sgs consumer compact - july 2015 - sustainability is growth · industry news - consumer products...
TRANSCRIPT
CONSUMER COMPACT THE CONSUMER PRODUCT PUBLICATION THAT KEEPS YOU INFORMED
UPDATED RULES FOR PRODUCT ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILES
LAW-MAKERS AND REGULATORS REINFORCE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
DEMONSTRATING SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY
BUILT TO LAST? A LAW IN FRANCE TO COMBAT PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE FOR APPLIANCES
JULY 2015
SUSTAINABILITY IS GROWTH
DEAR READER,
PAGE 2EDITORIAL
If you made sustainability one of the pillars of your strategic growth, you’re doing things right, regardless of your industry. You‘re probably doing things better than a large number of your competitors. Sustainability parameters play an important role in consumers’ decisions and in the designing process of the future regulatory background of consumer industries. As a result, businesses cannot continue ignoring how their use of resources and the use of their products impact the environment, the health of consumers and the future of the industry.
The newest Consumer Compact issue brings Sustainability back into focus, showcasing some of the latest updates to relevant pieces of legislation, such as the PEP Ecopassport, RoHS and several other initiatives geared towards environmental protection. Read more about the new French law aimed at ridding the market of appliances with built-in obsolescence and how toys destined for the Middle East are affected by the Chemical Requirements of GCC. Furthermore, we bring you industry examples of how the sustainable approach has been implemented in the seafood and footwear industries. Also, don’t miss out on the latest SGS insider news and our tour of SGS India’s labs.
For the complete range of SGS services and support visit: www.sgs.com/cgnr.
The SGS Consumer Goods and Retail Marketing Team
IN THIS ISSUE
INDUSTRY NEWSCONSUMER PRODUCTSUpdated Rules for Product Environmental Profiles - read article Page 3Law-makers and Regulators Reinforce Environmental Commitments - read article Page 4
SOFTLINESSustainability in the Footwear Industry - read article Page 6
FOODDemonstrating Seafood Sustainability - read article Page 8
TOYS & JUVENILE PRODUCTSGCC Chemical Requirements for Toys Now in Force - read article Page 10
COSMETICS, PERSONAL CARE & HOUSEHOLDIn-vitro testing: alternative methods to assess toxicology and efficacy of cosmetics - read article Page 12
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICSHazardous Substances Added to RoHS Directive and Their Restricted Use - read article Page 14Built to Last? A Law in France to Combat Planned Obsolescence for Appliances - read article Page 16
SGS IN THE NEWS, SGS EVENTS AND PUBLICATIONSFocus on SGS Labs - a close look at SGS state-of-the-art testing facilities Page 18
SGS In The News & Product Recalls - new services, accreditations, updates Page 19
Trade Shows and White Papers - meet the SGS experts Page 20
SafeGuards - information on new standards, regulations and test methods Page 21
Publications & Subscriptions - stay on top of all new market developments Page 22
CONNECT WITH SGS Page 23
UPDATED RULES FOR PRODUCT ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILES
PAGE 3INDUSTRY NEWS - CONSUMER PRODUCTS
The PEP ecopassport® Association Steering Committee approved the 3rd edition of its Product Category Rules (PCR) on 2 April 2015. This new edition updates existing guidance, improves clarity, ensures consistency in the Product Environmental Profiles (PEPs) being delivered, and harmonises with updated market requirements.
compliance of a PEP declaration to the scheme’s rules, as well as the requirements specified in ISO 14025, taking into account industry best practices.
STREAMLINED PEP ECOPASSPORT®
ACCREDITATION
With three accredited PEP verifiers , at SGS we can streamline the assessment and verification process. We can offer a ‘one stop’ PEP ecopassport® service for electrical, electronic and H-VAC manufacturers in Europe and North America, saving both time and money. We can train in-house staff to complete environmental assessments against the new 3rd edition PCR, or complete the assessment on behalf of clients. Once complete, one of our accredited verifiers can make the final assessment of the PEP and, if appropriate, award a PEP ecopassport®.
For more information on our ecodesign services, visit SGS Product Sustainability.
Caroline Girot EcodesignConsultantSGS [email protected] +33 1 41 24 88 03
1 PEP Ecopassport - Produce a LCA2 SGS Expands PEP Ecopassport Program Verification
SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
Environmental assessments, increasingly required by clients, allow the electrical, electronic and HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration) manufacturers to demonstrate their products’ environmental credentials in a clear and consistent format that is common across all PEP products.
After formal verification, environmental assessments can be upgraded to PEP ecopassports® – an environmental identity card for electrical, electronic and HVAC-R products. It presents the results of a life cycle analysis (LCA) consistently in accordance with international standards such as ISO’s 14025, 14040 and 14044. More than 1,000 PEPs are available for a range of E&E and HVAC-R products.
NEW PCR, NEW RULES
Building on the experience of the first 1,000 PEPs, the new PCR has been updated to keep up to date and harmonise its requirements with ever-changing international and European regulations. In particular, the updates harmonise with EN 15804 the recent European standard concerning environmental declarations for construction products. The PEP Association, agile and responsive to the industry’s needs, has also taken this opportunity to clarify the data and processes required. The aim is to ensure that assessors apply the same rules and methodologies to every assessment. Full details can be found on the PEP website1.
Manufacturers, or third party assessors, use the PCR to produce and verify
(where appropriate) an environmental assessment. The 3rd edition replaces its predecessor, though edition 2.1 remains valid for assessments until 2 October 2015.
GREEN BUILDING BENEFITS
Harmonisation with EN 15804 means that PEP ecopassports® now count as environmental product declarations (EPDs). This increases the schemes recognition by environmental labels that require environmental declarations for construction products and equipment used, such as HVE or LEED. It also meets the requirements of France’s Direction de l’Habitat, de l’Urbanisme et des Paysages (DHUP) scheme.
FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TO PEP ECOPASSPORT®
Manufacturers, or third party consultants, can complete environmental assessments. To achieve a PEP ecopassport® though, an official PEP accredited verifier must approve the assessment. Supply chain assessment solutions consultants offer support to companies in Europe, North America or Asia in the delivery of life cycle analyses that comply with the requirements of the PEP ecopassport®. Accredited PEP verifiers check the
PAGE 4INDUSTRY NEWS - CONSUMER PRODUCTS
LAW-MAKERS AND REGULATORS REINFORCE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS In 2015, China reinforced its environmental policies and laws, strengthening air and water pollution controls. Almost immediately, polluters found themselves subject to litigation, for example, a group of chemical companies subjected to compensation demands for about US$26 million1. China is supporting victims of air and water pollution by actively clamping down on polluters and forcing them to comply with environmental regulations. Other countries are implementing similar measures. Some companies are also taking the lead on the subject, implementing ambitious initiatives, moving faster than policy development.
