Press Releases from SGS (485 total)
European Union Requests Comments on Three Potential SVHCs
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) begun its first public consultation of the year on March 13, 2019. The consultation is looking at the proposal to classify three substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
The three substances under consultation are:
1. 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid, its salts and its acyl halides (covering all individual isomers and combinations)
2. 2-methoxyethyl acetate
3. Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite (TNPP) with ≥ 0.1% w/w of 4-nonylphenol, branched and linear (4-NP)
The first…
WTO Circulates Thai Proposal to Introduce Mandatory Standard for Certain Food Co …
Thailand has issued proposals to introduce a mandatory standard for food contact materials and articles made from thermoset plastics derived from formaldehyde.
Circulated via the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the draft standard, designated TIS 2921-25XX(20XX), will cover the follow resins if adopted:
• Melamine-formaldehyde (MF)
• Melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF)
• Urea-formaldehyde (UF)
Amongst other things, the draft standard covers:
• Scope and definitions
• Physical requirements
• Requirements for:
o Overall migration - ≤ 10 mg/dm² using EN 1186 Parts 3 and 9
o Formaldehyde (specific…
Are you sitting comfortably? Join SGS’s webinar and discover EN 1022 – the s …
SGS will host a free webinar on March 28, 2019 to explore Europe’s seat stability test method – EN 1022:2018 – and its updates.
What does the new edition mean for your products?
Priscille Galceran, SGS’s International Furniture Technical and Business Manager, will host this event and open your eyes to the changes, in just 15 minutes. She will guide the audience through the applicability of EN 1022:2018, key modifications through…
CEN Publishes New Standard for Antimicrobials in Food Contact Paper and Board
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) issued an updated version of its standard for determining the transfer of antimicrobial constituents from paper and board materials and articles intended for food contact in November 2018.
EN 1104:2018 ‘Paper and board intended to come into contact with foodstuffs – Determination of the transfer of antimicrobial constituents’, replaces EN 1104:2005. It contains several changes, including:
• New definition for ‘Inhibition Zone’ – now defined…
EU ADCO Issues Clarification that Soft Filled Toys with Sequins Should Be Age Gr …
The European Union (EU) Administrative Cooperation Group (ADCO) of toy experts has clarified the need for soft filled toys covered either fully or partially with sequins, to comply with the requirements for age grading.
Directive 2009/48/EC, often referred to as the European Toy Safety Directive (TSD), considers soft filled toys with simple features intended for holding and cuddling, to be toys aimed at children under 3 years of age. The publishing…
BIFMA Updates Standard for Office Storage Units – BIFMA X5.9
On February 7, 2019, the Business Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) released a new version of its storage unit standard – BIFMA X5.9. The updated version replaces the previous 2012 version and is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
BIFMA X5.9 provides a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability and structural performance of storage units used in offices. It defines specific tests, laboratory equipment, conditions of test, and…
Understanding Antimicrobial Treated Textile Product Registration in Canada and t …
Antimicrobial technologies are utilized for a variety of purposes, including extending a consumer product’s durability, shelf-life or claimed public health benefits. In the textile industry, these are used to create a biologically active surface that improves freshness, supports hygiene and increases odor control.
Because these substances are often regulated, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure they understand the registration criteria employed in Canada and the United States of America.
Health Canada’s Pest…
US Jurisdictions Introduce Bills to Prohibit BPA in Certain Consumer Products
Since the start of 2019, several jurisdictions in the US have introduced bills to regulate bisphenol A (BPA), or BPA-analogues, in some consumer goods. The range of affected consumer products includes childcare articles, food containers for young children, paper and toys.
The jurisdictions, scope and effective dates are:
• Hawaii - HB 139 (HD1) ‘Toxin-Free Keiki Act’
o Reusable food/drink containers for children under 3, January 1, 2021
• Illinois - HB 2076
o Paper for business…
Canadian Province of Manitoba Repeals Regulation for Bedding, Upholstered and St …
On January 24, 2019, the provincial government of Manitoba in Canada announced it will repeal the Bedding and other Upholstered or Stuffed Articles Regulation, 78/2004. The revocation will become effective on January 1, 2020.
The change means, from January 1, 2020, manufacturers, renovators, home hobby/craft operators and other person subject to the regulation, will no longer need to register with the Consumer Protection Office or label their products per the Bedding…
SGS Helps Clothing Manufacturers Prove Sustainability to Consumers with the Higg …
Manufacturers and suppliers of clothing can no longer ignore the demand from consumers for sustainable production methods. To help stakeholders, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) released the third iteration of its Higg Index Facility Environmental Module (FEM) in 2017. The Higg Index FEM helps businesses assess their environmental sustainability. In 2018, the SAC also released the Facilities Social and Labour Module (FSLM) allowing businesses to assess their social performance.
