SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce its accreditation by the European Commission as a Notified Body for the latest delegated act of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) (2014/53/EU) which aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of wireless devices available in the EU. 

SGS Fimko Ltd (SGS), in Finland, gained accreditation for Article 3(3)(d), (e) and (f) which seeks to further protect privacy and personal data, and minimize fraud. The award extends the scope of SGS’s current RED Notified Body status and was granted following a rigorous audit procedure which saw the company demonstrate its expertise and competence to issue a verdict on products at this level.

Mika Richardt, Global Head of Product Certification, SGS said: “We’re proud to lead the way in the quality of the services we provide and delighted with this extension to our RED Notified Body scope which recognizes the technical competence, credibility and reliability of our laboratories and certification services.

“As more and more products employ radio technology in their applications, and many of these devices connect to the Internet, security threats for products to be attacked and exploited increase. SGS looks forward to supporting manufacturers to meet the new requirements in the months ahead.”

Article 3(3)(d), (e) and (f) is applicable to certain categories of wireless devices that include mobile phones, tablets and laptops, smart home appliances, children’s toys and baby monitors, as well as smartwatches and wearable fitness trackers.

RED is applicable to all electrical and electronic devices that intentionally emit and receive radio waves at frequencies below 3,000GHz. It establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market by setting essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum.

On August 1, 2025, RED articles 3.3 (d), (e) and (f) will become mandatory for all wireless devices and products sold in the EU which are in the scope of these articles and manufacturers of radio connected devices must then be compliant or face potential action. 

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 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is hosting an expert webinar, ‘Cameroon: pre-export verification of conformity program’ on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

For exporters working in Cameroon markets, smooth and straightforward trade depends on a good understanding of pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) procedures. Penalties and delays can be avoided by having products fully tested and certified by an authorized provider before shipment.

In this complimentary webinar, presenter Marc Mbogba explores SGS’s PVoC services, which are approved by Cameroon’s L’Agence des Normes et de la Qualité (ANOR). These include physical inspections, laboratory testing, factory audits and documentary verification. The scope and objectives of Cameroon’s PVoC program will be covered, alongside explanation of certification routes and exempted products.

SGS’s unique global network and local expertise ensure businesses are supported all the way through the PVoC process, providing customized solutions and key account management. The webinar will also include a Q&A session and be of interest to all exporters looking to trade in Cameroon’s markets.

Register today to secure your place.

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 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Fruitland, ID – One of Idaho’s leading auto repair centers, Modern Auto Service, has proved it’s award-winning service yet again – scooping an important business award for the third year in a row.

The Fruitland shop, which only opened its door to trade in 2016, clinched a hat-trick by winning the 2023 Best Auto Repair category at the Argus Observer’s Best of the Western Treasure Valley awards.

The company, headed by owner Ryan Baxter, also won the Best Place to Work award for the first time,  proving that a happy team in their work will ensure happy clientele.

“We are immensely proud of these achievements and prove that we are on the fast track to success through demonstrating commitment to customer service and a detail-oriented approach to auto repair work,” said Mr. Baxter.

One of the secrets of their success is their comprehensive services which have kept pace with the lightning speed of transformation of vehicles, given they are now built with state-of-the-art technology, world-class safety features and remote functionality.

He added: “All these elements combined in a vehicle demand the highest quality repairs and maintenance when that is required. With our one-stop-shop strategy, our team is geared to ensure that vehicles leaving Modern Auto Service are reliable, safe, and comfortable.”

From the moment a client enters the full-service facility, the team stops at nothing to ensure complete satisfaction. Their services extend to vehicle diagnostics, auto electrical and engine repairs, preventative maintenance,  oil changes, brake repairs and servicing, and wheel alignment. The teams can handle any vehicle type, as well as hybrid and EVs, and fleet vehicles.

“Its embedded within the company DNA to go beyond the client’s expectations. We take the hassle and stress out of auto repair and that’s why clients keep on returning for our award-winning services,” he added.