Some brands and retailers are now implementing dynamic and ambitious voluntary sustainability programmes. They are measuring tangible impacts of their industrial processes and their commitments are pulling forward their services providers and competitors. For example, site assessments are routinely combined with laboratory analysis (e.g. waste water, incoming water, sludge sampling). Thus, voluntary initiatives are a strong driver for supply chain improvement, which coincide with higher regulatory and NGO pressures. But for other market players, how to identify relevant actions and make the first step?
Around the world, many governments are strengthening regulations, with commitments to build the relevant frameworks for environmental protection and vigilance. For example:
Due diligence duty for parent companies in France
OECD guidelines
European Parliament resolution of 29 April 2015 … on the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact2
Increased empowerment of stakeholders (NGOs, unions, etc.) and their need for transparency has pushed forward these recent policy developments.
Pro-active communication campaigns, especially those using social networks, have helped NGOs to increase their audience and their capacity to have an impact on brand reputations.
For example, as a result of the Greenpeace Detox Campaign, some of world famous fashion brands but also some retailers have committed to eliminating toxic chemicals from their manufacturing processes and supply chains. Greenpeace persuaded brands to disclose information about their supply-chains and their progress, in recognition of the public’s “right to know”.
GO BEYOND THE CORPORATE SHELL
Many industries saw the appearance, in 1996, of ISO 14001 as a solution to manage all environmental risks, including those impacting supply chains. However, many factories are not structured to implement such systems. Lubricant leakage, waste burning in backyards and water or electricity overconsumption are regularly observed in factories. Very often this is not malicious, but due to an ignorance of environmental topics.Every company should identify
environmental risks relevant to their sector. It is the starting point to solve the issues found in the supply chain, and reduce environmental footprint. Extending a company’s responsibility to all steps of the supply chain is driving industrials and retailers to monitor all the potential impacts of their activities, worldwide, including environmental ones. It requires organisations to evolve and acquire new skills and processes.
SECURE SUPPLY-CHAIN ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
The Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP) for Environment has been designed to stimulate and support this new focus. Several initiatives use the principles of this framework to improve supply-chain environmental performance by using self-assessment, audit, training and consulting. Major initiatives include BEPI, SAC/Higg Index and ZDHC.
1 Library of Congress - Notable Environmental Public Interest Lawsuit2 European Parliament Resolution - Bangladesh Sustainability Compact
PAGE 5INDUSTRY NEWS - CONSUMER PRODUCTS
ABOUT GSCP:
The GSCP includes environmental clauses. This cross-industry platform provides retailers, service providers and related stakeholders with a global approach for the continuous improvement of working and environmental conditions in supply chains.
ABOUT BEPI:
The Business Environmental Performance Initiative3 (BEPI) is the business-driven service developed by the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) for retailers and importers to improve environmental performance in their supply factories worldwide. Initially developed in 2012, BEPI provides a practical framework that supports all product sectors, in all countries, to reduce environmental impacts, business risks and costs through improved environmental practices. Built to help producers of all sizes to develop an Environmental Management System, BEPI works to reduce environmental impacts and increase operating efficiency. Through BEPI, member companies, mainly in the consumer sector worldwide, can access a concrete system to implement environmental performance measures in their supply chain.
ABOUT ZDHC
In 2011, in response of the Greenpeace Detox campaign, a group of major apparel and footwear brands and retailers made a shared commitment to help lead the industry towards Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) by 2020. The Joint Roadmap is a plan that sets a new standard of environmental performance, including specific commitments and timelines to realize this shared goal.
ABOUT SAC/HIGG INDEX
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a trade organization comprised of brands, retailers, manufacturers, governments, NGO and academic experts, representing more than a third of the global apparel and footwear market. The focus of the
coalition is the Higg Index – a suite of assessment tools that standardizes the measurement of the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products across the product lifecycle throughout the value chain.
CURRENT SITUATION
It is early days for this market and most companies are measuring their supply-chain impacts with the aim of taking definitive actions. Following these measures we identify two groups of companies, those that are considering how they will go move forward and are preparing strategies, and others that are acquiring a more advanced knowledge of their suppliers. They are achieving this by conducting on-site assessments, including environmental audits (practices and process of manufacturing, on-site environmental management) and effluent analysis (waste water, sludge, hazardous substances residues on products), all to help build capacity for improving their environmental footprint.
THE WAY FORWARD
High-level steps to progress can be summarised as follows: define an environmental policy applicable across your supply chain, define a system to identify and monitor environmental issues
3 Business Environmental Performance Initiative SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
in your supply chain (e.g. a sectorial initiative), audit suppliers and setup improvement programmes. Simple but effective actions can be taken to remove or at least reduce pollution sources from the supply chain, and some tools are readily available.
A BUNDLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES
With experienced project managers, auditors and consultants, SGS can provide a bundle of solutions and tailor made programs. We facilitate the preparation and the management of the project, with trainings, technical support and KPIs monitoring. We deploy it on the field with self-assessment, audit, environmental testing and capacity building.
Pierre Boccon-GibodSupply chain Assessments & SolutionsProject ManagerSGS [email protected]. +33 1 41 24 87 02
Serge A. GuedegbeSupply chain Assessments & SolutionsBusiness Development ManagerSGS [email protected]: +33 1 41 24 87 05
PAGE 6INDUSTRY NEWS - SOFTLINES
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRYIn 2014, the USA consumed 233 million pairs of footwear with imports representing 98.3% of the total volume. Researchers have estimated that footwear consumption will double every 20 years and this growth has made consumer product sustainability a key element of discussion for nearly a decade. The key stakeholders to drive the concept of sustainability are consumers, governments, NGOs, industry leaders, supply chain partners and society in general.
PRODUCT DESIGN
There are many aspects to sustainability including energy usage, water consumption, ability to recycle and social responsibility. Incorporating sustainability at the product design stage is arguably the single most critical element in the process.
Products which have been optimally designed for sustainability are those in which the overall material usage is drastically reduced. Examples can include the ability to reduce or totally eliminate the use of adhesives or even to eliminate complete components such as lining materials by creating smooth seamed uppers. Reducing or completely engineering components out of the product can lead to both material and cost savings. Design also can ensure that the individual components can be more
easily separated at the ‘end of life’ stage i.e. when the consumer no longer has use for the product. Components which can be easily separated can significantly improve the potential to recycle the materials for future re-use. This is often improved by the elimination of adhesives or by the use of components which fit together or fit around one another simply but effectively.