The dominance…
ISO Updates Standard for Phthalates in Toys and Children’s Products – ISO 81 …
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 8124-6:2018 in November 2018. This second edition of the standard covering the use of phthalates in toys and children’s products, replaced ISO 8124-6:2014 upon publication.
ISO expanded the ISO 8124 series of standards for toy safety in 2014 to include a methodology for the determination of six phthalates. These were:
• Benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP)
• Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
• Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
• Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)
ISO 8124-6:2018…
Lead Acetate Banned as a Hair Coloring Additive in the United States
The United States has banned the use of lead acetate in cosmetic products intended for coloring hair. The change of rule follows current data that shows lead acetate is unsafe when used in this capacity.
The decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) follows a petition dated February 24, 2017. The new rule then became effective on December 3, 2018. The industry now has a period of 12…
EU Updates Regulations Covering Food Contact Plastics
The European Union (EU) has published a revision to Regulation (EU) 10/2011, its controls covering food contact plastics. The modification was published as Regulation (EU) 2019/37 on January 11, 2019.
Among other requirements, the update includes:
• Table 1 of Annex I – four substances replaced and three added to the list of authorized substances
• Table 2 of Annex I – one completely new entry for a group restriction of three substances –…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Understand Global Initiatives to Reduce Single-use Plast …
Goal 14 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals is the requirement to find ways to conserve our seas and only find sustainable ways to exploit them. Recognition of the damage ‘single-use’ plastics are doing to our oceans suggests achieving this goal is a long way off. SGS helps explain the problem and some of the global initiatives being enforced to protect our waters.
It was estimated the global production of…
SGS Helps Companies Access the Growing Global Market for Halal Cosmetics
Global demand for halal cosmetics is rising. Dominated by the Asia-Pacific, Middle-east and African markets, this type of cosmetic product appeals not only to the Muslim Community but also people who see halal cosmetics as wholesome. Many people see ‘halal’ as a comparable term to ‘vegan’ or ‘organic’, because the terms offers assurances that a product is safe and has been manufactured to high and specific quality standards.
It is…
SGS Reminds Gas Appliance Manufacturers of the Importance of Understanding Targe …
SGS is reminding manufacturers and suppliers of gas appliances of the importance of understanding and complying with the correct legal requirements for their target market.
The profusion of different gas appliances available on the market, from heaters and hobs to camping stoves and boilers, demonstrates the functionality of a fuel-type which is easy to use, cleaner than traditional fire and more responsive than electric. Gas is, however, dangerous. Functionality is,…
SGS Helps Businesses Understand the Promotion of Gender Equality Via Social Audi …
In September 2018, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) published “Gender Equality in Social Auditing Guidance”. It identified the process of auditing as a primary conduit for promoting gender equality in the workplace.
Roughly 105,000 audits are conducted every day. Each is an opportunity to promote gender equality in the workplaces of global supply chains. With this in mind, BSR states that each of the roughly 2,500 auditors around the world can…
SGS Helps Textile Manufacturers Understand and Improve Their Use of Hazardous Ch …
SGS offers assistance to textile manufacturers looking to reduce their reliance on hazardous chemicals. Through hazardous substances control workshops and other services, they provide companies with the right knowledge to achieve compliance with regulations while maintaining competitive advantage and building better reputations.
Textile production uses around 9.3 million metric tons of chemicals a year and the harmful effects of this are now being fully recognized. The French Agency for Food, Environmental…
SGS Explains the Reasons for the Delay in Adopting IEC 60601-1, 3.1 edition for …
Towards the end of 2018, official sources in China reported that there was finally movement towards the adoption of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC 60601-1, 3.1 edition. Going further, one officer even suggested that the Chinese version, GB 9706.1:20xx, would be published sometime in 2019. SGS expert, Gavin-Y Yin, explains why there has been such a long delay.
