SGS Upgrade to Softlines Laboratories Gains ZDHC Foundation Approval for Level 1 2 and 3 MRSL V3 Certification

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce that the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation has approved six of its laboratories to operate as ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) certification bodies for conformance to Levels 1, 2 and 3 of MRSL v3.0.

The announcement follows the upgrade of six laboratories in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong. Significantly, it means SGS is now the only ZDHC Foundation recognized company operating in Taiwan, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong approved to Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Yvonne Tse, Vice President, Global Softlines, SGS said: “The acceptance of our laboratories in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Chennai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong for Level 3 conformance assessment and certification is part of a long-term strategy of expansion in our sustainability services capabilities for the fashion industry. This includes the future upgrading of other facilities and the provision of holistic solutions to help businesses to achieve their zero discharge goals.”

The ZDHC Foundation is an industry-led collaboration committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals from textile and footwear supply chains. The first MRSL was published in 2014, with its companion document, MRSL Conformance Guidance, issued in 2017. It provides brands and suppliers with a single, harmonized list of chemical substances that are banned from intentional use during manufacturing and related processes. In November 2022, V3.0 of the MRSL and V2.0 of the MRSL Conformance Guidance were released by the ZDHC Foundation. MRSL V3.1 was published in March 2023.

MRSL V3.0 conformance certification is a simple and effective way for manufacturers and brands to demonstrate their commitment to zero discharge in complex supply chains that often rely on multiple different chemical formulations. It responds to the increasing awareness amongst consumers and regulators of the negative impact the manufacture of textiles and footwear is having on the environment 

SGS Chemical MRSL V3.0 conformance certification
SGS offers a simple and effective process for verifying the compliance of supplied chemical formulations with the criteria for ZDHC MRSL Levels 1, 2 or 3 through laboratory testing, document review and on-site assessment.

Learn more about our Zero Discharge Holistic Solutions

For further information, please contact: 

Keith Tsang
Senior Service Development Manager
Connectivity & Products
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About SGS 
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

SGS Issues SafeGuardS on New European Standard EN 1811 2023 for Nickel Release

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS to help businesses operating in Europe understand the changes brought in by EN 1811:2023 for nickel release.

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published EN 1811:2023 in February 2023. This is the latest reference test method for the release of nickel from:

  • All post assemblies that are inserted into pierced parts of the human body
  • Articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with human skin

EN 1811:2023 determines whether an article complies with entry No. 27 to Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH).

Stakeholders should note, EN 1811:2023 does not apply to spectacle frames and sunglasses, which are subject to the requirements in EN 16128 ‘Ophthalmic optics - Reference method for the testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for nickel release’.

EN 1811:2023 will be given the status of a national standard by August 2023, with all conflicting national standards being withdrawn by this date at the latest.

SGS has published SafeGuardS 044.23 to help stakeholders understand the changes introduced by EN 1811:2023. It includes a detailed table that summarizes all the major changes.

Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 044.23 to learn more 

SGS Consumer Product Services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivalled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Consumer Product Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full CEN Issues EN 1811:2023 for Nickel Release SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact 

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
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Website: www.sgs.com/cp 
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

SGS Provides Overview of Changes to EU Domestic Cookware Standard

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company is reminding stakeholders that the European standard for domestic cookware for use with a stove, cooker of hob – EN 12983 parts 1 and 2 – has been updated.

The two parts – EN 12983-1: 2023 and EN 12983-2: 2023 – supersede EN 12983-1: 2000 with amendment/corrigendum and CEN/TS 12983-2: 2005 respectively. They are:

  • Part 1 – safety and performance requirements for all cookware used either on or in an oven, regardless of the material or method of manufacture
  • Part 2 – safety and performance requirements for domestic ceramic and glass ceramic cookware for use on top of a stove, cooker or hob

SGS has published SafeGuardS 037.23 to help stakeholders gain an overview of the changes brought in by the new versions. These include a new handle pull test in EN 12983-1: 2023 and an easy-to-clean coating performance requirement in EN 12983-2: 2023.