MATERIALS USED IN CURRENT FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY
Once the design has been optimised, the selection of the component materials can significantly improve the sustainability profile. The core materials used in the footwear industry are leather, textiles, adhesives, synthetic rubber, PVC and polyurethane materials. Each
of these materials may have its own sustainability issues and there is a need for alternative products. In some cases, these replacement products may lead to a reduction in product performance but often they also can lead to improvements.
Where possible, the selection of natural or bio-based products, renewable resources or recycled products is generally preferred. These products have different levels of sustainability but all reduce or avoid a reliance on petrochemicals. There are many examples of commercial products which can be exemplified by this approach but few appear to have been promoted in large volumes and are still mainly seen as niche products.
PAGE 7INDUSTRY NEWS - SOFTLINES
LEATHER Whilst the hide raw material is a sustainable product, appropriate selection of tanning and processing chemicals can have a large influence on the overall profile. In addition to the use of natural tannages such as the use of vegetable extracts, the partial or full use of plant extract fatliquors and natural dyestuffs can lead to improved sustainability. In certain cases, leather may be completely replaced by sustainable textiles.
TEXTILESThere are a wide range of textiles and coated fabrics used as both uppers and lining materials many of which are petrochemical based and unsustainable. Alternative natural based textiles are available with examples including hemp, jute, silk, flax, cotton, bamboo, coconut, linen, wool and cashmere. In addition to these natural based alternatives, recycled polyester (for example from plastic bottles) has been used in both garments and footwear products. Recycled coffee grounds also have been used as a component in linings.
ADHESIVESThese play a vital role in footwear production for bonding the leather upper to the lining and sole. Different types of adhesives used in the footwear industry may be solvent based, radiation cured or hot melts and often carry environmental concerns. Where the use of the adhesive cannot be designed out of the product, water based adhesives are generally preferred.
POLYURETHANE FOAMSThese synthetic products are widely used to increase comfort and are widely used in many footwear types. Because of their chemical nature, the petrochemical based element of the raw ingredient (the ‘polyol’) has the capacity to be partially replaced with plant based products with a similar chemical profile. One of the more popular natural replacement products is based on a soybean extract which whilst not completely replacing the synthetic PU, it does allow a significant reduction in the overall use of fossil fuels.
SYNTHETIC RUBBERSThis petrochemical material is a popular choice as a sole material and is considered to have a poor environmental profile. The use of the more expensive natural rubber can improve both the product quality and sustainability profile with the additional option to use natural fillers such as rice husks. There are a number of shoe manufacturers who also use recycled car tyres as a replacement rubber sole by directly cutting from the disposed tyre.
SUMMARY
The footwear industry has explored a number of approaches to improve its sustainability profile but few have been widely adopted. The footwear design and material selection are just two aspects of sustainability but both are critical in moving the industry forward. There are many natural or recyclable alternatives available and many more that will undoubtedly be developed in the future.
Manufacturing sustainable footwear which meets the aesthetic and performance requirements of the customer continues to be a major challenge for the industry. Achieving this whilst maintaining financial competitiveness remains the sustainability goal.
Karen E. Kyllo, Ph.D.Deputy Vice President, Global SoftlinesSGS North America [email protected] +1 973 461 7934
Andrew Hudson, Ph.D.Global Technical Manager (Leather and Footwear), Global Softlines SGS United Kingdom Limited [email protected] t +44 7841 566777
P. VenkatesanGlobal PPE & Footwear / Leather Manager, Global SoftlinesSGS India Pvt. [email protected] +91 44 66081620 SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
PAGE 8INDUSTRY NEWS - FOOD
DEMONSTRATING SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY Along with food safety and quality, the seafood industry now considers the measurement of its sustainability as a driving force toward better management of our natural resources, the health and safety of its workers, and the operating efficiency of its business.
No one can underestimate the importance of ensuring that seafood is sourced sustainably from the planet’s lakes, rivers and oceans. However, it was not so long ago that consumers, the media and the food industry itself overlooked the importance of the social and economic aspects of sustainability.
A sustainable seafood business is one that is financially viable, measures and protects all aspects of its global supply chain and is respectful to both employee and community rights.
BENCHMARKING SUSTAINABILITY IN
AQUACULTURE SOURCING
Different markets have different requirements for seafood products, their sourcing and their management systems. Keeping up to date with the latest developments and submitting to multiple audits is a time-consuming and expensive exercise. But help may be on the horizon.
Three food and seafood specific standard-setting organisations are working together to increase efficiency and reduce duplication in the auditing process. In April, at the Global Seafood Expo in Brussels, the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and GlobalG.A.P. took the significant step of agreeing to combine checklists for farms seeking to achieve certification against more than one standard.
A combined checklist minimises the duplication of audit points between certification programmes and comprises all audit points of one standard supplemented by specific add-on clauses for other standard(s). A farm pursuing multiple certifications can select any one of the three programmes as the primary standard and then select the desired add-ons.
Streamlining checklists in this way enables the farming industry to shift the focus of their expenditures from repetitive audits toward sustainable
corrective actions. Businesses will likely see a reduction in the management time and money spent on certification activities, thereby making them more efficient and therefore, more sustainable.
CLARITY IN SUSTAINABILITY
As discussed, the range of certification programmes can be confusing, and choosing the most appropriate solution for a business is not always straightforward. To address this issue, the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI), an alliance between partners from different sectors including retailers, seafood processors, foodservice and NGOs, is developing a benchmarking tool to provide transparency between labelling and seafood certification programmes. This tool may be useful for seafood businesses, as it will enable comparison between different certification programmes, to help make sourcing decisions.
Work has been ongoing for two years, with three expert working groups covering aquaculture, fisheries, and the procedural, institutional and evaluation processes of seafood certification. To keep stakeholders up to date with progress the GSSI has launched a new website: http://www.ourgssi.org.
In combination with GAA, ASC and GlobalG.A.P. checklist streamlining, there is significant potential for the seafood supply chain to become more efficient in its audit and certification programmes, at the same time as creating a more sustainable business model, through better decision-making and eradicating duplication of effort. Another major promoter of seafood sustainability certification, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which sets standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability, has welcomed the GSSI initiative1.