China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) currently accepts GB 9706.1:2007, analogous to…
Fifteen Chinese Cities or Provinces Update Monthly Minimum Wages in 2018
Figures from China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Ministry of Human Resource and Social Security show that fifteen provinces or cities updated their monthly minimum wage standard in 2018. This includes five that have increased by more than CNY 200, which are:
1. Guangdong
2. Hainan
3. Sichuan
4. Guangxi
5. Xizang
These updates mean, by December 2018, six of 31 territories in China will have a minimum wage standard greater than CNY 2000. These are:
1. Shanghai
2. Beijing
3. Guangdong
4. Tianjin
5. Suzhou
6. Zhejiang
In addition, Chongqing formally implemented…
SGS Informs Manufacturers of the EU’s Restriction on o-phenylphenol and its Sa …
On November 27, 2018, the European Commission issued new restrictions on the use of o-phenylphenol and its salts in cosmetic products. Regulation (EU) 2018/1847 enters into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The restrictions follow opinion SCCS/1555/15 of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) that highlighted the potential risk to the vision system presented by the presence of o-phenylphenol. In addition, opinion…
SGS Installs State-of-the-Art Freezer at Explosive Atmosphere Testing Facility i …
SGS has announced the installation of a state-of-the-art freezer chamber at its Ex testing laboratory in Buxton, Derbyshire. The new freezer is capable of operating down to -70°C and is large enough to contain bulky equipment, such as a 630 frame-size motor, rated at 3 MW. The new testing chamber will allow the motor to be switched on and rotated at full speed, in extreme climatic conditions, before an explosive…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Understand North American Regulations on Flame Retardant …
Indiana University recently identified new or traditional flame retardant (FR) chemicals in fifteen of the eighteen children’s car seats they tested. The fact these articles are used in poorly ventilated environments by young children has again raised concerns about the use of FRs in consumer products.
FRs are a diverse group of chemicals that are used in a wide variety of contexts, including building materials, coatings and finishes, foam materials such…
Ontario Improves Competitiveness in Upholstered and Stuffed Article Sector by Re …
The provincial government of Ontario, Canada, has published an act entitled – Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018. The act contains over thirty proposed actions across eleven Ministries. These include proposals that will eliminate regulatory and licensing requirements for upholstered and stuffed articles.
The act aims to reduce business costs and eliminate trade barriers via regulatory changes. It was approved on December 10, 2018, thereby removing all Ontario-specific requirements for upholstered and…
Turkey Introduces Regulations on POP Chemicals
Turkey has introduced regulations covering the use of persistent organic pollutant (POP) chemicals (kalici organic kirleticiler (KOK) in Turkish). The new legislation seeks to:
• Prohibit their manufacture, sale, distribution or use
• Eliminate or restrict their use
• Minimize their emission
• Manage their waste
To cover this, the regulation includes seven annexes for the management of POP chemicals:
• Annex 1 ‘Prohibited substances list
• Annex 2 ‘Restricted on its own, in mixtures or articles’
• Annex 3 ‘List of substances subject to…
New Voluntary Standard for Food Contact Enamels Published by ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a completely new voluntary standard for testing vitreous and porcelain enamels that come into contact with food.
Published in September 2018, the new standard – ISO 4531:2018 – replaces ISO 4531-1:1998 and ISO 4531-2:1998. It contains, amongst other provisions, the following requirements:
• Defining test conditions (temperature and time) for products intended for the following applications:
o Room temperature only
o Hot fills
o Grills and barbecues (short exposures)
o High…
Hong Kong Consults on Changes to Safety Standards for Toys and Children’s Prod …
Stakeholders have until December 31, 2018, to comment on proposals by the Hong Kong authorities to update safety standards for certain toys and children’s products.
The consultation was launched on December 1, 2018. It proposes the adoption of five categories of Schedule 2 products and up-to-date versions of international toy safety standards.
The five categories of Schedule 2 products are:
• Children’s safety barriers for domestic use
• Children’s cots for domestic use
• Children’s high chairs and…
China Updates its Standard for Wool Trousers and Skirts – GB/T 2666-2017
The National Technical Committee of Garments of the Standardization Administration of China has released a new version of its product standard for trousers and skirts – GB/T 2666-2017.
The standard covers trousers and skirts that are made from:
• Pure wool
• Wool blended and interweaved
• Wool-like woven textile materials
The standard does not apply to garments aimed at children aged below 36 months.
The primary technical changes include alterations to the:
• Applicable scope of the standard
• Normative references
• Instruction…
Sign Up to the latest ‘Toy Updates’ e-newsletter from SGS
The December issue of ‘Toy Updates’ from SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is out now.
Aimed at toy manufacturers, retailers and importers, this bi-monthly e-newsletter aims to help ensure the industry is best placed to comply with relevant regulations and quality standards, such as the new EU toy directive and the US Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSIA).
