Press Releases from SGS (486 total)
SGS Summarizes Strengthened EU Specifications for HBCDD Under the POP Recast Reg …
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published details of revised hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) specifications under the European Union's (EU) persistent organic pollutants legislation, the POP Recast Regulation (EU) 2019/1021.
HBCDD is a flame retardant found in many consumer items, including upholstery and textiles, as well as in electric and electronic equipment.
The EU Commission's Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2555 of March 21, 2024, published on September 27, 2024, revises the…
SGS Summarizes Impact of EU Postponement of RED Cybersecurity Regulation Enforce …
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 095.23 to help stakeholders understand the impact of the decision to postpone the enforcement of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) delegated act for cybersecurity until 2025.
The European Commission (EC) originally planned to enforce the delegated act from August 2024. However, delays in the preparation of harmonized standards have meant the EC has now taken the decision to enforce…
SGS Issues SafeGuardS for US CPSC Direct Final Rule for Bedside Sleepers
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS covering a recent direct final rule for bedside sleepers issued by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).
Direct final rule 16 CFR 1222 was published on May 9, 2023, revising the safety standard for bedside sleepers. It incorporates the latest version of ASTM F2906-23 (Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bedside Sleepers) with a modification. The modification involves…
SGS Announces Complementary Webinar to Help Businesses Navigate Post-Brexit Euro …
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has announced a webinar to help companies operating in European personal protective equipment (PPE) markets understand the implications of Brexit and the best route towards compliance.
"Personal Protective Equipment: overview of EU and UK requirements" will be offered in two sessions on February 9, 2023, at 10.00 CET and 16.00 CET. It is aimed at operators throughout the PPE value chain, including…
Patented pest management products now available direct from manufacturer
In 2023, IPS is taking a new pathway in the distribution of the company's flagship products.
It is now possible to purchase the CLTab and SPTab solutions under the Insectrac brand name directly from IPS, the manufacturer.
The company behind these unique products is International Pheromone Systems a customer-orientated company with 35 years of experience in developing, producing, and supplying high-quality insect pheromone and kairomone formulations and associated trapping systems to a…
Frank Kempe newly appointed Global Softlines Technical Manager at SGS gains sele …
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce that Frank Kempe has been appointed Global Softlines Technical Manager.
Frank, who is based in Germany, takes responsibility for Strategic Development for Sustainability, Chemical Testing and Management across SGS's worldwide Textile and Footwear divisions.
Frank's expertise in sustainability and product compliance stems from a ten-year career in chemical compliance management positions across a range of softlines brands.…
SGS Explains How E-Valuator® Helps Governments Beat International Trade Fraud
SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an article looking at the issues surrounding international trade fraud and the ways digitalization can help governments and customs authorities beat the criminals.
Global trade was values at USD 19 trillion in 2019. For some governments, 30% of their total revenue base comes from international trade. Long, complex supply chains benefit consumers with more affordable products and greater choice,…
Experienced Willy Fabritius Joins SGS
With over a quarter of a century of experience in IT, information security and international standards, Willy Fabritius has joined world-leading testing, inspection and certification company SGS.
Willy accepted the role of Global Head of Strategy and Business Development, Information Security Assurance this summer.
He says: “I am delighted to join SGS, which has the incredible reputation of providing superb information security solutions across the world.
“I will use my in-depth knowledge…
SGS opens doors to new markets with publication of latest ‘Global Access Progr …
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is pleased to announce publication of the latest version of its Global Access Program (GAP) for Electrical & Electronics Products white paper.
With the continuous growth of worldwide trading business, and more countries and regions establishing their own type-approval systems, the GAP white paper has become an essential reference for Electrical & Electronics (E&E) manufacturers and importers looking to reach new…
Ecuador Issues Revised Draft Technical Regulation on Food Contact Ceramics
Ecuador has announced a revised proposal that, if accepted, will update its technical regulation for food contact ceramics.
The latest proposal, designated Ecuadorian Technical Regulation RTE UNEN 010 (2R) – ‘Ceramic Tableware Intended to Come into Contact with Food’, was circulated attached to World Trade Organization (WTO) document no. 20-4675 on July 8, 2020. It has a new structure and contains several important changes, including:
• Revision to existing definitions and…
SGS puts Consumer Trust at the Heart of its new Brand Awareness Campaign
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, testing and certification company, has today launched ‘Trusted. Tested.’ – a high impact, brand awareness campaign to engage consumers in the vital role of testing, inspection and certification on the everyday products they purchase.
