puzzle mats from shelves due to excessive quantities of formamide; a substance classified as reprotoxic (toxic to reproduction) (1).
In July 2011, France…
Harmonized EN15649 Standards Series for Floating Leisure Articles
On 18 July 2013, the references of standards series EN 15649 (parts 1-7) for floating leisure articles for use on and in the water were published in the Official Journal of the European Union (1). The standards EN 15649 are harmonized under the directive 2001/95/EC general safety requirement and will enter into force on 7 August 2013.
EN 15649 Standards Series for Floating Leisure Articles
EN15649 specifies safety requirements and testing methods…
New Cutting Edge Textile Testing Laboratory in Madagascar
SGS has recently established a textile testing laboratory at Madagascar, one of the important textile and garment manufacturing sites in the region. The new 160 m2 state-of–the-art facility is staffed by highly experienced technical personnel offering physical testing and services for a broad range of apparel and textile products.
New State-of-the-Art Textile Testing Laboratory
The new capacity and testing capabilities of the SGS Madagascar laboratory serve the country's ever expanding textile industry…
FDA Issues Final Rule to Define Gluten-Free Labeling
On 2 August 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule defining “gluten-free” for food labeling. It will help consumers, especially those living with celiac disease, to rely on items labeled “gluten-free” to meet a defined standard for gluten content. The regulation was published in the Federal Register (1).
Labeling Gluten-Free Food
The FDA published a new regulation defining the term "gluten-free" for voluntary food labeling. This…
Australia Proposes New Draft of the Voluntary Children’s Nightwear Standard
Standards Australia has recently released a draft revised version of the voluntary Children’s Nightwear Standard - AS/NZS 1249. The public comment period is open until 19 August 2013 (1).
Voluntary Children’s Nightwear Labeling Standard
Children’s nightwear is subject to a mandatory standard in Australia (2) and must comply with certain safety and labeling requirements. The Australian Government adopted the majority of the voluntary standard of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1249:2003 (3) –…
EU to Strengthen Chemical Regulation on BPA and Flame Retardants in Toys
The European Commission (EC) has recently notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the proposed inclusion of bisphenol A (BPA) and 3 flame retardants under the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (TSD). The proposed enforcement date is 18 months after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
In July 2013, the EC made 2 notifications to the WTO to expand the number of substances to be regulated in…
Expanded Safer Chemical Ingredients List for Design for the Environment Labeled …
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added more than 130 chemicals to its Safer Chemical Ingredients List on 24 July 2013. Among the 132 substances added to the list are 119 fragrances that are used in commercial and consumer cleaning products. These are the first fragrance chemicals to be included on the Safer Chemicals List.
Expanded Safer Chemical Ingredients List
A total of 602 chemicals are included in the Safer…
US-FTC Proposes Changes to Guaranty Provisions in Fur Rules
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published in the Federal Register a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (1) on proposed changes to the guaranty provisions of the Fur Rules under the Fur Products Labeling Act. These amendments would align the Fur Rules with proposed changes to the guaranty provisions of the Textile Rules under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. The public comment period is open until 23 July…
US FDA Proposed Rule for Accreditation of Third Party Auditor and Certification …
On 29 July 2013 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published the proposed rule for the Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors/Certification Bodies to Conduct Food Safety Audits and Issue Certifications (1). This proposed rule is part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Comment period for this proposed rule ends 26 November 2013.
Accreditation of Third Parties to Conduct Food Safety Audits and for Other Related Purposes
The proposed regulation,…
New EU Chemical Requirements to Protect Children from Chemical Hazards in Toys
In 2009, the European Union (EU) adopted the new Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (TSD). The implementation of the TSD is essentially in 2 phases. The safety assessments, including the Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA) and non-chemical requirements were enforced in July 2011. The chemical requirements were enforced on 20 July 2013.
Toys must be designed and manufactured in such a way to prevent exposure to harmful chemical elements that can have adverse…
Ecuador Proposes Regulation on Textile Labeling
This technical regulation establishes requirements for the labeling of apparel, home textiles and clothing accessories marketed in Ecuador, whether locally manufactured or imported, in order to prevent deceptive practices or to deceive consumers.