Written by SGS’s Toy Team, this latest issue:
• Explores the requirements…
Europe Issues Revised Seat Stability Test Method Standard EN 1022
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published a revised version of EN 1022, its furniture seating standard to determine stability. The new version, EN 1022:2018, was published on November 14, 2018, and it replaces EN 1022:2005.
The previous version of the standard related only to all seats, except work office seats. The updated version merges the work/office standard with all other seating test standards. It therefore also supersedes EN…
ISO Creates New Migration Limits for Finger Paints with Amendment 2 to ISO 8124- …
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published amendment 2 to ISO 8124-3:2010 - Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements.
The updated standard considered special exposure conditions for finger paints and has expanded the number of toy material categories from two to three. The previous two categories remain unchanged:
• Toy material other than modeling clay and finger paint
• Modelling clay
The new category is for finger paint, which has…
Saudi Arabia Introduces New Technical Regulations for Textile Products
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new ‘Technical Regulations for Textile Products’ will be implemented on February 23, 2019. The new regulations – 13.02.1439H – (24.8.2018) – were published on August 24, 2018.
Issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), the new technical regulations for textile products define the basic requirements for textile products and determine the assessment procedures a supplier must adhere to before placing a textile product…
SGS in Hong Kong secures long-term capability to Certify Composite Wood Products …
SGS in Hong Kong is proud to announce that it has become the first Third-Party Certifier (TPC) to be accredited by the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) – an award which secures its long-term capability for the testing and certification of composite wood products for the US market.
The Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) is an Accreditation Body (AB) recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide services under…
China Introduces Mandatory Standard for Synthetic Sports Surfaces Used in School …
China has introduced a mandatory standard for synthetic surfaces used in school sports venues. Since November 1, 2018, the standard – GB 36246-2018 – has been compulsory for all synthetic sports surfaces used in primary and secondary schools.
Initially published in May 2018, GB 36246-2018 ‘Sports areas with synthetic surfaces for primary and middle schools’ replaces the recommended but voluntary standard GB/T 19851.11-2005 ‘Sports equipment and playground for middle school…
SGS Explains Obligations Under EU Machinery Directive to Manufacturers of Electr …
In July 2017, new guidance for the application of the European Union’s (EU) Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC was published. This resulted in electrically actuated motorized domestic furniture being identified as coming under the scope of the Directive, meaning electrical furniture must now carry the CE mark to access European markets.
The EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC was passed by the European Parliament and Council in 2006. It has been amended several times,…
Seychelles Issues Proposal to Ban Plastic Straws from January 1, 2019
The Republic of Seychelles has issued proposals to amend its Environmental Protection Act, 2016 (Act 18 of 2016), and prohibit the use of plastic straws. If accepted, the new prescribed standards would require the use of biodegradable forms of these products.
The island nation of Seychelles is undertaking a major push to reduce the amount of plastic waste it produces. Previously, in July 2017, it prohibited the use of plastic bags,…
Launch of authentication solutions from SGS Brand Protection & OpSec partnership
A new partnership between SGS Brand Protection & OpSec aims to help consumer product companies crack down on counterfeiting and protect their brands.
The partnership’s new authentication service utilizes advanced technology to ensure safety and quality throughout distribution and supply chains. A broad sector of organizations stand to benefit from the new service which is supported by on-site audit, inspection, sample collection and testing services.
As the world’s leading inspection, auditing…
Canada Introduces Blanket Ban on Asbestos
Canada has published two pieces of legislation that will amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), and will effectively introduce a blanket ban on asbestos.
Published in Part II of the Canada Gazette in October 2018, the two pieces of legislation are:
• Prohibition of Asbestos and Products Containing Asbestos Regulations SOR/2018-196 (the Regulations)
• Order Amending Schedule 3 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: SOR/2018-193 (the Order)
SOR/2018-196 effectively prohibits…
SGS Reminds Apparel, Footwear and Home Textile Manufacturers of the Value of Hig …
In November 2017, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) released Higg Index Facilities Environmental Module (FEM) Version 3. This contains several updates, including:
• Applicability test in water use, wastewater, air emissions and chemical management sections
• Facilities must complete Level 1 to unlock Levels 2 and 3
• ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), OIA and SAC chemical management are integrated into the seven sections of V3
The Higg Index has been created by SAC, a…
SGS Helps Manufacturers with New European Standards for Children’s Textile Sle …
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published three new standards designed to improve safety in the children’s sleep environment. Published in August 2018, the new voluntary standards are:
• EN 16779-1:2018 – children’s cot duvets
• EN 16780: 2018 – children’s cot bumpers
• EN 16781: 2018 – children’s sleep bags for use in a cot
The Decision of the European Commission, 2010/372/EU, stated:
“Articles shall not jeopardize the safety or health of children when they are…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Understand Laboratory Accelerated Aging Techniques for O …
Outdoor space is increasingly becoming part of the everyday living environment. Sales in outdoor furniture are growing steadily – predicted to reach USD 1,600 million by the end of 2022. For manufacturers, this represents a significant business opportunity, if they can show their products are resistant to the negative effects of weathering.
