SGS Consumer Testing Services

France has issued a notice to decree n° 99-777 of September 9, 1999 on the prevention of risks resulting from the use of deckchairs, referring to version 2015 of NF D 61 - 062.

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published PD CEN/TR 16417:2016 with guidelines regarding the presence of certain chemicals known as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).

The U.S. Congress has introduced a bill directing the Federal Trade Commission to establish labels that may be used as a voluntary means of indicating to consumers the extent to which products are of United States origin, and for other purposes.

European Standards bodies published a new specification for slide fasteners (zips): EN 16732. Based on BS 3084, the standard gives greater quality assurance to all users, domestic and commercial.

On January 14, 2016, the European Commission published a regulation in the Official Journal of the EU to restrict the use of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in textile articles and to amend Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH).

The local ‘Toxic Toys’ law has been amended in Rockland County, New York, by eliminating the strict prohibition of 7 chemicals in children’s apparel and children’s products. The new law will take effect on February 21, 2016.

The EU has recently updated the list of standards for demonstrating compliance with nickel release under ANNEX XVII of REACH.

Hong Kong has recently amended its list of safety standards for toys and certain children’s products. The new standards will be effective on October 1, 2016.

SGS expands on the updated requirements for waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Vietnam recently announced the use of a national technical standard for the restriction of heavy metals in glass, ceramic, porcelain and enamel products intended to come into contact with food.