Press Releases from SGS (485 total)
SGS Offers Hover Board Certification for Canada and the USA
Having successfully completed the ISO 17025 audit, SGS is now able to offer certification to ISO 17065 and UL 2272 for hover boards destined for sale and distribution in North Ameri-ca.
UL 2272 Electrical Systems for Self-Balancing Scooters offers a formal framework for the evaluation, testing and certification of these products, commonly referred to as hover boards. Thanks to the accreditation, SGS consumer electronics experts can now test hover boards and…
SGS Testing for Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Bags
By offering third-party testing services, SGS is helping manufacturers, retailers and other organizations to substantiate their claims about the use of biodegradable and/or com-postable plastics.
As biodegradable and compostable plastic bags replace older, more polluting, products, organizations want to avoid the potential costs and reputational damage of a legal chal-lenge to their environmental claims. However, the fact that different countries and regions have their own regulatory requirements and guidelines makes the…
ECHA Adds Four New SVHCs to Candidate List Under REACH
On January 12, 2017, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) updated its Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to include four new chemicals, bringing the total number of substances listed to 173.
The new SVHC Candidates are:
• 4,4’-Isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol A)
• Nonadecafluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and its sodium and ammonium salts
• p-(1,1-Dimethylpropyl)phenol
• 4-Heptylphenol, branched and linear
These substances have been categorized as toxic to reproduction, as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT), or…
US EPA Issues Final Rule for Formaldehyde Emissions Standard in Composite Wood P …
On December 12, 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register its final rule and an associated certification program relating to Formaldehyde Emission Standards in Composite Wood. The new rule, required under Title VI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will become effective on February 10, 2017.
The EPA standard is based on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) formaldehyde emission standard.
Once the final rule…
US State of Oregon Introduces Rules for Reporting Hazardous Substances in Childr …
The US state of Oregon has issued rules relating to the disclosure of hazardous substances contained within children’s products. Manufacturers of children’s products offered for sale between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017, and which contain a substance on the list of high priority chemicals of concern for children’s health (HPCCCHs), are required to submit a notice to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) by January 1, 2018. Following this,…
CARB Updates Labeling Rules for Composite Wood Products
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has published the latest revision of its advisory on labelling requirements for composite wood products. Advisory number 384, dated November 2016, applies to panel manufacturers, fabricators of finished goods, and importers, distributors and retailers of panels and finished goods.
The revised advisory contains several important changes, including:
• Information to be included on the label for panel manufacturers and fabricators of finished goods
• The use of language to…
Safety Standards for Children’s Winter Clothing
Manufacturers and designers of children’s winter clothes should consider how young con-sumers might behave when wearing such products – and take the necessary safety pre-cautions.
What are the hazards?
The hazards associated with children’s clothes include restricted blood flow – e.g. socks, gloves, sleeves, being too tight – or the injuries caused by entrapment, sharp objects or tripping. Certain clothes may also present choking and swallowing hazards, the potential for strangulation and…
EU 655/2013: How to avoid issues with claims about cosmetics
European Union (EU) regulation 655/2013 sets out the legislative requirements for claims made about cosmetics. The aim is to help manufacturers make accurate statements and not imply any false characteristics or functions relating to their products. This protects consumers from being misled or otherwise harmed, and reduces the risk for the producers of legal challenges.
Commission Regulation 655/2013 is based on Article 20 of the European Cosmetic Regulation (ECR) 1223/2009,…
New SGS Product Testing Lab in Vietnam
SGS opened a new product testing laboratory at Hai Phong, in northern Vietnam on Janu-ary 11, 2017. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide physical and restricted sub-stances testing for a range of products.
During 2017, the laboratory intends to gain ISO 17025 accreditation and deal with products including:
• Textiles
• Apparel
• Footwear
• Handbags
• Jewelry
• Candles
• Toys
• Hard goods
The new site, in line with the existing SGS lab in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, will serve the country’s…
SGS Helps Suppliers of Children’s Cosmetics and Promotional Items Understand E …
SGS has launched a series of webinars to help suppliers of children’s cosmetics, cosmetic toys and promotional items better understand and apply EU regulations.
