Press Releases from SGS (485 total)
Australia Introduces New Standard for Dummies and Dummy Chains
Australia has introduced new requirements for babies’ dummies/soothers and dummy/soother chains. The new regulations were published on May 8, 2017, as the Australian Consumer Goods (Babies’ Dummies and Dummy Chains) Safety Standard 2017.
The updated regulations call for baby dummies to meet certain sections of either the Australian or the European standard. These standards are:
• AS 2432:2015 Standard for Babies’ Dummies
• EN 1400:2013+A1:2014 – Child use and care article – Soothers…
Turkey Issues Proposals to Regulate Food Contact Materials and Articles
Turkey has announced its intention to regulate food contact materials and articles. As part of this plan, it will establish 17 categories of food contact material and article:
1. Active and intelligent materials and articles
2. Adhesives
3. Ceramics
4. Cork
5. Glass
6. Ion-exchange resins
7. Metals and alloys
8. Paper and board
9. Plastics
10. Printing inks
11. Regenerated cellulose
12. Rubber
13. Silicones
14. Textiles
15. Varnishes and coatings
16. Wax
17. Wood
Turkey announced its intentions by issuing two pieces of draft legislation and circulating them via the World Trade Organization (WTO) in May 2017. The two documents are:
• Food Codex Communiqué…
U.S. CPSC Issues Proposals to Create a New Safety Standard for Booster Seats
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued proposals to establish a safety standard for booster seats. In addition, the CPSC has opened a period of consultation, which will end on August 2, 2017.
On May 19, 2017, the CPSC voted unanimously to issue a notice of rulemaking (NPR) on the creation of new standard for booster seats. This was done in response to the direction under section 104(b) of…
Algeria Announces New Regulations on Food Contact Materials and Articles
Algeria has published regulations for fourteen categories of food contact materials and articles. These are described in Article 8 of the Executive Decree as:
1. Adhesives
2. Ceramics
3. Elastomers and rubber
4. Glass
5. Ion exchange resins
6. Metals and alloys
7. Paper and paperboard
8. Paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax
9. Plastics, including varnishes and coatings
10. Printing ink
11. Regenerated cellulose
12. Silicones
13. Textile products
14. Wood, including cork
The regulations relate to food contact materials and articles that, in their finished state:
• Are intended to be brought into contact with food
• Are already in contact with…
Hong Kong Updates List of Safety Standards for Toys and Children’s Products
Hong Kong has published an updated list of safety standards for some categories of toys and children’s products under the scope of the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Chapter 424). The list was published on May 19, 2017, following a one-month public consultation in December 2016.
The new safety standards are all international standards or standards adopted by major economies, and allow for presumption of conformity or demonstration of compliance.…
Why the Modern Artworld Needs Independent Condition Reporting: a Speech to Deleg …
Yan Walther, SGS’s art expert, spoke to attendees at the opening of China’s biggest cultural fair – the ICIF. Taking place at the Artron Art Center in Shenzhen, China, on May 11, 2017, Mr Walther focused on the importance of correct documentation, due diligence and condition monitoring in the modern art world.
His speech, entitled “Best practices in art due diligence and condition monitoring during logistical operations and financial transactions”, looked…
New European Restrictions on BPA Migration Limits in Certain Toys
The European Union (EU) has published new restrictions on the permissible migration limits of bisphenol A (BPA) in toys intended for children under the age of 36 months and for other toys intended to be placed in the mouth.
The new regulations will strengthen the restrictions by 2.5-fold, decreasing the lawful limit from less than or equal to 0.1 mg/L to less than or equal to 0.04 mg/L. The testing standard…
Harmonization of Product Standards in Brazil
Published in May 2016, Ordinance 252 complements Brazil’s main regulation for ‘General Requirements for Product Certification’ - Ordinance 118. First published in 2011, these regulations prescribe the main conditions for product compliance in Brazil, commonly known as RGCP.
Issued by General Coordination for Accreditation of INMETRO (CGCRE), these ordinances are designed to foster greater standardization and conciseness. In this way, they help to establish harmonized conformity assessment programs in Brazil.
Currently,…
China Amends Quality Standard for Knitted Sweater Workmanship
The People’s Republic of China has amended its standard for knitted sweater workmanship – FZ/T 73010-2016. Approved and issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the new standard was implemented on April 1, 2017, replacing FZ/T 73010-2008.