To learn more stakeholders are advised to look at SGS’s original SafeGuardS 037.23.

EN 12983-1: 2023 and EN 12983-2: 2023 were published in February 2023 and will be given the status of a national standard and conflicting national standards withdrawn, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, by August 2023.  

SGS Food Contact Material Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Material Services. [http://www.sgs.com/fcm]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Updates the Domestic Cookware Standard (EN 12983-1 Part 1 and Part 2) SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2023/03/safeguards-3723-eu-updates-the-domestic-cookware-standard]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Kelvin Leung
Technical Services Executive
Tel: (+ 852) 27747437

Sandrine Sabatier
Technical Expert
Tel: (+33) 0623423745

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Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines   
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

When Damage Strikes Disaster Recovery Restoration Is the Team To Call

Phoenix, AZ – Disaster can strike at home or business at any time of day or night. Thankfully, Disaster Recovery Restoration is on hand around the clock to rapidly restore property to its pre-disaster state, whether it's flood, fire, storm or mold.

As a full-service restoration contractor serving the Phoenix area for more than 40 years, the team at Disaster Recovery Restoration are the go-to choice for families and companies.

Whether it is water damage, fire damage, mold, biohazard, storm damage or other disasters, the company, which is IICRC certified, BBB accredited and HomeAdvisor approved, can handle all the challenges.

"It is tough when a disaster involves water or fire damage. However, dealing with these issues urgently is the best way to ensure you protect your property and your health and save as much money as possible," said Disaster Recovery Restoration's owner Brad Johnson.

Residential and commercial clients often call them out to handle everything from a plumbing leak, broken water heater, burst pipe, sewer backup, an overflowing toilet to more severe damage, which requires their disaster restoration expertise.

When it comes to the water damage restoration process, the team has handled thousands of calls. They offer a multi-step approach that requires a large amount of knowledge and expertise to restore property properly.

With years of experience in the industry, Disaster Recovery Restoration has your back, as they will work around the clock to restore the property. They work directly with insurance companies, utilize state-of-the-art restoration equipment, and offer unmatched customer service.

Mr Johnson added: "We are always up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies to provide clients with the best possible service. We understand disasters can be a very traumatic experience, and our goal is to make the restoration process as easy and stress-free as possible."

The company has received many five-star testimonials from satisfied clients. Bryce Williams commented: "Great company to reach out to if you need restoration services around Phoenix. Brad and Eduardo are very professional and do high-quality work."

To book an appointment or to review their scope of services: 

Phone: (480) 534-7140

Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Website: https://www.disasterrecoveryrestoration.com/

SGS Helps PPE Manufacturers Understand EU and UK Conformity Requirements

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article detailing a Q&A on the impact of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and Brexit on product conformity for personal protection equipment (PPE).

Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – the PPE Regulation – came into force on April 21, 2018, with the aim of ensuring free movement of trade and consumer protection. However, since Brexit happened on January 1, 2021, PPE has been regulated by Regulation 2016/425 in the UK. While this essentially mirrors the EU regulation, there are some differences.

SGS’s Consumer Compact article covers a Q&A held by European PPE experts Anna Ruhala and Kelvin Shephard. It answers questions relating to general EU and UK requirements alongside issues of conformity assessment on a wide range of PPE products.

Read the original Consumer Compact article, ‘Understanding EU and UK PPE requirements: commonly asked questions’.

SGS Solution
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing and certification services to help manufacturers and suppliers of PPE successfully access European markets. Solutions cover all PPE, including medical equipment, clothing and footwear, and protection for eyes, faces, heads and limbs.

Learn more about SGS PPE services.

Subscribe here to receive SGS Consumer Compact direct to your inbox.

For more information, please contact: 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,700 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.