Press Releases from SGS (485 total)
SGS Joins Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Program
(Geneva, October 26, 2016) Today, SGS is pleased to announce it is joining the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Program and in doing so, supports the Program’s vision of widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry and best practices in the textile and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment.
SGS commits to working collaboratively on this task and towards the milestones set in the Program’s Joint Roadmap through active…
EU Signals Changes to List of SVHCs under REACH
The European Union (EU) has signaled its intention to expand the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) under the Annex XIV ‘Authorization List’ of REACH. If the draft document is adopted, the list of SVHCs in REACH, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, will be increased to 43 entries.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated notification number G/TBT/N/EU/407, announcing the EU’s intentions, on September 21, 2016.…
Voluntary Safety Standard for Liquid Laundry Packets Published by ASTM
ASTM International has published a standard for liquid laundry packets. The standard details labeling, warning statements, specifications and testing methods for determining: content retention, force compression, and the presence of aversive agents in the soluble film.
The key points of the new standard are:
• It applies exclusively to household liquid laundry detergent packets
• Packaging should be opaque or otherwise mask the visibility of the packets. Graphics that make the packaging appear translucent or…
EU Signals Intention to Amend CLP Regulations on Substances and Mixtures
The European Union has announced it is seeking to amend the regulations regarding Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation). On August 22, 2016, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated notification G/TBT/N/EU/400, in the form of notification attachments 16_3411_00_e and 16_3411_01_e to WTO document 16-4467.
The proposed amendments include the following changes to Table 3 in Annex VI:
• The addition of 24 new entries
• Amendments to 13 existing substances and…
Changes in the Art World: ICEFAT Interviews SGS Art Expert Yan Walther
In a new interview with Chris Kneale from ICEFAT, SGS’s art services expert Yan Walther discusses the important changes he has seen in the art world during the last seven years.
Foremost in this discussion is the shift away from solitary in-house art specialists towards teams of professional independent third-party experts, using cutting-edge technology as a standard part of due diligence for artworks. SGS, with over 138 years of experience…
SGS Installs New Testing Equipment For Furniture In Vietnam Lab
New durability testing equipment has been installed at the SGS testing laboratory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This means that the lab can measure the strength and durability of seating (including backrests and armrests) according to the following EN standards:
• EN 12520: Furniture: strength, durability and safety requirements for domestic seating
• EN 581-2: Outdoor furniture: seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use — Part 2: safety, strength and durability…
Formulating Cosmetics For Multiple Markets
With all the regulatory information and expertise available, it’s worth considering the destination markets where you want to sell a product as the basis for the formulation you use.
For example, when formulating products destined for the US market, you should consider the demands of federal and state legislation – in as many states as you want to sell into. If California is one of them, you need to know if…
US Retailers Contravene Fur Products Labeling Act
Several major retailers in the United States have been found in violation of the Fur Products Labeling Act and the Textile Fiber Identification Act. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) brought to light these contraventions after they discovered a number of instances of real fur items being advertised or labelled as ‘faux fur’. They are now petitioning the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to bring enforcement actions under federal consumer protection laws.
Under US law,…
US CPSC Proposes New Standard for Baby Changing Products
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a draft notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) relating to safety standards for baby changing products. Issued on August 17, 2016, the proposal seeks to amend 16 CFR part 1112 to include 16 CFR part 1236 in the list of notice of requirements (NORs), issued by the Commission.
The proposed rule is for baby changing products and includes changing tables and other changing…
US Executive Order On Curbing Human Trafficking
The term “human trafficking” covers “the act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.”
The requirements of the Executive Order are (along with the anti-trafficking provisions of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act) reflected in the 2015 amendments to the anti-trafficking provisions in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.222-50: Combating Trafficking in…
Which Clothes Burn Faster?
For example, would you expect your own jacket to protect you from fire in the same way as a fire fighter’s uniform? What level of safety from fire would you hope that your clothing provides?
In the US, there are regulatory requirements for the flammability of textile clothing and yet Canada and some European countries have different regulations.
The US market has stringent flammability requirements for general wearing apparel, but…
EU – ECHA Consults on a Further Six Potential SVHCs
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on six potential Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Initiated on September 6, 2016, interested parties have until October 21, 2016, to submit comments and further information on the use, exposure, alternatives and risks of the substances to the ECHA.