Each webinar will look at a different type of product, beginning with a look at children’s cosmetics and cosmetic toys – borderline products that could be subject to both the EU Cosmetics Regulation and the EU Directive on Toy Safety. Later webinars will cover promotional items, looking…
US FDA Prohibits 19 Antibacterial Soap Ingredients
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule regarding 19 ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic products intended for use with water. The FDA has now determined that these 19 ingredients are not generally recognized as safe and effective (GRAS/GRAE) and so, without an approved new drug application, products containing these ingredients are now considered misbranded – effective September 6, 2017.
The US FDA issued its final…
EC Introduces Greater Restrictions on Methylisothiazolinone in Cosmetic Products
The European Commission (EC) has updated the regulations regarding the use of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetic products. With immediate effect, the use of MI is forbidden in leave-on products and is restricted to a maximum concentration of 0.01% in rinse-off products.
On July 22, 2016, the EC published Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1198, amending Annex V of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. This change in regulation follows a study by the Scientific Committee…
EC Changes the Regulations for Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl in Cosmetics
On July 11, 2016, the European Commission created a separate category of cosmetic product for mouthwashes and amended the restrictions regarding the use of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCL as a preservative.
Following the publishing of Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1121, mouthwashes have been identified as an individual category of cosmetic and personal care product under Annex V of Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009. The new regulation permits a maximum concentration of 0.15% by…
Netherlands Applies Updated Law on Food Contact Materials and Articles
The Netherlands has enforced new regulations concerning food contact materials and articles. The new law came into force on January 1, 2017, and is an updated version of the Dutch Commodities Act Regulation on Packaging and Consumer Articles Coming into Contact with Foodstuffs (Commodities Act (Packaging and Consumer Articles) Regulation [Warenwetregeling verpakkingen en gebruiksartikelen]).
The new rules, published under number 58058 in Staatscourant 2016, were originally issued on November 3,…
EU Revises Standards for Non-Domestic Furniture
Three European standards relating to non-domestic furniture were updated in late 2016. Specifically, they relate to office tables, ranked seating and non-domestic tables. It is expected that these standards will enforced as a national standard, either by endorsement or the publication of an identical text, by May 2017. National standards which conflict with the new European Standards are to be withdrawn by May 2017.
The three updated European standards are:
• EN…
BPA in Thermal Paper Restricted Under REACH
The European Union (EU) has implemented a new law to restrict the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper. The new directive, published as Regulation (EU) 2016/2235, limits the permissible amount of BPA to no more than 200mg/kg and will become effective on January 2, 2020. The new law creates a new entry, number 66, in Annex XVII of REACH.
Thermal paper is defined as a paper base with at…
Canada Begins Consultation on Changes to Children’s Jewellery Regulations
Canadian authorities have begun a 75-day consultation over proposed changes to the Children’s Jewellery Regulations (SOR/2016-168). The consultation process began, on December 3, 2016, with the publication of the proposed changes to SOR/2016-168.
The proposal contains two important changes:
• Introduction of a no higher than 130 mg/kg limit for total cadmium for items that fit into a small parts cylinder when a force of not more than 4.45N is applied
• Introduction of…
China Brings Into Force New Mandatory Standards for Food Contact Materials and A …
China will begin enforcement of a list of 53 mandatory national standards relating to food contact materials and articles on April 19, 2017. Stakeholders should be aware the standards come into force in two stages, with the final two standards becoming effective on October 19, 2017.
The list of standards relating to food contact materials and articles was first published in November 2016, under Notice No.15 of 2016, by the China…
Korea Looks to Update Regulations on Toys
On September 9, 2016, the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) issued proposals to amend the regulations concerning toy safety. If accepted, the proposal will amend Safety Confirmation ANNEX VI Toys, issued under the Special Act of Safety Management of Children’s Products.
The proposals will affect several aspects of the Annex, including: the scope of the Annex; exemptions to the Annex; and identification of some specific safety…
Health Canada Begins Consultation Process Over Proposed Changes to Consumer Prod …
Health Canada has begun a consultation period relating to proposals to amend Consumer Products Containing Lead (Contact with Mouth) Regulations (CPCLCMR, SOR/2010-273). The 75-day consultation period began on December 3, 2016 and will conclude on February 15, 2017.
Health Canada opened this consultation process following the publishing of the proposed amendments on December 3, 2016. The proposed amendments (SOR/2016-171), issued under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), call…
The 4C Model of Improved Chemical Management in the Textile Industry
As awareness within the textile industry increases regarding the harm caused by hazardous chemicals, more manufacturers are now using the 4C model for implementing an effective chemical management program. The copyrighted 4C model, developed by SGS, has four sections: Commitment, Competence, Critical Point Control and Comprehensive System.