Standard FZ/T 73010-2016 is used to ascertain the quality of workmanship exhibited in knitted sweaters. The standard covers garments made of, blended with, or interlaced with cotton, bast fibers, silk and chemical…
Algeria Introduces New Regulations for Childcare Articles
Algeria’s new technical regulations for childcare articles came into effect on May 27, 2017. Originally published in November 2016 as Interministerial Order of July 11, 2016, Arrêté Interministériel du 6 Chaoual 1437, the new law contains several important provisions, including:
• Meeting physical, mechanical, flammability and chemical properties. Chemical requirements can be summarized as:
o Soluble elements – must conform to regulations
o Bisphenol A (BPA) – prohibited
o BBP, DBP and DEHP – less than or…
Australia Updates Standards for Children’s Nightwear
Australia has made several changes to the standards relating to children’s nightwear. Announced by the Minister for Small Business, in April 2017, they have:
• Updated the safety standard for children’s nightwear – Consumer Goods (Children’s Nightwear and Limited Daywear and Paper Patterns for Children’s Nightwear) Safety Standard 2017
• Adopted a revised version of Children’s Nightwear and Limited Daywear Standard AS/NZS 1249:2014
Effective immediately, the updated safety standard, made under section 105 of…
Europe Updates Standard for Identifying Aromatic Amines Derived from Azo Coloran …
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published updates for the methods used to determine the presence of restricted aromatic amines derived from azo colorants in textiles. CEN issued the updates in February 2017, superseding the 2012 versions of the standards.
The two updated standards are:
• EN ISO 14362-1:2017 Textiles – Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants - Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo…
China Turns GB 28011 – Shanks for Footwear – into Voluntary Standard
China’s State Council has re-designated National Standard GB 28011-2011 – Shanks for Footwear – as a voluntary standard, having previously been mandatory. Following this change, GB 28011-2011 has been relabeled GB/T 28011-2011. The change appeared among a list of 1077 standard changes in No.7 Chinese National Standard Announcement.
GB/T 28011-2011 requires steel shanks to conform to specific requirements for marking, minimum length, stiffness, hardness, bending performance, appearance, size tolerance and…
Malaysia Updates Regulations for Food Contact Ceramics
The Government of Malaysia introduced several changes to the regulations controlling food contact ceramics in April 2017.
On April 3, 2017, Malaysia published Food (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2017, in the Federal Government Gazette. This amends Food Regulations 1985 [P.U. (A) 437/1985], the so-called ‘Principal Regulations’. Changes include:
• Amending migration limits for cadmium to become less stringent, in:
1. Small hollowware – 0.5 mg/L, up from 0.20 mg/L
2. Large hollowware – 0.25 mg/L, up…
SGS Expertize Helps to Minimize Import Refusals
Every day, in most countries of the world, food products are refused entry - often because of paperwork, food safety and adulteration issues. These refusals generate costs and time delays for food producers and others in the value chain - but they can be avoided, with expert help.
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Its global network of locally-based food experts can provide the assistance required,…
EU Alters Requirements for Cosmetic Dyes Used on Hair and Eyelashes
The European Commission (EC) has amended Annex III to Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, altering the regulations relating to cosmetic dyes for hair and eyelashes. The EC instituted the changes following its consideration of two opinions by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCS) – SCCS1563/15 and SCCS1572/16.
Adopted on March 25, 2015, SCCS opinion SCCS/1553/15 concluded that the following oxidative hair dye substances should be considered safe to use by professionals…
Further Restrictions on Benzophenone-3 Levels in Cosmetic Products for EU Countr …
The European Commission (EC) has reduced the permissible limits for 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone/Oxybenzone, commonly known as Benzophenone-3, in cosmetic sunscreen products.
From September 3, 2017, cosmetic sunscreen products will no longer be allowed to contain more than 6% w/w and the restriction for other types of cosmetic products is set at 0.5% w/w. This represents a significant reduction for cosmetic sunscreen products, formerly the level was 10% w/w. In addition, products containing…
SGS Sponsors the Longwall USA 2017 Conference
SGS will sponsor the Longwall USA conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 13-15, 2017. This biennial event – the brainchild of mining and mineral processing magazine publisher and event,s organizer Mining Media – aims to provide insights, knowledge and commercial opportunities to the industry.
Those attending will be able to see the newest products, services, innovations and developments of all of those involved.
SGS Explosive Atmosphere Services
As the world’s leading and…
SGS Exhibits at AAMI Healthcare Technology Conference 2017
SGS will be exhibiting at the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) conference in Austin, Texas, USA on June 9-12, 2017. Robert Burek, Global Medical Device Technical Manager from SGS, will be at Booth 1332 to consult about testing, risk management, Usability, design reviews and certification.