The six proposed SVHCs are:
• 4,4’-Isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol A)
• 4-Heptylphenol, branched and linear
• 4-tert-butylphenol
• Benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2-anhydride (trimellitic anhydride)
• Nonadecafluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and its sodium and ammonium…
SGS Brings A Game Changing Solution To The Monitoring Of Artwork Conservation Gl …
As part of its thriving art services business, SGS, the global leader in the inspection, verification, testing and certification provides the world’s galleries, fine art logistic companies, museums, auction houses, private collectors and other owners of artwork with comprehensive condition reports on artworks. With a game changing standardized system built on a global network of accredited art conservators, proprietary software and rigorous museum level procedures, SGS brings a previously unknown…
Natural Le Coultre Interviews SGS Art Services Expert Yan Walther
In a wide-ranging interview with Natural Le Coultre, Yan Walther provides an overview of SGS’s services for the art industry and encapsulates what SGS’s 138 years of experience, as the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, bring to the art market.
SGS’s use of cutting-edge technology to prepare condition reports and provide scientific analysis of artworks has received a positive reaction from the art world. By creating systematic,…
Continuous Product Improvement, By Design
The framework provides the principles to design eco-effective solutions using safer materials, which can continue to be cycled back to the technical or biological ecosystems. The first of these uses inorganic or synthetic man-made nutrients that can be used many times without loss of quality. The biological ecosystem uses materials that can decompose into the natural environment, without causing any damage to it.
Biological and Technological Ecosystems
Driving change across the whole…
Age Grading For Toys Gains Global Acceptance
For many years, the toy industry and its regulators have tried to align standards such as CEN 71 and ASTM F963 into ISO 8124 – a global standard for many aspects of toy safety. And now there’s been a partial breakthrough.
Although not completely successful yet, ISO 8124 Part 8: Age Determination Guidelines1 has harmonized these standards. It will now act as a baseline from which to focus efforts on applying…
Monitoring Supply Chains To Prevent Slavery
In today’s globalized economy, all companies need to monitor their supply chains at home and abroad to ensure that nobody is being exploited or otherwise subjected to modern forms of slavery. In addition to the humanitarian and corporate social responsibility aspects of slavery, there is a huge commercial risk for organizations too. This ranges from a failure to satisfy legislative requirements and consumers’ ethical expectations through to the associated fines,…
How To Make Furniture More Stable And Help Reduce Risks
Furniture manufacturers who want to sell their products in the US and Europe (and worldwide) need to better understand the differing regulatory landscapes:
USA: Voluntary standards and some legal limits
While US standards are voluntary, furniture manufacturers must still ensure their products comply with the Consumer Product Safety Act and be safe under reasonable, foreseeable use. According to the standard, tip-over restraints used on the product have to fulfill ASTM F3096, and…
Improving Jewelry Safety In All Markets?
Jewelry products can be manufactured from a range of materials such as ceramics, crystals, enamels, glass, leather, metals and metal alloys. Jewelry can also feature paints and other surface coating materials and polymers.
In recent years, the issue of dangerous chemicals in jewelry products has resulted in adverse media coverage, formal investigations and market surveillance activities, as well as legislation. For example, the European Commission’s 2015 Rapid Alert System annual report…
SGS Art Services Expand to Provide Global Service
From New York to London, Paris, Geneva, Brussels and Luxembourg, SGS’s art services, dedicated to supporting collectors and collections of fine art are expanding. Clients can now access SGS’s art condition reporting, technical examination and analysis, due diligence and inventory services worldwide.
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is the first independent art services provider to offer standardized condition reporting, wherever the client, or artwork, is based.…
European Commission Updates Regulations for Titanium Dioxide in Cosmetics
Effective August 2, 2016, the European Commission has authorized the use of Titanium Dioxide (nano) as a UV filter at a maximum concentration of 25% by weight. At the same time, its usage is prohibited when the application may lead to exposure to the end-user’s lung by inhalation.