With the strapline ‘It’s only trusted because it’s tested’, the campaign showcases more than 50 everyday products that typically pass through SGS’s testing laboratories – from lipsticks and shoes to mobile phones…
SGS Guides Manufacturers Through Categorization of Medical and Personal Care Pro …
SGS, the world's leading provider of testing, verification and certification services, offers a comprehensive range of services to help manufacturers of products aimed at assisting the elderly ensure they are safe and comply with the relevant regulations.
We live in a world with an aging population. Currently there are an estimated 143 million people over 80, but this figure is expected to triple to 426 million by 2050. These…
Multiple Prop 65 Agreements on DINP in Consumer Products Reached in California
In recent months, several California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlement agreements and judgements have been reached in relation to the use of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) in various consumer products.
Prop 65, the 'Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986', is a unique piece of legislation that passed overwhelmingly by a ballot of Californian residents in November 1986. It is a right-to-know law that requires the state to publish…
Brazil Updates Regulation for Food Contact Plastics and Polymeric Coatings
Brazil has established a positive list of additives for food contact plastics and polymeric coatings.
Published on December 4, 2019 by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Agncia Nacional de Vigilncia Sanitria, ANVISA), Resolution of the Collegiate Board of Directors No. 326 of December 3, 2019 (Resoluo de Diretoria Colegiada No. 326, de 3 de Dezembro de 2019, RDC 326/2019) establishes a positive list of additives for food contact plastics…
Separately Sold Bean Bag Covers Included in Updated ASTM F1912 Standard
ASTM International has updated its safety standard specifications for bean bag chairs and bean bag covers. ASTM F1912-19 now covers bean bag covers that are sold separately.
Following the recall of a bean bag chair covers that used zippers that could be opened by children in January 2018, ASTM Subcommittee F15.39 has revised ASTM F1912 – Standard Specification for Safety of Bean Bag Chairs and Bean Bag Covers. The standard…
SGS Fimko Expands Global Network of ENEC Approved Testing Laboratories at Guangz …
ETICS, the European Testing Inspection and Certification System, has accepted SGS’s laboratory in Guangzhou, China as an ENEC Testing Laboratory (TL) to test luminaires and control equipment.
ENEC Scheme membership means that the Guangzhou laboratory joins the global network of four TLs operating under the supervision of SGS Fimko Ltd (Finland), the certification body.
ENEC, a European Mark for electrical products, demonstrates compliance with European standards (ENs), mainly related to…
SGS Expands Furniture Services to Assist Vietnam’s Growing Furniture Export In …
SGS has responded to Vietnam’s recent 7.9% growth in gross domestic product and the opportunities for international trade this presents to the furniture industry, with an expansion in capabilities.
Despite a long history of domestic furniture manufacturing, there has only been a single recognizable furniture industry for about 20 years. It has now grown into the second largest exporter of furniture in the Asia-Pacific region, and fifth in the world.…
New York State Assembly Approves ‘Harper’s Law’ to Improve Safety in Cloth …
The New York State Assembly has passed ‘Harper’s Law’, a law requiring retailers to only sell clothing storage units that comply with industry recognized standard ASTM F2057. Passed on May 30. 2019, ‘Harper’s Law’ is named after Harper Fried, a three-year-old who died in 2016 as a result of a clothing storage unit tip-over incident.
ASTM F2057 “Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units” is a voluntary US standard, originally…
EU Updates Rules for Persistent Organic Compounds with Recast POPs Regulation
On June 25, 2019, the European Union (EU) published Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, recasting the EU’s Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation. The original POPs Regulation - Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 – has been amended several times, making recasting a necessity to preserve clarity as new amendments are introduced.
POPs are organic compounds that threaten both the environment and human health. Exposures to these compounds can lead to bio-accumulation in the fatty…
EU Adds Over 200 Prohibited Substances n Cosmetics Regulation Update
On May 22, 2019, the European Commission amended Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 by updating Annexes II, III and V. The new regulation, (EU) 2019/831, updated the annexes in regard to substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) – categories 1A, 1B or 2 under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 as at December 1, 2018.
The amendments include the inclusion of over 200 entries to Annex II for prohibited substances, and…
RAPEX 2018 Annual Report Shows Stabilization in Annual Dangerous Product Reports
The 2018 RAPEX annual report has been released by the European Commission and it shows there has been a stabilization in the number of notifications and Member State follow-up actions. It also suggests online products need closer inspection.