The 4C Model: Commitment
Before implementing a chemical management program, companies should analyze the industry situation and determine the latest trends concerning the best…
Belgium’s New Law on Food Contact Varnishes and Coatings Comes into Force
Belgium has introduced a new law relating to food contact varnishes and coatings. The Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) - Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment – published the Royal Decree, dated September 25, 2016, in October 2016, and the law came into force on January 1, 2017.
Varnishes and coatings, collectively referred to in the decree as varnish, are defined by the decree as - finished materials that are prepared…
Numerous Parties Conclude Prop 65 Settlements for Phthalates
A number of Californian Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlements relating to phthalates were reached during the second quarter of 2016. They cover a range of products including:
• Clear plastic name tag lanyards with graphic designs
• Exercise balls
• Flag football belts
• Floor protection products
• Pruners
• PVC air hose
• Suction hooks
• Tool bags
• Training ropes
• USB cables
• Vinyl/PVC components in audio cables and tool grips
• Waterproof pouches
• Washing machine connectors
In several instances, a ‘clear and reasonable warning’, known as a Prop 65 warning, is acceptable…
Parties Conclude Prop 65 Settlements for Lead in Consumer Products
The second half of 2016 has seen the conclusion of several California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlements relating to lead content, lead migration and/or releasable lead.
These agreements relate to a variety of products, including:
• Books
• Brass cooler drains
• Brass flanges and fittings
• Brass numbers
• Can tap valves
• Craft wires
• Drain grates
• Fuel fittings
• Galvanized steel chain link fence frameworks and gates
• Galvanized wires and fasteners
• Gas stoves with brass valves
• Gas test gauges
• Laundry faucets,
• Leaded ceramic tableware, including, but not limited…
California Proposition 65 Settlements Reached for Consumer Products
During the second quarter of 2016, a variety of California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlements were agreed on a number of different consumer products. In some cases the agreement called for a reformulation, in others, a ‘clear and reasonable warning’, known as a Prop 65 warning, has been allowed.
The settlements require:
• The reformulation of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) to levels ≤ 1000 ppm in vinyl/PVC audio cables
• The…
US State of Maine Proposes Additions to the List of Priority Chemicals for Child …
The US state of Maine has issued a proposal to designate decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) as Priority Chemicals (PC). As designated PC’s, the intentional inclusion of these flame retardants, in certain children’s products, will require reporting to Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The proposal was revealed in October 2016 and, should it be accepted, will require a completely new Chapter, numbered 889, in the ‘Toxic Chemicals in Children’s…
California Proposition 65 Settlements Concluded on Use of DEHP
California has concluded a number of Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlement agreements relating to the use of DEHP in various consumer products. The settlements require DEHP to be reformulated to less than or equal to 0.1%.
The agreements, reached in the second quarter of 2016, relate to several products, including:
• Archery bows
• Booster cable clamps
• Compact mirrors
• Extreme duty tarps
• Exercise armbands
• Eye shadow compacts
• Floor protectors
• Eyelash curlers
• Headphones
• Lanterns
• Nose trimmers and back scratchers
• Pressure washer pump savers
• Stools
• Sports armbands
• Vinyl/PVC components in…
New State-of-the-Art Agriculture and Food Testing Laboratory Opened by SGS in So …
SGS has established a new 2,340 m2 state-of-the-art laboratory in Uiwang City, near Seoul, South Korea. Opened on November 14, 2016, the new laboratory creates a new benchmark standard for food testing and agricultural services in Korea and continues the growth SGS has already achieved in the Korea market.
The new laboratory offers the full-range of testing facilities, including:
• Food chemical testing – e.g. nutrition, vitamins, preservatives and sugars
• Food contaminant testing –…
SGS Establishes Central Asia’s Only ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratory for Cotton …
SGS operates Central Asia’s only cotton yarn testing laboratory with ISO 17025 accreditation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
SGS’s laboratory in Tashkent has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation, making it the only accredited cotton yarn testing facility in Central Asia. ISO 17025 is the benchmark standard for technical competency, demonstrating rigorous testing standards and a meticulous laboratory management system.