1 Marine Stewardship Council - Statement on Proposed Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative
CERTIFIED FOR SUCCESS
Whether for environmental management systems, business integrity or social responsibility, sustainability audits demonstrate the degree of compliance, identify shortcomings and best practices and provide information or recommend certification, as appropriate to the requirements of the sustainability standard.
The benefits of sustainability are two-fold. Not only does it allow the seafood supply chain to provide information demonstrating its credentials to customers, but it also gives individual businesses a framework for ensuring that responsible sourcing, welfare at work, and other indicators are implemented and maintained within their own organisation.
Together with investments in food safety and quality, the returns from investments in sustainability are demonstrating a measurable impact on the long term viability of the seafood industry.
Kevin S. EdwardsAssociate Director FoodSGS North America [email protected] +1 973 461 7903
Jack Vader Consumer Testing ServicesProgram Manager MSC/ASC CoC SGS Nederland [email protected] +31 181 693 285
PAGE 9INDUSTRY NEWS - FOOD
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability does not end with traditional sustainable certification schemes. These have largely focussed on good husbandry and environmental practices but commercial clients and consumers are now asking more questions about the treatment of the workforce across a range of topics.
For many seafood brands, the “Road to Social Accountability” often began from a demand for compliance to one or more global customer’s Code of Conduct which focussed on these topics. That initial demand has now accelerated from the seafood processor back to the feed mill and includes not only direct employees but also temporary labour and contractors. Whilst many schemes are in place and are actively monitoring conditions in factories and processors, the complexity of monitoring fishing fleets remains the industry’s “elephant in the room”. Companies looking to have an assurance about the social sustainability standards in their supply chain must therefore carefully apply those principles to a more dynamic and moving environment with variations in jurisdiction, local law, vessel safety, labour contracts, worker health and safety, availability of ship board records and time at sea. In doing this they also need to take account of auditor safety, especially if they are sending individuals to monitor conditions on board. Moreover, the seafood industry leaders are recognizing that investments in the social accountability programs provide essential information not only for benchmarking and brand protection but also for supplier evaluation.
In the past year alone, there has been greater attention and action from the global governing bodies and the media. The US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, the European
Commission, and numerous media stories have highlighted the exploitative employment practices and illegal fishing activities within the industry. Moreover, a substantial number of independent seafood processing plant audits are still yielding unsatisfactory results in worker health and safety, working hour violations against common codes, excessive labour recruiting fees, and discriminatory employment practices. As the seafood industry comes to a common understanding of these issues and begins to engage both their supply chain partners and their relevant host country governments in sustainable practices, the industry will enhance its reputation as a truly sustainable one.
Social responsibility now means more than meeting internationally agreed labour standards. Equally competitive retail markets and global supply chains within the softgoods, toy and electronics industries have provided many case studies from which the seafood industry can learn. In addition, the seafood industry is now well-versed in the power of social media to demand stronger attention to socially responsible supply chains and to focus attention on their efforts in building sustainable solutions. By supporting the continuous improvement of the social performance of suppliers the industry can, in return, improve public perception of the industry and reassure customers.
SGS Agriculture & Food
GCC TECHNICAL REGULATION
REQUIREMENTS
There are a number of essential safety parameters for toys falling within the scope of the Technical Regulation:
General Product Safety Regulation (BD-091005-04)
Physical and mechanical properties
Flammability
Chemicals
Electrical, hygiene and radioactivity properties
Safety assessment
PAGE 10INDUSTRY NEWS - TOYS & JUVENILE PRODUCTS
GCC CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOYS NOW IN FORCEThe GCC Technical Regulation on Children’s Toys, BD-131704-01, has been fully enforced since the chemical requirements came into effect on 15 July 2015. From this date onwards, toys marketed, distributed and sold in the Gulf States are obliged to meet all requirements under this Regulation.
IS YOUR PRODUCT FIT FOR USE?
The GCC Technical Regulation BD-131704-01 has been in force since 1 January 2014 and implemented in two phases. The second implementation phase was the chemical requirements. Since 15 July 2015, all toys manufactured in, or imported into a Gulf State (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen) must comply. All compliant toys must display the GCC conformity quality marking, the G-Mark.
CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS
Since 15 July 2015, toy manufacturers and importers in any of the Gulf States must ensure that all products comply with the GCC Technical Regulation, including the use of chemicals such as:
19 soluble elements
Allergenic fragrances
CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic)
N-Nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances
Phthalates
WHAT QUALIFIES AS A TOY IN GCC?
The GCC Technical Regulation defines toys as an item “designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under 14 years of age”. This means that aside from the exempted products listed below and in Technical Regulation BD-131704-01, all toys designed for children under 14 to use in play must comply. Exempted products include:
Automatic playing machines, whether coin operated or not, intended for public use
Playground equipment intended for public use
Slings and catapults
Toy steam engines
Toy vehicles equipped with combustion engines
PAGE 11INDUSTRY NEWS - TOYS & JUVENILE PRODUCTS
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
In addition to the safety requirements listed on the previous page, each toy requires technical documentation. This establishes the applicable requirements, as well as the assessment, design, manufacture and operation of the toy. It should contain:
A general description of the toy
A detailed description, with conceptual design and manufacturing drawings, including list of components and materials e.g. bill of materials (BOM)
Safety data sheets (SDS) for the chemicals used
Safety assessments
Test reports
Declaration of conformity (DOC)
GULF CONFORMITY MARK (G-MARK)
The G-mark testifies compliance with GCC-wide safety regulations for toys. On successful completion of the assessment and certification processes, toys must display the G-Mark on the toy itself or its packaging. It must be at least 5 mm high and must be in a clear, legible, permanent and inerasable format. Only toys demonstrating compliance to Technical Regulation BD-131704-01 qualify to display the G-Mark.
WARNINGS
The GCC standards are broadly in line with the requirements of the European Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC and EN 71 standards. However, all toys must display relevant warnings and instructions in Arabic.
Warnings that determine a purchasing decision, such as those specifying the minimum and maximum age for users, must appear on the packaging or otherwise be clearly visible to the consumer before purchase.
To ensure clarity for consumers, warnings must not conflict with a toy’s intended use.
GC TYPE EXAMINATION
This is the stage of the conformity assessment procedure in which the chosen Notified Body, as required, examines the technical design of a toy and verifies and attests that its technical design meets the requirements of the GCC Technical Regulation on Children’s Toys. On successful completion of the type examination, a toy will receive a GC Type Examination Certificate.