The report shows that in 2018:
• 2,257 alerts were sent through the Rapid Alert System with 4,050 follow-up actions
• Toys remain the most notified product category (31%), followed by: motor vehicles (19%), clothing & textiles…
China Publishes Arrangements of Conformity Assessment System for China RoHS 2
The Chinese Authorities have published their implementation arrangements for the conformity assessment system relating to China RoHS 2.
Published jointly by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), "The Implementation Arrangements for the Conformity Assessment System for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical Appliances and Electronic Products" describes two routes for conformity assessment.
These are:
• “Voluntary Certification for the Restriction of Hazardous…
State of Maine Extends Toxic Chemical Packaging Regulations for Food Packaging
The US state of Maine has enacted an amendment to Title 32 of the Maine Revised Statutes entitled, ‘An Act to Protect the Environment and Public Health by Further Reducing Toxic Chemicals in Packaging’.
Signed by the governor on June 13, 2019, the bill – L.D. 1433 – revises Chapter 26-A ‘Reduction of Toxics in Packaging’ and adds a new section, Chapter 26-B ‘Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging’.
Chapter 26-A revisions include:
• Scope…
CARB Consults Over VOC Emission Reductions in 21 Consumer Product Categories
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced a list of 47 consumer product categories to undergo consideration in Public Work Group Meetings on whether reductions in volatile organic compounds (VIC) are feasible.
To date, 21 product categories have been reviewed. These include:
• Hair finishing spray
• No rinse shampoo/dry conditioner
• Dye, permanent
• Laundry detergent
• Liquid fabric softener
• Dish detergent/soap
• Aerosol cooking spray
• Air freshener
o Single phase aerosol
o Double phase aerosol
o Dual purpose/disinfectant
o Liquid/pump spray
o Solid/semisolid
• Bathroom & tile cleaner (aerosol)
• General purpose cleaner…
SGS Colombia first Certification Body (CB) to be accredited by ONAC for primary …
SGS, the leading provider of verification, inspection, testing and certification services, has become first company in Colombia to be accredited by ONAC, Colombia’s National Accreditation Body, to certify products in accordance with Resolution 0721-2018, the primary battery regulation.
Following a review by Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development the country’s new primary battery regulation, Resolution 0721-2018, comes into force in July…
New Customs Requirements for Samples Being Sent to Turkey for Testing
Turkish Customs has changed its requirements for samples being send to Turkey for testing by third parties. Applicable from May 15, 2019, all samples must now have a specified content name on the consignment note and invoice documents.
This means that generalized terms, such as apparel, caps, leather articles and textiles, are no longer acceptable. Instead, the sender must more accurately identify the products using terms such as men’s shirts,…
Six California Prop 65 60-Day Notices Issued for Hexavalent Chromium on Leather …
Six California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) 60-day notices have recently been issued in relation to the use of hexavalent chromium in leather goods. These serve as an intent to instigate legal proceedings.
Chromium (hexavalent compounds, Cr (VI)) was included on the Prop 65 list in 1987, as a chemical that causes cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive problems. Since 1987 there had been no settlements relating to this substance and its…
CARB Publishes Updated Guidance for Composite Wood Products Industry
In May 2019, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) published two revised guides to help the composite wood products industry. These are:
• Status of US EPA Formaldehyde Regulation and a Comparison with CARB Regulation
• Comparison of Key Requirements of CARB and US EPA TSCA Title VI Regulations to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products
These guides will help stakeholders comply with both Californian and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
CARB…
Three U.S. States Announce Plans to Address Microfiber Pollution
Several U.S. states have issued proposals to tackle the problem of microfibers shedding from synthetic fabrics during home laundry processes.
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are believed to shed microfibers during washing. Filtration in domestic appliances is unable to capture these microfibers, which ultimately end up in inland waterways and the sea. It is believed this pollution will eventually affect human health as well.
Concerns are now being raised…
California Introduces Proposal to Strengthen its Metal-Containing Jewelry Law
California has introduced a bill to revise its Metal-Containing Jewelry law. Published in February 2019, SB 647 will make a number of important changes if accepted. These include:
Adopting federal standards for lead content in children’s jewelry
New definition of age limit for children’s jewelry to be similar (but not identical) to the Canadian Children’s Jewelry Regulations (SOR/2018-82)
Establishing soluble cadmium…
Washington State Introduces Comprehensive Toxic Substances and Pollution Law
The US State of Washington has signed into law a comprehensive toxic substances and pollution control law that will identify, restrict and ban certain hazardous substances from being used in consumer products and packaging. Once enacted, it will be one of the most restrictive hazardous substances laws in the US.