The European Commission published these new regulations on July 13, 2016 in Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1143, amending Annex VI of Regulation (EC)…
European Commission Amends Regulations on Nano Carbon Black in Cosmetics
Effective July 31, 2016, the European Commission has authorized the use of Carbon Black (nano) (CI 77266) as a colorant to a maximum concentration of 10% by weight. In addition, the use of Carbon Black (nano) is prohibited when its use may lead to exposure to the end-user’s lungs by inhalation.
On July 11, 2016 The European Commission published Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1120, amending Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No.…
EU Lowers Toy Migration Limits for Lead
The European Union (EU) has confirmed it intends to lower the permissible migration limits for lead in all three toy material categories by 6 to 7-fold. The new limits will be issued under the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (TSD) and are expected to come into effect in the third quarter of 2018.
Under the amended regulation, the migration limits for lead will drop in all three categories of toy material.…
EU Changes Food Contact Plastics Regulations
On August 25, 2016, the European Union (EU) issued (EU) 2016/1416, making significant changes to its regulations regarding ‘Food Contact Plastics’. The new regulation amends the previous regulation, (EU) 10/2011.
Modifications include:
• Amending and expanding the list of authorised substances
• Assigning food simulants for migration tests for ‘fresh or chilled fruit’ and ‘fresh or chilled vegetables’ (Annex III, point 3, Table 2 ‘Food category specific assignment of food simulants’)
• Expanding the list of…
Canada Updates Regulations Regarding Phthalates in Vinyl Toys and Child Care Art …
On June 22, 2016, Canada registered new Phthalates Regulations (SOR/2016-188) and repealed the Phthalates Regulations (SOR/2010-298). The new regulations, relating to phthalates in vinyl toys and child care articles, contain a number of editorial changes, but effectively remain unchanged in regard to technical requirements. This means, the scope of products and allowable limits for the six restricted phthalates remain unaffected.
The new regulation, SOR/2016-188, has:
• Deleted the ‘Authorization’ section relating to the…
SGS To Exhibit At Kind und Jugend 2016
SGS will be on booth I-054 (Hall 11.1) at this year’s “Kind + Jugend” exhibition, the self-styled “trade show for kids’ first years” (September 15-18, Cologne, Germany). Our experts will be available to discuss the safety requirements and regulations applicable to childcare articles, children's equipment and children’s furniture.
SGS offers physical/mechanical tests, chemical tests, flammability tests, packaging evaluations, labeling reviews, social audits and inspections on a range of relevant products…
US CPSC Proposes Mandatory Phthalate Testing Exemption for Certain Plastics
On August 17, 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) relating to the requirement for third party testing for phthalates in specific types of plastic. The CPSC has now given stakeholders a period of 75 days to comment on the proposals before a final rule is made.
Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), manufacturers and importers of childcare articles and…
US Enacts New Energy Conservation Regulations for Battery Chargers
The US Department for Energy (DOE) has published the final rule regarding energy conservation in battery chargers. From June 13, 2018, all battery chargers manufactured within, or imported into, the USA, must comply with standard 10 CFR Part 430 – “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers”.
The new standard, enacted on August 12, 2016, anticipates the preexisting state regulations in Oregon and California and provides a breakdown…
Industry Associations Response to EU RoHS ‘Pack 9’ Exemption Recommendations
On July 20, 2016, the Cross-industry Project, ‘the Umbrella Project’, released its initial response to recommendations made regarding the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) ‘Pack 9’ Exemptions. The recommendations were made by Eunomia Research & Consulting, Oeko-Institut and Frauhofer Institute IZM, following the submission of twelve exemptions for renewal and/or rewording, received by the EU in January 2015.
The Umbrella Project’s response, entitled “RoHS “Pack 9” Exemptions Assessment Report –…
New Standard for Leather Shoes in China
On March 1, 2016, China implemented a new standard for all leather shoes and boots, with uppers made of genuine leather, man-made material or multiple materials. The new standard includes significant modifications to the technical requirements and includes new tests for:
• Odor
• Abrasion resistance of top piece
• Color fastness to rubbing of lining and insock
• Azo dyes
• Free or partly hydrolyzed formaldehyde
• Minimum length of steel shank
• Bending performance of steel shanks
Unlike the previous standard, QB/T 1002-2005,…
New Code for Button Batteries in Australia
On July 29, 2016, the Australian Toy Association (ATA) published a new Industry Code relating to consumer products containing button batteries. The new Code seeks to minimize the potential hazards associated with children swallowing coin-sized lithium cells.