The information presented on labels must be expressed in Spanish (other languages without prejudice can also be present). The required information must be permanently labeled and must be visible, indelible and easily accessible to the consumer. The…
US FDA Proposes Rule for Foreign Supplier Verification Program
On 29 July 2013 the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) published the proposed rule for Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for Importers of Food for Humans and Animals (1). This proposed rule is part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Comment period for this proposed rule ends 26 November 2013.
Foreign Supplier Verification Programs for Importers of Food for Human and Animals
This proposal requires the importer to…
Tanning Process for the Modern Leather Footwear Industry
Leather production is a complex and vital component in the footwear manufacturing process. The processes used in the manufacturing of leather will not only affect the sustainability of the product, but also affect the cost. Global legislation and environmental concerns will affect the type of leather processing that can be used.
General purpose chemicals such as sodium, sulphide, lime and sulphuric acid, chemicals used for performance qualities such as syntans,…
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) N.1223/2009 to Apply from July 2013
Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) N°1223/2009 came into force in 2009, applies from July 11, 2013 and supersedes Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC.
With the new Cosmetics Regulation, product safety has been reinforced, taking into consideration the latest technological developments, including the possible use of nanomaterials.
EU Cosmetic Regulation: New Requirements
The new regulation 1223/2009 introduces new requirements such as:
- A redefinition of roles and responsibilities (Responsible Person).
- The notification of all new products via the…
Increased SGS Testing Capabilities for Juvenile Products in France and Shanghai
Updates on testing capabilities for juvenile products – SGS Shanghai and SGS France.
Toddler Beds Testing in SGS Shanghai
SGS Shanghai (China) is now able to conduct testing on toddler beds according to NF D 60-300-4: 2012.
This standard defines the safety requirements and test methods for domestic toddler beds for children of approximately 18 months and able to get off alone of their cot and which sleeping surface has a length…
SGS to Exhibit at 2013 SCS Formulate, Coventry, UK
Visit SGS at SCS Formulate, the biggest meeting dedicated to personal care ingredients, on November 12-13, 2013 in Coventry, United Kingdom.
SCS Formulate is the biggest meeting in the UK dedicated to personal care ingredients, attracting a substantial proportion of the UK market.
SGS is pleased to inform you that on November 12-13, 2013, the company will exhibit for the first time at SCS Formulate in Hall 1 /Stand n°510.
This is…
SGS Opens New Textile Testing Laboratory in Casablanca, Morocco
Physical and Chemical Textile Testing
The presence of the SGS laboratory in Morocco will contribute and strengthen the local apparel industry’s ability to meet buyers’ expectations through shortening of production lead time. Currently, SGS Morocco is the first laboratory in the country offering both physical and chemical testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Softlines-and-Accessories/Textile-and-Clothing/Testing/Chemical-Testing.aspx) for a comprehensive range of textile products. In addition to testing, SGS Morocco offers audit and inspection services, making us a…
SGS to Support Sedex AGM & Members' Forum 2013
SGS will be exhibiting at the 2013 Sedex AGM & Members’ Forum which will take place on Thursday 14 March, at Glaziers Hall in London.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Making an impact: Why we do what we do’. This year’s Members Forum will be examining the collaborative impact of responsible sourcing and how companies and individuals will shape the future.
Come and meet some of the Social Responsibility team…
Complimentary Webinar "Sustainability in Textiles Sector - Challenges and Opport …
SGS experts Ian Allard and Pierre Boccon-Gibod will be hosting a complimentary webinar to discuss the current challenges surrounding the textile industry.
7th March 2013 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (GMT), SGS experts Ian Allard and Pierre Boccon-Gibod will be hosting a complimentary webinar to discuss the current challenges surrounding the textile industry and what companies can do to meet the growing number of issues and turn them into opportunities.
For…
SGS Opens State-of-the-Art Laboratory in Chennai, India
SGS India is pleased to announce that its largest laboratory and facility has been officially opened by Chris Kirk, Chief Executive Officer, SGS Ltd. in December 2012 in Chennai, India. Located at Ambattur, Chennai, the facility houses multiple state-of-the-art laboratories along with inspection and audit services.
The new state-of-the-art facility in Chennai has been designed to offer testing, inspection and certification services for textile, footwear, PPE, food, environmental, agricultural, minerals and…