At the same time as this increasing demand for outdoor furniture, it is predicted that Millennials, defined as aged…
SGS Help Textile Businesses Understand China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative
China’s President Xi Jinping proposed the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative in 2013, bringing together the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road into one global trade and development initiative. It was designed to foster connectivity and cooperation between China and the rest of Eurasia, linking East Asia’s vibrant economic circle with the developed economies of Europe and giving countries along the routes the opportunity to benefit from…
SGS Invests in Textile Testing Labs in Tunisia to Meet Customer Demand
SGS the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company has completed a major expansion of its textile testing facilities in Tunis, Tunisia.
SGS carried out the expansion of its facilities, situated in the heart of Tunisia’s industrial zone, during 2018 in response to growing customer demand. Its textile laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and CPSC approved and, since 2009, SGS has been serving the needs of Tunisia’s domestic clients as…
US State of Delaware Introduces Restriction on Lead-based Paints for Outdoor Str …
The state of Delaware has become the first jurisdiction in the United States to restrict the use of lead in paints and similar surface coating materials for outdoor structures.
The Governor of Delaware signed bill ‘HB 456’ on August 29, 2018, thereby amending the Delaware Code. The new law goes beyond the current Federal restrictions - 16 CFR 1303 ‘Ban of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint’ –…
US State of Oregon Updates Toxic-Free Kids Rule
The US state of Oregon has published two Permanent Administrative Orders (PAO) that amend its ‘Toxic-Free Kids Act’. These are (with effective date):
• PH 252-2018 ‘Chemicals of High Concern to Children’ - January 1, 2019
• PH 253-2018 ‘Notification Requirements’ - October 1, 2018
Oregon signed the ‘Toxic-Free Kids Act’ into law in 2015. It authorizes the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to establish and maintain a list of High Priority Chemicals of Concern for…
South Korea Issues Proposals to Amend Food Contact Standards
On August 21, 2018, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued proposals to update its food contact standards, including a prohibition on the use of three phthalates in products for infants and young children.
Issued as Advance Notice Number 2018-368 and then circulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on September 4, 2018, attached to document number 18-5537 and notified under G/SPS/N/KOR/614, the proposals would make several major changes…
SGS Helps Mobile Device Manufacturers Get Ready for 5G
Expected to hit the market in 2019/2020, 5G is the next evolution in mobile wireless technology. It will move beyond 4G mobile internet, facilitating the world of the internet of things (IoT). Alongside greater speed, the new wireless networks will permit communication between a wide range of smart devices and thereby create a massive IoT ecosystem.
To benefit from the introduction of this new technology, manufacturers must ensure their products are…
SGS Keeps Manufacturers Up-to-Date with Europe’s New Medical Device Regulation …
The European Union’s new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745 came into force on May 26, 2017, superseding Medical Device Directive (MDD) 93/42/EC. This began a three-year transition period, meaning all new devices, their manufacturers and other stakeholders in the field must meet the requirements of the MDR by May 26, 2020.
During the transition period Notified Bodies (NB) may grant device certification according to the MDD. The certificates are valid for…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Understand International Rules on the Use of BPA in Food …
Authorities around the world have recognized the harmful effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), especially when used in food contact materials and articles (FCM). To prevent harm to consumers many jurisdictions now regulate BPA in FCM, meaning it is important for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to understand the relevant laws that apply to their target markets.
BPA is an industrial chemical used primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate (PC) plastics and…
SGS Introduces Fast Battery Testing Solution to China with BATAS
SGS has introduced its Battery Testing Automatic System (BATAS) into Chinese laboratories to help manufacturers ensure their batteries are reliable, perform well, and are safe.
The rapid growth experienced in IT technologies, especially for products such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, has led to a comparable expansion in the demand for testing and certification services for consumer batteries. Currently, the market is growing at around 20% per year. In 2016…