If a button battery becomes lodged in the esophagus, the residual electrical energy in the cell can combine with the young child’s saliva to create tissue-burning hydroxides. This can lead to perforation of…
San Francisco is First to Set a Comprehensive Ban on Polystyrene
On July 29, 2016, San Francisco’s mayor approved amendments to the Environmental Code related to packaging waste reduction. By regulating the use of polystyrene (PS) foam – commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as ‘styrofoam’ – in a variety of products, the new law is designed to ensure that the city is waste-free by 2020.
Ordinance 140-16 affects a range of food-related products and articles for prepared foods. The important provisions…
Canada Introduces News Rules For Cribs, Cradles And Bassinets
Health Canada's new Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations (CCBR) introduced on June 29, 2016 – under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) – are set to strengthen protection for children and babies.
The CCBR introduces new requirements to better cover hazards associated with these products that have not already been addressed by the previous CCBR. The aim overall is to further minimize the number of injuries and deaths occurring. The…
Australia and New Zealand Publish Major Changes to Joint Toy Safety Standards
Protecting their youngest consumers and end-users, Australia and New Zealand have published major updates to their joint toy safety standards.
On 30 June 2016, Joint Standard Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee CS-018 Safety of Children’s Toys, published AS/NZS 8124.1:2016 and AS/NZS 8124.2:2016 to supersede AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2013 and AS/NZS ISO 8124.2:2009 respectively .
AS/NZS 8124.1:2016
Newly updated, the 2016 version of AS/NZS 8124, is an adoption with national modifications and has been reproduced from…
European Commission Announces Plans to Restrict Hazardous Substances in Textile …
The European Commission (EC) has announced plans to restrict carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction substances (CMR), in textile articles and clothing. The Commission intends to introduce these restrictions in two phases.
Between October 22, 2015 and March 22, 2016, the EC undertook a public consultation, under Article 68(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), to look at interest, feasibility and enforceability of restrictions on targeted chemicals and articles in certain…
EU Proposes Greater Restrictions on BPA Migration in Certain Toys
On July 18, 2016, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a notification from the European Union (EU) signifying their intention to strengthen the restrictions on bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) in certain toys. This announcement signals the intention to increase the restrictions detailed in Directive 2014/81/EU, which came into effect in December 2015.
The new draft Directive seeks to strengthen the migration limit for BPA, under Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC…
Japan Updates Regulations on Food Contact Materials Containing PEN
On June 8, 2016, the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) published Notification No.245 of 2016 to introduce new regulations regarding the use of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) in food contact materials and articles. The new regulations relate to both food contact materials and articles made from PEN and food contact materials and articles where PEN is the principle ingredient.
Food contact materials and articles made from PEN are already…
US President Signs Toxic Substances Control Act Reform Bill
On June 22, 2016, the US President signed into law a new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Reform Bill. The new bill, entitled the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (LCSA), H.R.2576, makes significant revisions to the previous TSCA regulations, dating from 1976.
The amendments contained within the law, effectively:
• Charge the EPA with the creation of a classification system designed to prioritize which chemicals need to…
SGS Advises the Battery Industry at Battery Power 2016
SGS’s will attend Battery Power 2016. Their experts will be on hand to offer advice to companies seeking to gain access to regional markets, around the world.
Battery Power 2016 is an international conference highlighting the latest developments impacting mobile, stationary and EV battery systems including smart phones, tablets, medical devices, critical power systems, telecom and automotive applications. The event offers a dynamic learning experience for engineers, product developers, end-users, R&D…
Benzo[def]chrysene is Added to the Candidate List of SVHCs by ECHA
On June 20, 2016, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added Benzo[def]chrysene to its Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). The addition of Benzo[def]chrysene means that there are now 169 SVHCs listed.