ECONOMIC OPERATORS
The GCC Regulation includes obligations for manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers who are linked to the manufacturer, importers who are unlinked to the manufacturer (e.g. trader), and distributors. An importer or distributor would be considered as a manufacturer if it places a toy on the market under its own name or trademark, or modifies a toy in a manner that complies with the applicable requirements.
WHY CHOOSE SGS?
SGS laboratories in Dubai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are accredited Notified Bodies under GCC Technical Regulation on Children’s Toys (BD-131704-1).
Our expertise in compliance management will help you make the right choices to access the GCC markets, while carrying out the necessary testing and certification quickly and professionally. We can:
Conduct conformity assessments
Conduct safety assessments (physical & mechanical, chemical etc) for technical documentation
Conduct GC-type examinations
Review labels and markings in Arabic
Assist to prepare Declarations of Conformity (DOCs)
Issue Certificates of Conformity (COCs)
Independent and innovative, our toy experts use state-of-the-art facilities and technology to deliver tailor made added value services that help to improve your business.
For more details visit www.sgs.com/toys contact your local SGS representative or reach out to our global team at: [email protected].
HingWo Tsang, Ph.D.CTS Toys and Juvenile ProductsInformation and Innovation ManagerSGS Hong Kong [email protected] +852 2774 7420 SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
PAGE 12INDUSTRY NEWS - COSMETICS, PERSONAL CARE & HOUSEHOLD
IN-VITRO TESTING: ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO ASSESS TOXICOLOGY AND EFFICACY OF COSMETICSOpposition to animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients, as well as an outright ban across the EU, has been a significant driver to the in-vitro testing sector in recent years. As a result, the industry has seen technological advancements and innovations to make it both more useful and cost effective.
In-vitro toxicology testing is commonly employed by the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, food, medical device and diagnostics industries to test the safety (toxicology/toxicity) and efficacy of chemicals, bio-chemicals, materials, preparations and vaccines. It offers an effective and ever-improving alternative to animal testing. In some areas, such as cosmetics destined for the EU, it replaces animal testing completely. In others it can be used to reduce the number of animals and tests required, or refine procedures to limit animal impacts.
IN-VITRO IN THE COSMETICS INDUSTRY
In the cosmetics industry, in-vitro testing is used to confirm the lack of certain toxic properties in cosmetic and personal care products, as well as their ingredients. It can be used both to test the efficacy of products and to achieve regulatory approval. For instance, data on skin irritation effects are required by the following legislation:
EU Regulation on Cosmetics Products (EC 1223/2009)
Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC 1272/2008)
REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006)
EU BAN ON ANIMAL TESTING
In 2013, EU Cosmetic Regulation (1223/2009) introduced a ban on animal testing for all new cosmetics sold in Europe, and their ingredients. The ban also applies to products, or ingredients, which have been subject to animal testing outside Europe.
In-vitro toxicology testing offers a non-animal alternative to the cosmetics and personal care industry. It allows the effective evaluation of the potential of end products and ingredients to cause skin (dermal) or eye (ocular) irritation, skin corrosion and other adverse side effects when consumers use them.
COSMETICS INDUSTRY IN-VITRO METHODS
The safety of cosmetic and personal care products is key for manufacturers, importers, retailers and consumers. Nobody wants to hurt people, or be hurt, by rogue products and ingredients. In-vitro toxicology testing helps you to evaluate a product or ingredients’ potential to cause dermal/ocular irritation or dermal corrosion when used by a consumer. The principal test methods are cell-based and biochemical assays, ex-vivo and in-silico.
PAGE 13INDUSTRY NEWS - COSMETICS, PERSONAL CARE & HOUSEHOLD
ACUTE TOXICITY Cytotoxicity tests assess the skin irritation potential on cultured human or mammalian cell lines. Cytotoxicity is the first test to provide reliable insight into the safety of cosmetics. Toxic effects on the cellular level could be identified by different viability tests including:
Neutral Red Uptake (NRU, NRR)
MTT Assay
Microscopical LiveDead Test
Skin irritation tests assess the potential for chemically induced skin damage that is reversible (irritation) or irreversible, for example:
Reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) test method (OECD 439)
Skin corrosion tests assess the potential of a substance/mixture to cause irreversible damage to the skin, such as:
Epidermal Skin Test (OECD 431)
Eye irritation/corrosion tests assess the potential for chemically induced damage to the eye that is reversible (irritation) or irreversible (corrosion), for example:
Bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) test
Determination of haemolytic activity, red blood cell (RBC) test
Hen’s Egg Test (HET-CAM)
PHOTOTOXICITY Phototoxicity tests (OECD 432) assess the potential for chemically induced skin irritation, it is known as photoirritation, including for example:
3T3 Neutral Red Uptake (NRU, NRR)
MUTAGENICITY Mutagenicity tests increase understanding of the potential for genotoxic hazard (DNA changes/damage), for example:
Ames test in accordance with OECD 471, fluctuation and contact plate method
Comet tests
SGS SERVICES
With extensive experience in non-animal testing methods, our scientists conduct a broad range of in-vitro testing services addressing the issues of skin and eye irritation, skin corrosion, phototoxicity, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. Using state-of-the-art testing equipment, our labs deliver testing services that comply with international standards, under both GLP and accredited conditions.
Our global network of cosmetics and personal care experts are based at laboratories in Europe, Asia and the Americas, making SGS the perfect partner to help you develop cosmetic and personal care products and bring them to market.
For further details visit: www.sgs.com/cosmetics, contact your local SGS representative or reach out to our global team at: [email protected].
Dr. Ella AllerdingsPersonal and Homecare, BioServicesSGS Institut Fresenius [email protected] t 49 6128 744 - 772 SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
PAGE 14INDUSTRY NEWS - ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ADDED TO RoHS DIRECTIVE AND THEIR USE RESTRICTEDFour phthalate plasticisers, DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP, have been classified as Priority 1 Substances and added to the existing six substances restricted by EU Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
Product manufacturers, suppliers and contract manufacturers may be affected by this announcement. The four phthalates have been added to six other Annex II Restricted Substances with prescribed maximum concentration values (MCVs). Following publication in the Official Journal of European Union as Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 the Annex II list now extends to:
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Hexavalent chromium
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
RoHS limits these substances to 0.1% or 1,000ppm (except for cadmium, which is limited to 0.01% or 100ppm) by weight of homogenous material.
Restrictions on the four new substances will come into effect for categories 1 to 7, 10 and 11 from 22 July 2019, and with effect from 22 July, 2021 for categories 8 and 9, Medical and Monitoring Devices.
