California has altered its definition for PET plastic to exclude PETG. This will aid the separation of materials prior to recycling and will come into effect on October 1, 2018.
The US FTC has updated its Textile Rules to eliminate an obsolete provision concerning trademark registration. The updated requirements came into effect on February 22, 2018.
California and Connecticut have introduced new labeling requirements for polyester clothing in response to the dangers of microfiber pollution in waterways.
China has released 35 new GB standards relating to cosmetic products and their raw materials among a batch of 291 new national standards. The new standards come into effect on September 1, 2018.
With the term eyewear covering a range of different functions, and with each territory maintaining its own eyewear regulations, it is important that stakeholders ensure their products conform to the right standards for their target market. SGS helps explain some of the regulations in existence around the world.
Understanding Japan’s two main toy standards is the key to accessing its market. SGS has created a podcast to help stakeholders understand their requirements.
SGS and CBX Software launch EQSS, a quality process management system that improves data flow and quality monitoring along retail supply chains – from product concept to store.
Businesses operating in California must be aware of the unique consumer ‘right-to-know’ legislation known as Proposition 65. SGS is helping companies understand Prop 65 and how it will affect them.
The US CPSC has expanded the list of phthalates exempted from third-party testing on seven types of plastic. The rule relates to toys and childcare articles and will come into effect in April 2018.
The US CPSC has published a new method for phthalates and a final rule allowing accredited laboratories two years to update their scope of accreditation.
Vehicle manufacturers are being encouraged by SGS-TÜV Saar to book onto a one-day course in anticipation of new ISO standards for automotive electrical and electronic systems set to come into force in May 2018.
On November 21, 2017, the EU published Directive (EU) 2017/2102 to amend RoHS. The update alters the restriction’s scope and exemption validity periods.
Singapore has introduced new measures to regulate SCCP, PCN and trichlorfon. These will expand the list of controlled hazardous substances under the EPMA and will become effective on June 30, 2018.
Brazil has circulated proposals to reduce the levels of lead permitted in paints and similar surface coating materials. If accepted, the new requirements will strengthen the lead content limit by approximately seven-fold.
The CEN has published a new standard for finger paints. It is anticipated the new standard will be harmonized for compliance with the Toy Safety Directive by March 2018.
Health Canada has published proposals to update its mandatory requirements and tests for magnetic toys. Comments must be forwarded to Health Canada by January 17, 2018.
In recent months, several Prop 65 settlement agreements have been reached involving the use of lead in certain consumer products. The settlements require reformulation or, in some instances, the application of a Prop 65 warning.
Several Prop 65 settlement agreements involving phthalates have been reached covering a wide variety of products. The agreements require reformulation or the use of a Prop 65 warning as an alternative.
Taiwan introduces regulations to ban the use of fifteen substances, including safrole, in the manufacture of cosmetic products. The new rules come into effect on July 1, 2018.
Several Prop 65 settlements reached on the use of DEHP in a wide variety of products. The settlement agreements involve the reformulation of DEHP to less than or equal to 0.1%, with some settlements allowing the use of a Prop 65 warning.
With the requirements of GB 50016-2014 - Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings now effecting social compliance audits, SGS reviews the requirements brought in by the code.
The ECHA has begun a project to look at the issues surrounding enforcement of regulatory obligations concerning SVHC under REACH. In addition, the project hopes to raise awareness and encourage compliance.
Vietnam has introduced new regulations covering the use of formaldehyde and azo dyes in textile products. The new rules will come into effect on May 1, 2018.
The IEC has published an amendment to IEC 60598-1. It includes new rules for markings and some changes to construction requirements and electrical tests.
The EU has introduced a new fire safety classification system for electrical cables that are used on construction works. This follows the introduction of the Construction Product Regulation in July 2017.
Following a change in law regarding North Korean labor, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been warning stakeholders of the possible consequences of importing products where the supply chain includes illegal labor.
Following a name-change from the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI) to the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), the organization has recently published a new standard for Tin and Tantalum.
California has added PFOA and PFOS to its Prop 65 list of chemicals. Businesses operating in California have until November 20, 2018, to comply with Prop 65 warning requirements.
The US CPSC has published its latest data on accident statistics relating to the use of toys. The data shows that around 240,000 injuries and 7 deaths were reported in 2016.
Australia has published a new mandatory standard for sunglasses and fashion spectacles. Manufacturers have until July 1, 2019, to make sure their products comply with the new standard.