Benzo[def]chrysene (IUPAC name: Benzo[a]pyrene) belongs to the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) group of substances, some of which are well-known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. While Benzo[def]chrysene has no specific function, it is…
ASTM Revises Standards for Children’s Chairs and Stools
The standards organization, ASTM International (ASTM), has revised its safety standard for Children’s Chairs and Stools. Published in May 2016, the new standard, ASTM F2613-16, replaces ASTM F2613-14.
The new standard has added a number of changes, including:
• Addition of a definition for chairs with side containment
• Revision of the definition for rigid frame
• Changing the requirement and test method for stability
• Addition of standards for sideways stability for chairs with side containment
• Addition of…
California Proposition 65 Settlements Reached on Lead, DEHP and DINP
Since December 2015, a number of new California Proposition 65 Consent Decrees and/or Settlement Agreements (Settlements) have been concluded relating to the use of DEHP, DINP and lead in consumer products.
Proposition 65 (Prop 65), the “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a consumer “right-to-know law” which requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive…
New Guidance on Lead Restrictions Published in the EU
On May 25, 2016, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a guidance document to help economic operators and regulatory bodies better interpret the scope of entry 63 of REACH Annex XVII. This regulation seeks to restrict lead in articles for the general public that can be mouthed by children.
Produced in response to a request from by the European Commission, the ECHA document seeks to create a common understanding of the…
US State of Utah Amends Law Relating to Bedding, Upholstered Furniture and Quilt …
On March 17, 2016, the US State of Utah signed and passed House Bill 314, modifying the current “Bedding, Upholstered Furniture and Quilted Clothing Inspection Act”.
The amendments came into effect on May 10, 2106 and consist of revisions relating to: definitions, licensing provisions, stipulations relating to unlawful acts, tagging requirements for bedding, upholstered furniture and filling material. The bill also introduces new requirements concerning the sterilization of filling materials.…
Asbestos-Containing Products Banned in New Zealand
On June 15, 2016, New Zealand announced a ban on the importation of products containing asbestos. These new restrictions complement the existing ban on the importation of raw asbestos.
Asbestos, fibrous forms of siliceous minerals including actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, serpentine (chrysotile) and tremolite, was widely used throughout the world until the 1980s, when the potential adverse health effects from asbestos exposure became understood. Since then a number of countries…
Massachusetts Considers Restrictions on Flame Retardants
The US State of Massachusetts’ Senate passed Bill S 2302, “An Act to protect children and families from harmful flame retardants”, on May 19, 2016. The bill, currently under consideration by Massachusetts’ House of Representatives, seeks to restrict the use of flame-retardants in children’s products, bedding, carpeting and window treatments. If the bill is eventually signed into law, it will become effective on January 1, 2017.
The bill proposes a number…
Styrene is Added to California Proposition 65 List
Styrene has been added to the California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) list of chemicals known to cause cancer. Listed on April 22, 2016, the requirement to include a ‘clear and reasonable warning’ (a Prop 65 warning) on products that expose the user to styrene, will come into effect on April 22, 2017.
Styrene has been added to the Prop 65 list following formal identification as a chemical causing cancer by…
New York State Proposes New Regulations for Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Prod …
New York State Assembly has passed a proposal to regulate toxic chemicals in children’s products. If the bill becomes law, it will introduce a number of new provisions that will impact upon businesses working in this sector. Companies are now advised to check compliance in order to safeguard future production.
On May 4, 2016, the New York State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 5612-A to regulate hazardous chemicals in children’s products. ‘The…
Connecticut Plans Restrictions on Flame Retardants in Consumer Products
The House of Representatives in the US State of Connecticut has passed a bill to restrict the use of flame retardants in children’s products and upholstered furniture.
The bill, Substitute HB 5299, has passed Connecticut’s House of Representatives and is now awaiting deliberation in the State Senate. If it becomes law, the new regulations will come into effect in two phases, and restrict the use of five flame retardants in…
France Publishes New Recommendations for Food Contact Materials
In June 2016, the French General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) published three new documents relating to food contact materials (FCM). The new regulations compliment the recommendations for FCM made from metals and alloys, previously published in January 2016.
Replacing Information Notice No. 2004-64, dated May 6, 2004, these new documents each relate to a different form of FCM:
• DM/4B/COM/002 - FCM made from inorganic…