The conference is full of opportunities for learning, networking, and seeing the most recent advances in healthcare technology from nearly 200 medical equipment…
Compliance in Healthcare Technology at SGS’s Second Annual Compliance Symposiu …
SGS has announced a list of impressive guest speakers and informative sessions for its 2017 Compliance Symposium in Georgia, USA. Entitled ‘Building Trust and Improving Lives’, this second annual symposium takes place on June 6, 2017, at the Busbee Center at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, GA.
The symposium will focus on recent changes in compliance regulations for innovations and advances in healthcare technology. The day will include technical presentations on…
Japan Amends Regulations on Labeling for Some Textile Products
The Government of Japan has recently published revisions to the enforcement regulations contained within the Household Goods Quality Labeling Act. These include:
• Washing care labeling for mufflers, scarves and shawls became mandatory on April 1, 2017
• Fiber composition of interlining for trouser become mandatory on April 1, 2017
• Washing care labeling and fiber composition for hat, cap, etc will be mandatory from April 1, 2018
The changes were announced in Official Gazette – Extra…
Deca-BDE and HBCD/HBCDD Added to Priority Chemicals List in US state of Maine
The US state of Maine has adopted proposals, originally issued in October 2016, to designate two new flame retardants as Priority Chemicals (PCs).
The two substances are:
• Decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE)
• Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD/HBCDD)
These chemicals are added to a list that already includes:
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Formaldehyde
• Nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPs and NPEOs)
• 3 Metals (arsenic, cadmium and mercury)
• 4 Phthalates (benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Manufacturers and distributors of certain types…
New Standards Added to Malaysia Toy Safety Regulations
In October 2016, Malaysia updated its Toy Safety Regulations to include some editorial changes to Schedule 2, designed to clarify terminology, and expand the list of standards recognized as demonstrating compliance with national toy safety requirements.
The enhanced list of standards now includes:
• ASTM F963
• EN 62115 and EN 71 Parts 1 to 5
• IEC 62115
• ISO 8124 Parts 1 to 4
Highlights from the list of acceptable toy safety standards, include:
• Mechanical and physical…
EU Adds Nickel to Restricted List and Strengthens Chemical Safety Under Food Con …
The European Union (EU) has published several changes to the ‘Food Contact Plastics’ Regulation. Issued on April 29, 2017, Regulation (EU) 2017/752 adds:
• A completely new entry for the specific migration of nickel, restricting it to no more than 0.02 mg/kg, to Annex II (Restrictions on materials and articles)
• Six substances to the authorized list of substances
• Editorial changes to Annex III (Food simulant assignment for demonstrating compliance with the overall migration…
Phenol Restricted Under European Toy Safety Directive
The European Union (EU) has published new restrictions on the use of phenol (CAS 108-95-2) in toys falling under Appendix C of Annex II in Directive 2009/48/EC, the so-called European Toy Safety Directive (TSD). Issued on May 4, 2017, Directive (EU) 2017/774 establishes two sets of limits for phenol:
• No more than 5 mg/L for migration from polymeric materials
• No more than 10 mg/kg for content when used as a preservative
These…
China Introduces Measures to Evaluate Compliance with Labor Laws
From January 1, 2017, all employers in China are subject to a new set of measures designed to evaluate their compliance with the laws, regulations and rules concerning labor security. Originally issued in July 2016 by the PRC Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the “Measures for Evaluating Compliance and Integrity of Employers’ Labor Protection”, are designed to put into place a system which efficiently enforces labor security and…
Industrial Monitoring and Control Instruments in Scope of the RoHS Directive fro …
For industrial monitoring and control instruments, the transition period for compliance with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU, ends on July 22, 2017. RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the market in European Union (EU) member states.
The restrictions apply not only to industrial monitoring and control instruments but also cables and spare parts used for their repair, their…
Canada Begins Mandatory Survey of 1500 substances for 2017 Inventory Update
As part of the 2017 Inventory Update (IU), the Government of Canada has issued a Notice under Section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999), calling for manufacturers and importers to provide information on roughly 1500 chemicals and polymers. The survey calls for information on the commercial status of the substances, as well as data on downstream use and yearly market fluctuations.
The Notice requires…
EU Tightens Restrictions on Lead in Toys
The European Union (EU) has tightened restrictions on lead migration for all three of the toy material categories by a factor of approximately seven.
These toy material categories are:
1. Category I - Dry, brittle, powder-like or pliable, e.g.:
a. Chalk, compressed paint tablets, crayons, plaster of Paris, magic sand, modelling compounds and plasticine
b. Oven hardened PVC modelling compounds and bouncing putties
2. Category II - Liquid or sticky toy, e.g.:
a. Bubble solutions, finger paints, liquid…
Priscille Galceran, global furniture expert at SGS, delivered a speech promoting …
Priscille Galceran, global furniture expert at SGS, spoke at the Vietnam Wood & Furniture Summit 2017 (VFIS 2017), in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Her speech highlighted the importance of sustainability and established a link between the modern consumer’s demand for sustainability and product compliance, safety and performance.