Substitute Senate Bill 5135 also amends current pollution and children’s safe product legislation and is an addition to the Public Health…
SGS Summarizes Several California Proposition 65 Settlements Involving Consumer …
In California, several settlements have been reached relating to the use of listed substances in consumer products. While these consent agreements only bind the named parties, all businesses operating in California are advised to stay aware of them to help avoid potential future problems.
California Proposition 65 (Prop 65), or the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, was passed in November 1986. It requires the state to maintain…
Health Canada Seeks Comments on Proposed Changes to Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Health Canada is seeking comments on its plans to revise the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. Stakeholders have until July 1, 2019, to submit responses.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist contains substances that, if used in cosmetics, may violate the general prohibition found in section 16 of the Food and Drugs Act and/or requirements in the Cosmetic Regulations. It therefore acts as a way to prohibit certain substances from being in cosmetics. It was…
SGS Releases Summaries of California Proposition 65 Settlements for Lead and Pht …
Several California Proposition 65 settlements and judgements have been reached relating to the inclusion of lead and certain phthalates in consumer products. While consent agreements only affect the named parties, all businesses operating in California are advised to stay cognisant of them to help avoid potential future litigation.
California Proposition 65 (Prop 65), or the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, is a ballot initiative that passed overwhelmingly…
SGS Expands with New E&E Center Near Lille, France
SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, verification and certification company, this month opened its new test laboratory for electrical and electronics product testing at Oignies, near Lille, France.
Approved under the Management Quality System of Aix en Provence, the new 25 m² facility enables safety and performance tests to be undertaken on product categories ranging from household appliances and power tools to office equipment, lighting products and laboratory equipment.
Located adjacent to…
SGS Publishes New White Paper Ahead of Enforcement of the EU’s Updated RoHS2 R …
Manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) will face fresh challenges to maintain the CE Mark for their products as new regulations within the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, or RoHS2, (2011/65/EU) come into force this summer.
In its latest White Paper ‘European Union RoHS2 – Understanding Requirements and Compliance Strategies’, SGS reviews the aims and objectives of the Directive and explores the likely impact and consequences for EEE…
EU Updates EN 71-3 and Strengthens Migration Limit for Chromium (VI) in Certain …
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published the latest version of EN 71-3 Safety of Toys - Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements.
EN 71-3 covers the migration of 19 elements:
1. Aluminium
2. Antimony
3. Arsenic
4. Barium
5. Boron
6. Cadmium
7. Chromium (III)
8. Chromium (VI)
9. Cobalt
10. Copper
11. Lead
12. Manganese
13. Mercury
14. Nickel
15. Selenium
16. Strontium
17. Tin
18. Organic tin
19. Zinc
The 2019 iteration of the standard contains several technical changes to its predecessor, EN 71-3:2013+A3:2018. These include making the standard analogous to the changes brought in by Directive (EU) 2018/725, which amended Directive 2009/48/EC, the so-called…
Myanmar Begins Minimum Labeling Requirements for Priority Consumer Products
On April 26, 2019, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar put into effect minimum labeling requirements for a wide variety of priority consumer products.
Published by the Department of Consumer Affairs as Directive No.1/2019, it states that the requirements are for the safety of consumers and must follow the list of consumer goods included in Notification No. 1/2018, published on October 26, 2018.
The label must be in the Myanmar…
US FDA Final Rule Categorizes the Safety and Effectiveness of 28 Consumer Hand S …
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a final rule on the safety and effectiveness of 28 active ingredients used in consumer hand sanitizers.
These 28 active ingredients are considered Category II – not generally recognized as safe and effective or misbranded. They include:
1. Benzethonium chloride
2. Chloroxylenol
3. Chlorhexidine gluconate
4. Cloflucarban
5. Fluorosalan
6. Hexachlorophene
7. Hexylresorcinol
8. Iodine complex (ammonium ether sulfate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate)
9. Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene glycol)
10. Methylbenzethonium chloride
11. Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
12. Phenol (equal to or less…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Understand Brazilian Regulations for Medical Devices
Brazil is currently one of the fastest growing markets for medical devices in the world. To access it, manufacturers and suppliers must test their products for quality, safety and efficacy, to ensure they meet mandatory requirements set out by the National Health Surveillance Agency – ANVISA. Certification that the product conforms to these requirements must be carried out by a certification body accredited by CGCRE – General Coordination for Accreditation…
Manufacturers Warned About Large Number of EU RAPEX Notifications for Electrical …
Stakeholders should be aware that since later 2018 there have been multiple notifications relating to non-conformity in electrical and electronic (EE) products offered onto the market in the European Union (EU).