China has issued a revised version of its national standard for clothing with filling – GB/T 2662-2017. The revised standard will become effective on December 1, 2017.
San Francisco is set to become the first city in the US to restrict flame retardants in upholstered furniture, reupholstered furniture and juvenile products. The restrictions will be enforced in two phases, starting January 1, 2019.
The US EPA has published a DFR revising the voluntary consensus standards for formaldehyde emission in composite wood. Stakeholders had until November 9, 2017 to submit adverse comments. Without them, the DFR will become effective on December 11, 2017.
SGS has opened its newly expanded textile and footwear testing facility in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The expanded laboratory provides the full range of physical and chemical testing capabilities to comply with domestic and international standards.
SGS Art Services has produced a short film to document their contribution to the television series, “The Sense of Beauty”. During the show, they explain how their high-tech scientific examination identified a lost Cubist painting by Belgian artist, René Guiette.
U.S. CPSC will issue a Final Rule to effectively restrict eight phthalates in children’s toys and child care articles. It will become effective 180 days after it is published in the Federal Register, on April 25, 2018.
On September 8, 2017, the EU added a standard for portable cooking devices, EN 60335-2-9:2003, in the OJ list of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU. The standard includes a restriction.
The EU issued two amendments to its proposals for BPA in food contact materials and articles in September 2017. If accepted, the new provisions could become effective in late 2018.
The US FTC has updated its website to help businesses more efficiently organize their registered identification numbers under the Fur, Textile and Wool Labeling Rules.
A revised version of the CEN standard for high chairs has been published – EN14988:2017. It can be used as a voluntary standard to show compliance with the General Product Safety Directive.
E-commerce is becoming a major factor in global consumer sales. SGS guides companies through the changes, detailing the advantages and potential problems of this new form of selling.
North America has a complex web of regulations covering food contact materials and articles. SGS helps manufacturers understand the best way to achieve compliance.
SGS has partnered with Chinese company, HIKVISION, to establish the SGS-HIKVISION Joint Laboratory in Hangzhou. HIKVISION is China’s leading video surveillance product supplier.
Vietnam has circulated a new technical regulation for food contact plastics and food contact containers for certain dairy products. If the new law is approved, it could come into effect in mid-2018.
The US EPA has moved back the date by which products must comply with the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act. Compliance dates will now be implemented in phases from December 12, 2018.
SGS has introduced its new SGS Eco Product Certificate (Eco Mark), allowing companies to promote their environmentally friendly products onto a global market. The first Eco Mark was awarded to LG Display for its new OLED display module for televisions.
Electrical and electronic products, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, washing machines, electric motors and lights, must comply with SASO regulations before entering the Saudi Arabian market.
Europe has published a new version of the standard relating to the migration of certain elements in toys. EN 71-3:2013+A2:2017 was published by the CEN in August 2017.
From April 21, 2018, domestic oven gloves and mitts will be classified as category II PPE, under new EU regulations. SGS offers advice on how to comply with the new rules.
Discover SGS’s extensive range of brand protection solutions and services. Join our experts at the Global Brand Protection Summit’s Technology Innovation Zone.
The new RED directive, effective June 13, 2017, includes three new standards for broadcast sound and video receiver equipment (EN 303 345, EN 303 340, EN 303 372-2).
The EU has issued new draft proposals for the use of BPA in food contact materials and articles. The proposals amend current draft legislation and could become effective in late 2018.
SGS’s laboratory in Suwanee, Georgia, USA, has been certified by OSHA as an NRTL capable of performing certification on lighting used in hazardous locations – UL 844.
The EU will bring into force new requirements concerning the use of DIBP in toys in March 2018. These changes are in the latest ATP of the CLP Regulation.
In a recent final rule issued by the US CPSC, seven types of plastic containing certain additives have been exempted from third party testing for phthalates in toys and childcare articles. The new rule will become effective on September 29, 2017.
SGS's expanded laboratory in Naucalpan, Mexico, was formally opened on August 14, 2017. The facility now offers an extensive range of physical and chemical testing for textiles and apparel.
ASTM International has revised its standard safety specification for toys, ASTM F963. The new version contains editorial changes and clarification on Kinetic Energy Density requirements.
After a French court imposed a heavy fine on the distributor of an exploding pressurized cream dispenser, economic suppliers are reminded their products need to comply with both FCM regulations and general product safety standards.
Following a period of consultation, the US EPA’s DFR allowing early labeling for compliant composite wood products has been accepted and will become effective in August 2017.
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