CABLES & SPARE PARTS EXEMPTION
In common with previous RoHS Directive updates, these most recent changes apply to cables and spare parts for the repair, re-use and updating of a device’s functionality, or capacity upgrade, with one exemption. Spare parts manufactured for medical devices already on the market before these dates are exempt from compliance with RoHS II.
The published amendment states: “The restriction of DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP shall not apply to cables or spare parts for the repair, the reuse, the updating of functionalities or upgrading of capacity of EEE placed on the market before 22 July 2019, and of medical devices, including in vitro medical devices, and monitoring and control instruments, including industrial monitoring and control instruments, placed on the market before 22 July 2021.”
PHTHALATES IN ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC TOYS
Toys destined for EU markets are also subject to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (EC 1907/2006), better known as REACH. This month’s amendment to the RoHS Directive states that the Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, restricting phthalates in toys, takes precedence over the new maximum concentration levels in the RoHS Directive.
PLANNING FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Even at this early stage, it is pragmatic to closely examine materials being provided by suppliers, to determine whether the new substances are present in homogenous materials at levels in excess of the MCVs. In the event that materials do exceed the MCVs, suppliers and manufacturers will need to work together, either to find a substitute material, or to start the process of seeking an exemption specifically for the material and its application.
Product manufacturers, suppliers and contract manufacturers, if applicable, should analyse substitute materials and consider possible impacts to manufacturing methods, processes and fresh lot yields.
PAGE 15INDUSTRY NEWS - ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
The new restrictions also have the potential to impact product reliability and long-term availability. Therefore, product manufacturers should also evaluate potential impacts, as well as the possibility that restrictions may be imposed upon the substitute materials in the future.
In addition, manufacturers should check with their suppliers to confirm whether or not they use any of the new hazardous substances, and if so, to identify and evaluate potential alternatives.
DELEGATED DIRECTIVE 2015/863
European Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/8631 officially adding the four phthalate substances to the EU RoHS Directive was published on 4 June 2015. This was the final step to officially adding the four phthalates to the existing list of six RoHS hazardous substances.
The addition of these new hazardous substances resulted from their classification as Priority 1 Substances. These substances were part of a larger group of 11 Priority substances. More information about the methods used to select the 11 Priority Substances is available in SGS’s SafeGuards “RoHS – Methodology for Inclusion of Substances in Restricted Substances List”2.
WORLDWIDE EXPERTISE
Whatever the challenge, SGS is able to provide expert support for RoHS compliance. We specialise in partial and complete testing of finished products, and offer options for non-destructive testing. Our RoHS related services include: product risk assessments, process gap analysis and consulting, full product and material testing to IEC 62321 standards, XRF screening, RoHS Certificate of Conformity, and verification services.
With more than 90 years’ experience, we have a deep understanding of hazardous substances. We operate more than 28 accredited RoHS testing centres worldwide, staffed by more than 1,000 RoHS specialists.
Act now, to ensure your product’s compliance to the latest RoHS list before the latest additions are restricted.
For additional information or support please contact:
Kenneth StanvickTechnical Manager, Environmental Compliance ManagementSGS North America [email protected] t +1 603-305-4103
1 Official Journal of the EU - Annex II to Directive 2011/65/EU.2 RoHS - Methodology for Inclusion of Substances in Restricted Substances List
SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
PAGE 16INDUSTRY NEWS - ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
BUILT TO LAST? A LAW IN FRANCE TO COMBAT PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE FOR APPLIANCES Planned obsolescence occurs when a product is designed with the intention of it breaking, failing or becoming unfashionable after a determined period of time. A new government decree in France no. 2014-1482, which came into force in March 2015 is aimed at fighting this business practice in the appliances industry. This is just part of a larger movement against planned and built-in obsolescence across the European Union.
If you have ever owned a fridge, a mobile phone or even a pair of stockings, that were easier to replace than repair, you have experienced planned obsolescence first hand. It is defined in the French Act on the Energy Transition as any scheme through which a product has “its life intentionally reduced from its conception, limiting its usage period for reasons of economic model.”
DIFFERING VIEWS ON PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE
There are arguments for and against planned obsolescence. The ‘for’ camp argues that rapid change on the market leads to faster innovation, new technology and more competitiveness, which benefits everyone, including end buyers. Consumers tend to lean towards the ‘against’ camp and highlight the increased waste, energy consumption, as well as financial resources involved in continually buying new generation products to replace their old, irreparable ones.
The EU’s Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive stipulates minimum requirements, and gives the Member States the freedom to enforce stricter conditions. It is the overall desire to increase the durability of products, while having more transparency about the life span of products and availability of spare parts, which led to this new legislation in France, closely following the regulations contained in Article 6 of the French Consumers’ Law1 (published March 2014).
The new decree is only applicable in France, to French manufacturers, who will now be required to tell consumers how long their appliances are intended to last. If they want to avoid a potential fine of EUR 15,000 manufacturers must also notify buyers about the period of time that spare parts will be available for each product, after its release date. And that’s not all – from 2016, manufacturers are required to repair or replace, free of charge, any defective product within two years from its original purchase date. This will effectively create a mandatory two-year warranty for products such as stoves, washing machines, and mobile phones.
EU-WIDE INITIATIVES ARE IN DISCUSSION
The French decree is part of a wider movement against planned and built-in obsolescence across the EU. The Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) is developing a project, initiated by the European Economic and Social Committee, to create an action plan for more sustainable consumption patterns. This is coupled with a desire to establish product labelling best practices, which would include details about product durability and expected lifetime. At the core of this project is the CCMI opinion “CCMI/112 Towards
1 France - Consumers’ Law 2 EESC - Towards more sustainable consumption
PAGE 17INDUSTRY NEWS - ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
more sustainable consumption: industrial product lifetimes and restoring trust through consumer information”2 which was adopted on 17 October 2013, and is proposing a total ban on planned obsolescence.
Legislation against obsolescence is not enough on its own; it requires a body that could assist with its implementation and enforcement. The Component Obsolescence Group (COG) established the International Institute of Obsolescence Management (IIOM) in January 2015. The IIOM aims to expand its reach to a wider range of industries involving materials, software, mechanical, electrical, and electronics components and to provide training to practitioners in obsolescence management.
All of these legal documents and actions represent important steps forward towards protecting EU consumers by offering them more details about a product’s durability and life span. In turn this will help them make more informed and sustainable buying decisions.
PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG
A fast product turnover on the market is a well-known way to boost the economy and encourage growth. But in the long term, it might generate a purchasing frenzy that induces tension in consumer’s budgets, and the frustration of not being able to acquire the latest, state-of-the-art devices. It also accelerates the depletion of natural resources and increases the pressure on the environment.
In order to identify a more sustainable approach several companies have started working on new business models that go beyond planned obsolescence. Strategies based on functionality or circular economy are emerging and proving successful in their specific market: vehicles, stamping machines, printers are just three examples demonstrating the feasibility of these different approaches. A challenge for the manufacturers is to generate trust in their products and system in the long term.
By helping increasing trust in products and bringing transparency to processes, SGS supports innovative projects in their quest to achieve market success.
Find more information on SGS Sustinability Services for the electronics industry.
Jean-Baptiste Molet Manager - Supply Chain Assessments and SolutionsSGS [email protected] +33 1 41 24 87 59
SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
PAGE 18FOCUS ON SGS LABS
SGS INDIA: MULTIPLE LABS COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Established: 1989
Number of Labs: 4 labs for Softlines, 3 labs for Food Testing and 3 labs for Automotive and Hard Goods
Lab locations: Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Manesar, Pune and Tirupur
Total size of labs: 187,000 sqft
No of employees: 1000
Types of consumer products tested by our laboratories in India include:
Automotive
Apparel
Accessories
Cosmetics
Dyes & Chemicals
Electrical & Electronics
Footwear
Food
Hard Goods
Raw Materials
Personal Protective Equipment
Textiles
Toys & Juvenile Products
Mechanical & RSL Testing
Inspection
Audits
Sustainability Solutions
Training
Polymer testing
Metal testing and Painted component testing
Packaging & Transit Testing
ISO/IEC 17025
CPSIA
OHSAS 18001
ISO 9001:2008
ISTA
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Corporate member of National Safety Council (NSC)
Certified training partner AATCC
Technical advisory to Council of Leather for REACH
SGS is environmentally friendly, we strongly believe in maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all of our laboratories. Adhering to this commitment, the SGS chemical, textiles and footwear laboratories are equipped with zero-discharge water treatment plants, sophisticated fire management systems, rooftop solar-heaters for heating water and scrubber systems to treat hazardous exhaust fumes from laboratories.
Leather Testing Lab
INTRODUCING SGS INDIA LABS KEY TYPES OF SERVICES
ACCREDITATIONS AND APPROVALS
CONTACT SGS INDIA LABS
SGS India Pvt. Ltd. 226, Udyog Vihar- Ph IGurgaon-122016, Haryana, [email protected] t +91 124 677 6300
Chennai Lab
RSTS Lab ACCREDITATIONS AND APPROVALS
PAGE 19SGS IN THE NEWS & PRODUCT RECALLS
SGS IN THE NEWS CONSUMER GOODS
SGS Expands PEP Ecopassport Program Verification - read article
SGS Named as Sector Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe Indices - read article
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS New Medical Devices Newsletter issue - read article
SGS Electro Medical Device Services in Atlanta, USA - read article
FOOD SGS Acquires SVA Ltd, UK - read article
HARDGOODS SGS Bradford Is Pleased to Announce UKAS Accreditation for Their New PPE Testing Laboratory - read article
TOYS & JUVENILE PRODUCTS SGS Attends CBME China 2015 - read article
SGS Hong Kong and SGS Shenzhen Approved as Notified Bodies for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Technical Regulation on Children’s Toys - read article
SGS compiles recall cases notified in the EU, US and Australia for consumer goods. They can help you minimize costly recalls by increasing your awareness of recall cases related to your business. SGS Product Recalls is now offered for no charge, and is included twice per month in the SGS SafeGuards publication.
Browse the Product Recalls library. Subscribe to Product Recalls.
PRODUCT RECALLS
PAGE 20SGS EVENTS AND WHITE PAPERS
UPCOMING SGS EVENTS
EVENT COUNTRY LOCATION DATES INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW / CONFERENCE
BOOTH NO. IF ANY
CONTACT PERSON
Cosmoprof North America
USA Las Vegas
Jul 12 - Jul 14
Cosmetics, Personal Care &
Household
Tradeshow Booth no.24098
Sepawa Annual Congress
Germany Fulda Oct 14 - Oct 16
Cosmetics, Personal Care &
Household
Congress /Conferences
Luxe Pack Monaco / Luxe
Formulation
Monaco Monaco Oct 21 - Oct 23
Cosmetics, Personal Care &
Household
Conference NA [email protected]
Cosmoprof Asia
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Nov 11 - Nov 13
Cosmetics, Personal Care &
Household
Tradeshow TBC [email protected]
PLMA’s Annual U.S. Private Label
Trade Show
USA Chicago Nov 15 - Nov 17
Cosmetics, Personal Care &
Household
Tradeshow TBC [email protected]
Kind + Jugend Germany Cologne Sep 10 - Sep 13
Toys & Juvenile Products
Tradeshow TBC [email protected]@sgs.com
For more events, please check the online events calendar.
INTERNATIONAL TYPE APPROVAL (ITA) FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
International Type Approval (ITA) for Electrical & Electronics (E&E) Products’ advises and guides consumer goods manufacturers and importers through the numerous country specific type-approval schemes. SGS’s white paper provides insight to help manufacturers and importers rise to the challenge
of meeting the mandatory legal requirements for their target markets. ITA-related services help manufacturers demonstrate compliance and achieve certification against the relevant national and international standards.
Download your copy of: ‘International Type Approval (ITA) for Electrical and Electronic Products’.
UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL OLIVE OIL QUALITY, GRADING AND LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview of the voluntary industry standards and government/state regulations relating to olive oil. It aims to promote an understanding
of the grading, quality, regulatory and labelling requirements of the industry, and to outline some of the current issues relating to adulteration and contamination.
Download your copy of: ‘Understanding Global Olive Oil Quality, Grading and Labelling Requirements’.
SGS WHITE PAPERSSGS provides you with free white papers written by technical experts from various fields. These documents emphasize the importance of services that enable you to drive continuous quality improvement and excellence at every level of your organization.