As the only ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory in Central Asia, the facility will assist Uzbekistan’s…
Washington State Proposes Changes to the Reporting Rule and List of Chemicals of …
On October 5, 2016, the US state of Washington’s Department of Ecology (DOE) issued proposals to amend the reporting rules for, and make additions and subtractions from, the list of Chemicals of High Concern to Children (CHCC). This is the first step in an extended regulatory process. The final proposed language is expected in January, and an additional public comment period will follow. The DOE is running a lengthy period…
Economic Downturn Affects China’s Minimum Wage
The recent period of economic uncertainty has meant some Chinese local governments have started changing the way they adjust the minimum wage. In some instances, local authorities have started to look at reducing the rate of increase by either, adjusting the minimum wage in smaller increments, or, increasing the period of update from two to three years.
The ‘Provision on Minimum Wage’ law, implemented on May 1, 2004, requires that…
Vietnam Nullifies Regulations on the Use of Azo Dyes and Formaldehyde in Textile …
On October 12, 2016, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade has annulled the rules regarding the use of azo dyes and formaldehyde in textile products.
Effective November 26, 2016, Circular No.23/2016/TT-BCT has nullified Circular No.37/2015/TT-BCT, which stipulated content limits and testing procedures for formaldehyde and banned cleavable aromatic amines from azo dyes in textile products.
For stakeholders, these changes mean textile products sold in the local Vietnamese market will…
HOKLAS Accreditation Puts SGS Lab First For GMO Testing in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) has awarded accreditation to SGS’s food testing. This is the first existing commercial facility laboratory in the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China to get such recognition for its Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) testing services.
The food testing services undertaken by SGS in Hong Kong involve the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to screen a wide variety of foods.…
EU Rules Improve Bunk and High Beds Safety
High beds and bunk beds have more product recalls than any other category of furniture, and the injuries tend to be more critical – even fatal in some cases. During the last seven years, there have been ten product recalls in Europe for this category of furniture. Statistics show that 80% of accidents resulting from the use of high beds and bunk beds involve children under six years of age.…
Five Ways To Reduce Fire Risk in Home Furnishings
Although fire safety may not be the first consideration when consumers buy new home furnishings, manufacturers are realizing that it may be a deciding factor if design, color, style and price are similar. What’s more, of course, it can make the difference between life and death.
Naturally, reputable home furnishing manufacturers use a range of flame retardant materials and components, plus fire safety tests, as part of their product development process.…
Singapore Introduces New RoHS Requirements for Electrical and Electronic Equipme …
Singapore has restricted six substances and their compounds for six categories of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Published on June 1, 2016, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) will come into effect on June 1, 2017.
Singapore’s RoHS applies to the following categories of EEE:
• Mobile phones
• Portable computers
• Refrigerators
• Air conditioners
• Panel televisions
• Washing machines
The new regulations require the following substances and their compounds to be restricted to the following amounts:
• Cadmium and its compounds Less than 0.01%
• Hexavalent…
Japan Harmonizes Clothing Care Symbols with ISO Standards
On December 1, 2016, Japan will harmonize textile and clothing care labels with internationally recognized symbols. Under the Household Products Quality Labelling Law, care labeling standard JIS L0001-2014 will synchronize Japanese clothing labels with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 3758:2012 “Textile – Care Labelling Code Using Symbols”.
The new standard includes five basic textile care symbols, which will be displayed in the order of washing, bleaching, ironing and professional textile care…
Spotlight on Hong Kong’s Fire Doors
Following several fire-related incidents in Hong Kong, the effectiveness of fire-resistant doors has come under greater scrutiny. Fire doors are one of the key defences against the spreading of fire and smoke and must comply with the necessary standards.
Body text:
Hong Kong's Fire Services Department (FSD) stipulates that the construction and materials used for fire prevention must be tested in accordance with BS 476 and certified as being capable of resisting…
SGS Develops Testing Service for Silicone-Based Dry-Cleaning
SGS has developed a new garment silicone-based dry-cleaning testing service. Working with GreenEarth Cleaning LLC to create the service, the new test can assess the appearance, dimensional stability and hand feel of the garment following washing in the environmentally friendly dry-cleaning system.
Traditional dry-cleaning systems use a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene - ‘perc’. This chemical is now classified as a hazardous substance. The US Enivronmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists ‘perc’…
EU Publishes Proposal to Restrict PFOA under Annex XVII of REACH
The European Union (EU) has announced its intention to regulate perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), its salts and other PFOA-related substances in a wide variety of products and applications. If the measures are approved, they will begin implementation, under Annex XVII of REACH, in 2020.