Ms Galceran began her presentation by looking at market data for the previous five years from the US and Europe. Changes in these…
SGS Helps Companies Avoid Non-Compliant Labeling In USA
Correct labeling allows manufacturers and importers to legally sell their products in the USA and/or internationally. For importers it can also avoid delays at the point of importation and the subsequent costs of re-labeling and re-shipment. Such issues can also attract consumer complaints and damage brand image. Compliance is particularly important in markets such as the US, where all textile and apparel products have to include the following information:
• Country of…
China Proposes General Restrictions on Hazardous Chemicals in Consumer Products
The Chinese National Consumer Product Safety Standardization Technical Commission has recently concluded a 19-day public consultation on a proposal including 103 chemical restrictions in a wide-range of consumer products.
The proposal seeks to regulate a comprehensive list of chemicals, including:
• Heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium (VI), lead, mercury and nickel
• Organic chemicals such as alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, amines, asbestos, benzene, BPA, dyes, esters, ethers, haloalkanes, methylbenzene, phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons…
IEC Publishes Test Standards for Hexavalent Chromium and Phthalates in Polymers …
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has published two new test standards for hazardous substances in electrical and electronic (EE) equipment.
Published on March 28, 2017, the two standards are:
• IEC 62321-7-2:2017
• IEC 62321-8:2017
IEC 62321-7-2:2017 replaces IEC 62321:2008 (Annex C) and it describes procedures to measure hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), quantitatively in samples of polymers and electronics. The method employs an organic solvent to dissolve or swell the sample matrix, followed by an…
California Prop 65 Settlement Requires Strict Reformulation for Cadmium in Neckl …
A new California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlement agreement has been reached concerning the use of cadmium in necklaces. Agreed in March 2017, the settlement requires a reformulation of cadmium content to no more than 100 ppm. This is considerably lower than the 300 ppm previously agreed in a national, legally-binding settlement concerning jewelry, concluded on March 22, 2011.
Cadmium was first added to the Prop 65 list of chemicals,…
MOST Approves SGS Laboratory for Vietnam’s Toy Safety Certification
SGS’s ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Ho Chi Minh City has been approved to conduct safety certification on toys destined for the Vietnamese market. Already a leading testing center for toys bound for the United States and Europe, this expansion of its services makes SGS the one-stop solution for all toy testing and certification needs in Vietnam.
Since April 15, 2010, all toys offered for sale or distribution in Vietnam…
Turkey Amends Toy Safety Regulations and Introduces Restrictions on Certain Chem …
Turkey has amended its Toy Safety Regulations to allow the use of nickel in certain toy applications, add restrictions on several additional substances, and recognize both European Standards (EN) and their corresponding Turkish Standards (TS) for presumption of conformity with the Toy Safety Regulations.
Published in the Resmi Gazette, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, under Regulations Number 2017/30025, the updated Toy Safety Regulations give three different effective dates…
EU RAPEX Annual Report Highlights Dangerous Products Sold Online
The European Commission (EC) has released the 2016 edition of the Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) Annual Report. The latest version draws attention to the problem of dangerous products being sold online. In 2016, 244 notifications were issued concerning unsafe products being sold via the internet.
The rapid growth of e-commerce has created a problem for national authorities, one which, the report explains, requires a tailor-made approach to ensure the safety of…
SGS Ensures Composite Wood Products Comply With New Formaldehyde Emission Standa …
With new standards regarding formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products coming into force in the US and Europe, manufacturers are turning to SGS to help ensure compliance.
These products are wood-based panels made from wood pieces, particles or fibers that have been bonded together using various adhesives, including urea-formaldehyde resins. Research has shown that these resins can emit formaldehyde – a colorless, flammable gas with a strong irritating odor – at…
U.S. CPSC Proposes Safety Standard for Infant Inclined Sleep Products
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a proposal for a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1236 Safety Standard for Infant Inclined Sleep Products. If adopted, the proposed notice of rulemaking (NPR) will establish a standard and include Infant Inclined Sleep Products in the list of notice of requirements (NOR) released by the CPSC. The proposal clarifies that infant inclined sleep products fall within the category of “durable…
SGS Launches Service to Analyze Microfiber Release from Synthetic Garments
SGS has announced the introduction of a new testing service to assess the amount of microfibers released by garments during normal domestic laundering. Developed by SGS, the results gained by this form of analysis can be used to assess the fiber-releasing properties of different items of clothing.