Modern Auto Service also provides warranties and a host of special offers on repairs and servicing. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about their services, phone: 208-452-2886 or visit: https://modernautoservice.net/. Alternatively stop by at their shop at 1225 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Fruitland, ID 83619 to get first hand advice.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 164.23 to keep stakeholders informed about moves in the European Union (EU) to revise specifications for perfluorooactane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (PFOS) under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POP Recast Regulation).

The European Commission (EC) started a four-week consultation over a draft regulation on December 4, 2023. If approved, it will:
- Align language for substance identification for PFOS and its derivatives with those for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Introduce an unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) limit value for PFOS and it salts for consistency with PFOA
- Strengthen the UTC limit level for PFOS-related compounds in substances, mixtures and articles
- Delete point 4 in relation to the specific exemption for the use of PFOS and its derivatives as a mist suppressant for non-decorative hard chromium plating due to alternative substitutes
- Remove point 5 in relation to analytical standards

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory and market changes that might impact their business. SafeGuardS 164.23 summarizes the proposals being made in the draft regulation and includes a table providing more details of the new provisions that are currently being consulted over and potential effective dates.

The four-week consultation ends on January 1, 2024.

SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EC Consults Over Revised Specifications for PFOS under POP Recast Regulation SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2023/12/safeguards-16423-ec-consults-over-revised-specifications-for-pfos-under-pop-recast-regulation]

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

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Health tech entrepreneur, Arvind Raichur, has closely watched the evolution of healthcare data over the years as consumers primarily overlooked it.

He predicts that lackadaisical approach to healthcare data will drastically change in 2024 as more consumers become aware of their medical records and want to own it. 

Studies estimate up to 70 percent of health records can contain errors or inaccurate patient information. These errors can lead to wrong prescriptions, expensive diagnostic tests or worse - a misdiagnosis of a disease. 

Raichur founded DrOwl – a secure mobile health platform - as a way for consumers to securely track and protect their healthcare records. Since then, DrOwl has established connections with the country’s largest health record systems as well as The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs, enabling consumers to bring all of their health records into one location on their phone.

“You want to know if there is a mistake in your credit report, so why wouldn’t you want to know if your medical records contain an error that could lead to a dangerous misdiagnose,” said Raichur. “For patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes, the information is critical. There is no margin of error when it comes to our health and prescriptions.”

In 2021, Congress enacted a section of the Cures Act that gives all patients the right to aaccess their records through the app of their choice. Up until that point, it was extremely difficult for patients to acquire or review their health records from hospitals or doctors offices.

A 2023 study from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology suggests consumers are becoming more aware of their health data. The government agency found more consumers are logging into their health portals and reviewing their medical records on mobile apps like DrOwl. The report also found the share of consumers accessing their online medical records or patient portal more than doubled between 2014 and 2022.

DrOwl is a free medical platform that allows consumers to download all of their medical records into one place. The mobile health platform contains a personalized patient portal that translates medical jargon and codes into an easy-to-understand language. 

Navy veteran Tim Quinn is one of those consumers who got on board with owning his health records. He had voluminous medical records from all over the world after he served in Iraq, and connected all of his medical records with DrOwl. 

“You don’t have to be tech savvy to understand DrOwl. It’s very simple to use,” said Quinn, who is from Louisiana. “I was also able to better understand my medical history by using their personalized search engine that was customized to my personal health records. I feel like I am able to better understand my health now.”

Findings from HealthIT Report

The study from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology found about 3 in 5 adult Americans accessed their online medical record or patient portal in 2022. That represents a 50 percent increase since 2020.

It also found more healthcare providers and insurers are offering online access to the patient’s medical records. Roughly 75 percent of all respondents said their healthcare provider or insurer offered them online access to their medical records, representing a 24 percent increase over the last 3 years.

“It’s important for consumers to pay attention to these health records,” said Raichur. “In the ER, seconds matter. Physicians and nurses are moving 100 miles an hour and will refer to your medical records for quick decisions, and many times without talking to you. Your medical records stay with you for life. You should know what’s in there.”

Consumers can download DrOwl on iOS or Google Play.

Media Contact:

Mark Macias

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

646 844-4145