PFOA is identified as a persistent, bioaccummulative and toxic substance (PBT). Since June 2013, it has been on the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)…
Cradle to Cradle Product Certification: A Process Overview
To address the growing demand for quality products that are safer for users and the environment, more and more manufacturers are ensuring that they’re creating Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products.
This certification is having an impact upon several product categories, including the built environment, beauty and personal care, apparel, furniture, and home and office supplies.
The five levels of certification (basic, bronze, silver, gold and platinum) have a set of requirements…
ISO 17025 Accreditation For SGS’s Food Laboratory in Colombia
In Bogota, Colombia, SGS’s food testing and analysis lab is recognized for its competence to carry out tests, analyses and sampling.
Colombia’s national accreditation body, ONAC, a recognized member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) has granted ISO 17025 accreditation to SGS’s food testing and analysis laboratory in Bogota. This accreditation reinforces to SGS’s clients that the company continues to maintain high levels of competence in its performance that they…
SGS Receives Outstanding Customer Feedback for Baseefa Certification
SGS has received outstanding feedback on its hazardous area equipment certification services in a recent customer survey, with 95% of customers declaring themselves pleased with the service they have received. Two clear terms dominated the feedback – ‘helpful’ and ‘knowledgeable’. Most respondents felt that these two traits best summed up the service they received from SGS.
When certification must be carried out on equipment in hazardous areas, it can be…
Turkey Begins Harmonizing Toy Safety Regulations with European Standards
Turkey has published a new set of Toy Safety Regulations, Oyuncak Güvenliği Yönetmeliği, bringing them into line with European Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (TSD). Published on October 4, 2016, under Number 29847 in the Resmi Gazete, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, the new regulation is enforced by the Minister of Customs and Trade and will become effective on April 4, 2017.
The new law introduces several important…
Webinars: Keep Up To Date With Toy & Juvenile Product Regulations
Join one of SGS’s complimentary webinars to help manufacturers stay compliant with regulatory changes affecting toys and juvenile products, between now and the end of the year. These online seminars will give participants a better understanding of, and insights into, market trends.
Chemicals Safety for Toys Entering the EU Market
November 15, 2016
This webinar will bring you the latest regulatory news on chemicals and their regulation as applicable to toys for…
SGS Publishes White Paper on Household Appliances Pollution Regulations
As the number and variety of pollutants and hazardous substances increase, both at home and at work, so does the range of cleaning products and appliances designed to help to reduce and minimize their impact on everyday life. SGS has published a white paper to help electrical and electronic products manufacturers navigate this complex regulatory landscape.
Consumer concerns and increased market surveillance mean that the issue needs addressing. In this white…
Learn How to Mitigate Chemical Risk and Meet Brand Expectations in Textiles and …
Managing hazardous substances along the textile and leather supply chains is no longer optional. Brands and consumers want to know what chemicals have been used, how they have been managed and any risks mitigated. SGS’s Hazard Substance Control (HSC) Workshops enable industry professionals to mitigate chemical risk and meet brand expectations.
It takes more than 40 types of chemicals to turn cotton from its raw state into the finished product; more…
Join SGS Experts at CFSI 016
Join SGS experts Christine Cherevko and Mike Turner at this year’s Conflict Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) conference in Santa Clara, to learn about the company’s important new conflict mineral audit program.
Conflict Mineral Audit and Report expert Christine Cherevko, and Mike Turner, EICC Smelter expert, will be available throughout the event, to discuss your issues and offer advice. Meetings can be booked in advance, simply contact the team by emailing uscts.inquiries@sgs.com.
CFSI…
California Updates Prop 65 Labeling Requirements
On August 30, 2016, the Office of Administrative Law approved the adoption of a new set of rules regarding the language requirements for clear and reasonable warnings under California Proposition 65 (Prop 65). The changes, originally proposed in January 2016 by the Office of Health Hazard assessment (OEHHA), will come into effect on August 30, 2018. Until that time, both the old and new warning language will be acceptable for…
CARB Approved TPC Bodies Can Provide Certification on New US Formaldehyde Emissi …
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the new rules on formaldehyde emissions for manmade wood products. Under the new regulations, Third Party Certification (TPC) bodies currently approved to provide certification for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) formaldehyde standards will be entitled to provide certification for the new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) formaldehyde emissions standard. Permission will be granted for a period of two years without the…