Notifications issued through the EU’s Rapid Alert System for dangerous and non-food products, RAPEX, show that dozens of EE products have been found to contain substances that exceed restriction limits under the Directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).…
Hong Kong Updates List of Safety Standards for Toys and Children’s Products
In March 2019, Hong Kong announced an updated list of six safety standards for toys and five categories of children’s product. These fall under Kong Kong’s Toys and Children’s Safety Ordinance, which stipulates products must comply with applicable requirements from one of the safety standards specified in Schedules 1 and 2.
The amended list contains standards which are either recognized international standards or standards that are adopted by major economies.…
SGS Helps Electric Wheelchair Manufacturers Understand EU Requirements and Stand …
Electric wheelchair manufacturers are reminded that their products must be safe, robust and conform to the requirements in Annex I of the European Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC before they can be offered onto the market in the European Union (EU). This requires adequate testing against the correct standards.
Under the European Medical Directive, wheelchairs are classified as Class I. This means the manufacturer is responsible for declaring the product complies…
DLC approves SGS for Testing and Certification of Horticultural Lighting
SGS is pleased to announce that it has been authorized by the DesignLights Consortium® (DLC) as an approved Safety Certification body for the testing and certification of LED-based horticultural lighting.
The DLC, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the widespread adoption of high-performing commercial lighting solutions, promotes high-quality, energy-efficient lighting products in collaboration with utilities and energy efficiency program members, manufacturers, lighting designers, and federal, state, and local entities.
John Ciliege,…
Proposal Released to Make PFOS a Priority Chemical for Reporting in Children’s …
The US state of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced a proposal to designate perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as a Priority Chemical that requires reporting if it is used in certain children’s products.
If the proposal is accepted, stakeholders will be required to report the intentional addition of PFOS to certain categories of children’s products, if it exceeds the practical quantification limit (PQL).
The categories are:
• Child care articles
• Children’s clothing,…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Understand the Risks Associated with Baby Products
Interest in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first baby is increasing as the due-date approaches. The choice of name, the blanket it is swaddled in, and the clothes it wears, will all make frontpage news and this will, in turn, alter fashions and the choices made by other new parents. While companies may wish to take advantage of these opportunities, they must make sure their products are safe and comply…
SGS offers State-of-the-Art Testing for Electrical and Electronic Products at Ta …
With over 2,500 m² of state-of-the-art laboratories at the Taunusstein site, SGS offers exemplary testing services for the electrical and electronic (EE) industry in Germany and surrounding regions.
Established in 1848, the Taunusstein site has been testing products for over 171 years. Extensive investment at the site has allowed it to grow to a point where it now employs over 230 workers and operates eight laboratories, including two specializing in…
SGS Helps Manufacturers Access China’s Growing Market for Pet Apparel
China has a growing market for pet apparel. Manufacturers are advised to follow the voluntary pet apparel standard - FZ/T 81013-2016 – to help them successful access this lucrative opportunity.
FZ/T 81013-2016 is technically the standard for dog apparel, but it actually covers clothing made from textiles for all pets. It covers:
1. Instructions for use – must conform to GB/T 5296.4 and label chest girth and top length in cm
2. Specification –…
New Guidance Documents Issued for Toy Pools and Musical Instruments by EU
The European Commission (EC) has issued revised versions of its toy guidance documents for pools and musical instruments. Both documents, inter alia, provide clarification on what constitutes a toy version of the product.
The revised version of the guidance document for toy musical instruments clarifies the grey area between a toy and an actual musical instrument. It also provides information on why and how to classify certain toys.
The document also…
Sedex Introduces Changes to Organization of SMETA Audits
On November 1, 2018, Sedex introduced two changes to the way it organizes SMETA audits. Firstly, they introduced a unique reference code for each SMETA audit and, secondly, all audit companies conducting SMETA audits are now required to pay a fee to access SMETA or upload a non-SMETA audit onto the Sedex platform.
Sedex is a global organization whose operations cover a wide range of industries, including retailers, manufacturers, financial institutions,…