By subjecting their garments to SGS’s new microfiber analysis test, businesses will be able to:
• Pinpoint and compare the fiber-releasing properties of different garments
• Assess and…
SGS Acquisition of IPS Expands Services For Personal Care Manufacturers
The SGS acquisition of IPS means that the company can now support personal care manufacturers in product development and quality control. The lab’s expertise in testing paper, non-wovens, consumer products and packaging also supports investigations into product claims, contamination and other issues.
A recent case study involving the contamination of a personal care product highlights the importance of these testing services. A manufacturer of silicone-treated paper release liners asked SGS…
SGS Offers Guidance On Revised US Toy Safety Standard (ASTM F963-16)
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published a revision to US toy safety standard ASTM F963. Now known as ASTM F963-16, it becomes a mandatory requirement from April 30, 2017.
Thanks to its knowledge of the global toy market, SGS believes that some changes will help align US requirements with Europe’s (EN 71) and international (ISO 8124) toy standards. Based on the views of SGS toy experts, ASTM…
US CPSC Approves Final Rule for Infant Bath Tubs Safety Standard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved its final rule for an Infant Bath Tubs safety standard with a unanimous vote of 5-0. The safety standard refers to voluntary standard ASTM F2670-17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Tubs, as the mandatory federal safety standard for Infant Bath Tubs.
Infant Bath Tubs are defined in ASTM F2670-17 as a “tub, enclosure, or other similar product intended to hold…
Prop 65 Settlements Reached on DINP in Consumer Products
Several California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlements have recently been agreed on a variety of consumer products. These agreements require the reformulation of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) to a level less than or equal to 1000 ppm. In some cases, the agreement allows for a Prop 65 warning label to be used as an alternative.
The agreements cover a range of consumer products, including:
1. Bean bag covers
2. Disposable foam earplugs
3. Drawer liners
4. Folios, keyboards and…
Gulf Countries Introduce Mandatory Conformity Tracking Symbol for Electronic and …
On April 1, 2017, the Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS) became mandatory for electronic and electrical (EE) products being marketed in the Gulf region. Manufacturers wishing to distribute EE products, in any of the seven states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), must first attach a GCTS, defined by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).
GSO member states are:
• United Arab Emirates
• Kingdom of Bahrain
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Sultanate of Oman
• State of Qatar
• State of…
Minnesota Proposes Regulation to Report Priority Chemicals in Children’s Produ …
The US State of Minnesota has introduced a proposal requiring the disclosure of priority chemicals (PCs) in children’s products.
Currently, Minnesota has no regulatory power to make manufacturers and distributors disclose PCs in children’s products. SF 716, and its companion bill HF 727, were introduced in February 2017 to amend the ‘Toxic Free Kids Act’ by making it a legal requirement that PCs in children’s products must be disclosed.
The…
New Restricted Substances List Published by AAFA
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), has released the eighteenth edition of its Restricted Substances List (RSL). The list covers twelve categories and more than 250 chemicals.
The AAFA is a national trade association representing the textiles, apparel and footwear industries, as they compete in the global market. The RSL covers chemicals and other substances whose presence in a product is restricted through a government regulation or law. The…
US States Introduce Bills to Restrict Flame Retardants in Consumer Products
Since the beginning of 2017, several US states have introduced bills pertaining to the restriction of flame retardants in textiles, children’s products and upholstered furniture. The flame retardants listed in these bills are essentially antimony-based and halogen-containing compounds.
These states include:
• Alaska (AK)
• Iowa (IA)
• Maine (ME)
• Maryland (MD)
• Massachusetts (MA)
• Minnesota (MN)
• New Mexico (NM)
• New York (NY)
• Rhode Island (RI)
• Tennessee (TN)
• Virginia (VA)
• West Virginia (WV)
Each state’s bill aims to restrict a specified collection of flame retardants in a…
ECHA Proposes Restriction to Lead in PVC Under REACH
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is calling for a restriction on lead compounds in articles containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). If the proposal is accepted, it will create a new entry in Annex XVII of REACH.
As part of the process, the ECHA has opened a six-month period of public consultation, beginning on March 22, 2017. The title of the public consultation document is:
“Restriction of lead compounds in PVC articles in…
Can EN 14986:2017 Form the Basis of International Certification?
A new edition of standard EN 14986 “Design of fans working in potentially explosive atmospheres” was issued in January 2017. While the new standard does not make substantial changes to the 2007 version, many fan manufacturers will need to consider the amendments before the previous version loses harmonisation status. While the new edition has not yet been published in the Official Journal, it is speculated that this will happen in…