PAGE 21SGS SAFEGUARDS
SAFEGUARDSSTAY ON TOP OF REGULATORY CHANGES WITHIN YOUR INDUSTRY! SafeGuards, are SGS technical bulletins concentrating on new product standards, regulations and test methods. They are written by SGS experts and dispatched on a weekly basis. Find below a selection of SafeGuards titles from the past weeks. Subscribe to SafeGuards: www.sgs.com/subscribesgBrowse the SafeGuards Library: www.sgs.com/safeguards
AUTOMOTIVE Brazil - Compulsory Certification of Automotive Components of Motorcycles, Scooters, Mopeds, Tricycles and Quadricycles -
read the bulletin
CONSUMER PRODUCTS EU Amends Requirements for Safety Data Sheets Under REACH - read the bulletin
EU RAPEX Statistics 2014: Increasing Recalls Especially on Toys and Chemical Risks - read the bulletin
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS EU - Four Phthalates Have Been Added to the Restricted Substances Listed in RoHS Annex II - read the bulletin
Italy Intends to Adopt New Requirements for Food Contact Stainless Steels - read the bulletin
EU RoHS Compliance - Still Room for Improvement - read the bulletin
FOOD Nordic Council Recommends Heavy Metal Release Values for Food Contact Metals and Alloys - read the bulletin
US EPA Establishes MRLS for Fenazaquin in, or on, Almonds and Cherries - read the bulletin
Thailand Announces New Requirements for Feeding Bottles and Liquid Milk Containers - read the bulletin
HARDGOODS US Minnesota Restricts Flame Retardants in Children’s Products and Upholstered Residential Furniture - read the bulletin
EU Seeks Comments for Draft Guideline on Lead Restriction Under REACH - read the bulletin
EU Expands Lead Restriction Under REACH - read the bulletin
SOFTLINES Dry Clean Based on Silicone – Based Solvent - read the bulletin
New Korean Standards for Determination of Restricted Substances in Textile / Leather Products Released - read the bulletin
US - Albany County Stays Ban on 7 Chemicals in Children’s Products - read the bulletin
TOYS & JUVENILE PRODUCTS Toy Electrical Standard EN 62115 A12 Harmonised under the EU Toy Safety Directive - read the bulletin
US ASTM Releases New Safety Standard for Infant Inclined Sleep Products - read the bulletin
WTO Notifies Egypt’s Amendments to Toy Safety Requirements and Standards - read the bulletin
PAGE 22SGS PUBLICATIONS & SUBSCRIPTIONS
IN THE KNOW & IN THE NOWWith the relaunch of the SGS website - www.sgs.com, we are now able to provide our subscribers a simpler yet comprehensive news management tool. Whether you already subscribed to various SGS publications or this is your first try, our new publications management page will help you choose the right types of newsletters, alerts or reports from our range of international and country-specific publications. Our main international publications and bulletins include:
SAFEGUARDS - a technical bulletin concentrating on new product standards, regulations and test methods. SafeGuards is usually published weekly.www.sgs.com/safeguardswww.sgs.com/subscribesg
CONSUMER COMPACT – embracing all consumer product segments it covers international and product news, industry articles and stories about our activities. It is published quarterly. www.sgs.com/consumercompactwww.sgs.com/subscribecc
PRODUCT RECALLS - compiles recall cases notified in the EU, US and Australia for consumer products. It can help you minimise recalls by increasing awareness of recall cases related to your business. Product Recalls are published bi-weekly. www.sgs.com/productrecalls
MEDICAL DEVICES NEWSLETTER - an informative publication highlighting the most up-to-date global developments worldwide in the Medical Devices industry. The newsletter will be sent to you whenever major regulatory or technical developments take place, providing access to relevant information to help you sustain/achieve your competitive advantage in the industry. Subscribe here.
Selected articles from the latest issue of our MD newsletter:
Exporting Medical Devices to Russia
Optimising market access in Brazil with INMETRO
HOT SOURCE - written and researched by industry experts, our newsletter will keep you up to date with regulatory news, emerging markets, industry developments and case studies focusing on food quality, safety and sustainability. www.sgs.com/hotsourcesubscribe.Selected articles from the latest issue of Hot Source:
Edible Insects for Human Consumption Offer Novel Solution to Growing Populations
Implementing the EU Food Labelling Regulations
EVENTS AND WEBINARS - strengthen your workforce and increase your productivity. We ensure that your people have access to the very latest industry information. We work with clients, stakeholders and industry organizations to deliver industry and product specific training courses, events and webinars. Forthcoming events and webinars are listed at: www.sgs.com/events
Keeping you up to date with the latest news, events, service developments and investments, our LinkedIn pages put all the latest announcements at your fingertips.
SGS ON LINKEDIN
SGS Consumer Goods & Retail
SGS Agriculture & Food
PAGE 23SGS CONTACTS
SUBSCRIBE TO SGS PUBLICATIONS GET THEM WHEN THEY COME OUT!
Subscribe for free to CONSUMER COMPACT, SAFEGUARDS and PRODUCT RECALLS at: www.sgs.com/subscribe.
FOR ENQUIRIES
Please contact:[email protected]
© 2015 SGS SA. All rights reserved. This newsletter is a publication of SGS SA. It is intended to provide general information on a particular subject or subjects and is not an exhaustive treatment of such subject(s). Accordingly, the information in this newsletter is not intended to constitute consulting or other professional advice or services. This newsletter is provided “as is” and SGS SA does not warrant that the information contained therein will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. SGS SA expressly disclaims all implied warranties including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, title, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, security and accuracy. The information may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication or proceeding without the prior written consent of SGS SA.
CONNECT WITH SGS
EDITORIAL TEAM
Jennifer Buckley - FOOD; AUTOMOTIVE; HARDGOODS; CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Silke Hilmer - ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
Kris Wan - SOFTLINES
CONTACT OUR SGS EXPERTS
If you have any questions, or require more information about one of the topics presented in this issue, please contact the Consumer Compact experts.
Emilie Viengchaleune - SUSTAINABILITY
Stéphanie Pionchon - TOYS & JUVENILE PRODUCTS; COSMETICS, PERSONAL CARE & HOUSEHOLD
Mary Lau - EDITORIAL TEAM ASSISTANT
WWW.SGS.COM/CGNR
SGS is constantly adding new and improved content to its websites, to help you find the right answers to all questions relevant to your product or industry.
Here’s a look at some of the new content for the TOY Industry.
EU TOY SAFETY DIRECTIVE 2009/48/EC - visit the web page
Chemical Requirements - visit web page
Flammability and Physical Requirements - visit web page
Labelling and Warnings - visit web page
Manufacturer, Importer & Distributor Obligations - visit web page
Safety Assessment - visit web page
Technical Documentation for Toys - visit web page
SGS has also expanded its services for the FOOTWEAR and LEATHER Industries with the addition of this new service:
Footwear and Leather Defect Analysis - visit web page
WHAT’S NEW ON SGS.COM?
WWW.SGS.COM
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