SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 152.23 to provide stakeholders with an overview of China’s new mandatory national standard for musical instruments – GB 28489-2022.

The new standard will come into force on January 1, 2024, superseding the previous standard, GB/T 28489-2012. It establishes requirements for the content of harmful substances in musical instruments and updates testing methods.

It applies to musical instruments, accessories and packaging and relates to the entire supply chain. The standard has two categories:
- Category A: instruments and accessories that come into direct contact with the player's mouth under normal usage
- Category B: instruments, accessories and indoor packaging that, while not in direct contact with the player's mouth, is still accessible under normal usage

Products manufactured or imported in China before January 1, 2024, will have a transition period of one year.

SGS has published SafeGuardS 152.23 to provide stakeholders with a complete overview of the new standard. It includes a table detailing the harmful substances included in the standard along with limit requirements.

Stakeholders are advised to review the original SGS SafeGuardS 152.23 for more details.

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 China Publishes New Mandatory National Standard for Musical Instruments SafeGuardS.

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For further information contact:

Ethan Zhang
Technical Supervisor, EET RSTS
Tel: (86) 574 8776 7006 ext. 6007
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 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, publishes summary of a proposed rule by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the use of the solvent trichloroethylene (TCE).

The proposal was issued in the Federal Register on October 31, 2023. If accepted it will restrict TCE under section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), using a one-year staggered timeline to prohibit its manufacture, import, processing and distribution. Longer phase-out periods will be granted by the EPA for certain uses.

This move follows similar proposals made in 2023 to regulate perchloroethylene (Perc) and methylene chloride.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep businesses informed about regulatory and market changes. SafeGuardS 154.23 includes examples of potential longer phase-out periods and details additional requirements. It also contains information on some of the uses of TCE and the reason why the EPA is seeking to ban it.

Stakeholders should review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 154.23 to learn more.

The EPA will accept comments until December 15, 2023.

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.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EPA Proposes Ban on Trichloroethylene SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA.
Tel: + 1 312 414 9394

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.

DebtCo UK Solutions Limited and Taurus UK Collections Limited have announced a breakthrough for the UK's financial services industry by joining forces. Their merger ushers in an era of innovative debt management, uniting DebtCo's leading technology with Taurus's vast experience in resolving large debt cases to form one formidable force within the debt recovery landscape, offering services with innovative practices supported by experience.

Debt Recovery Is Entering a New Era

Taurus DebtCo UK Group will use DebtCo's cutting-edge collections platform FinView, along with Taurus's legal and negotiation skills, for enhanced debt recovery solutions that encompass both high-volume case management and sophisticated debt recovery strategies. The merger aims to boost service offerings, providing both volume case management and sophisticated debt recovery options under one umbrella.

The merger will also embrace the power of AI with DebtCo’s collections system, FinView, which allows customers to use an app to manage their accounts and set up repayments.

Its intelligent digital debt collections platform, Finview, helps improve recovery rates while maintaining client relationships. It also makes debt recovery simpler with user-friendly software that accelerates invoice settlement while decreasing manual effort.

Comment from Leadership of CPCB (National School Board).

"We are excited to join Taurus Collections," stated Darren Tebbitt, Director of DebtCo UK Solutions. "This merger represents an ideal strategic fit; providing our clients with comprehensive suite of services while setting new standards in the debt recovery industry through combined technological and sector expertise."

Karl Baker, Director of Taurus UK Collections and the new Managing Director for the new group, echoes these thoughts: "Taurus and DebtCo's partnership offers unrivalled debt recovery capabilities. Through our shared commitment to excellence and innovation, our clients will receive unsurpassed support and service."

Vision for the Future

Taurus DebtCo Group is committed to reinventing debt recovery experiences for clients across all UK industries. By seamlessly integrating our operations, our empathetic and efficient debt management approach will cement our position as market leaders, as well as advocates of responsible recovery practices.

Contact Information

For further inquiries into what this merger means for our clients and partners, please contact:

Phone: 01332565350

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

Website: https://tauruscollections.com/ - https://debtco.io/uk/

The Netherlands – Water and other liquids can often kill the operational performance of an electronic device, such as a laptop or iPhone. However, consumers in The Netherlands can turn to Techsave Benelux to save their precious devices.

Following rising demand for its services, Techsave Benelux has now opened a repair centre at Reeweg Oost 3-7, 3312 CK Dordrecht to be able to scale up for clients.

While most think there is little chance of repair, the reality is that it's often possible to make the device as good as new, extending their operational life and sparing the environment.

Techsave has worked for more than 13 years on the development of a fully automatic process to treat liquid damage. Using this unique, patented machine, Techsave repairs damage from water and other liquids in laptops, MacBooks and iPhones with an unparalleled success rate in the industry: 80% for laptops/MacBooks and 75% for iPhones.

The machine stops and removes corrosion in devices using the process that combines Nordic Swan Ecolabel-certified soap, water, ultrasonic and vacuum. It has now successfully cleaned more than 25,000 devices, after which corrosion has never reappeared.

The technology is one of the most sustainable solutions on the market, said company owner Bram van Vendeloo, and aligns with Techsave Benelux’s desire to contribute to the protection of the environment.

By repairing and extending the life of electronic equipment, it reduces the amount of e-waste. If a device cannot be repaired, Techsave enables that parts are recycled, helping reduce the production of basic raw materials that cause CO2 emissions and a drain on natural resources.

He said: “One laptop that is cleaned and does not need to be replaced saves 386 kg of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to 11 days of energy consumption in an average household or 15 days of non-stop driving.”

Handing in a product for cleaning is possible through mail. The repair cost is linked to success – a small "investigation" fee is always charged while a cleaning fee is only charged when the device is fully repaired and operational.

To find out more about Techsave’s services, call +31 88 044 2987, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Check their services at: https://www.techsavebenelux.nl.

KENSINGTON, NSW – 22 November 2023 - Experience Cuisine, a pioneer in gourmet travel, announced the launch of its exclusive culinary expeditions to explore hidden gems, focusing on Australia's lesser-known food and wine destinations. This initiative invites worldwide food and wine enthusiasts, travellers, and holidaymakers to embark on a mouth-watering journey through Australia's finest yet often overlooked culinary hotspots.

A Journey Beyond the Beaten Path

"Experience Cuisine lets you embark on a mouth-watering journey through the finest culinary hotspots in Australia," said Craig Brown, managing director at Experience Cuisine. "Savour the ultimate food, drink, and wine tours that cater to the most discerning palates and offer an unforgettable experience for gourmands and oenophiles alike."

Australia is renowned for its vibrant food culture and enchanting landscapes. This new venture by Experience Cuisine takes travellers beyond the usual tourist spots to discover the diverse flavours that make Australia a food and wine lover's paradise. Participants will immerse themselves in the rich culinary heritage, sipping on world-class wines and enjoying traditional fare in settings that have remained hidden jewels until now.

Curated for the Culinary Connoisseur

"Our meticulously curated food and wine tours have it all," adds Brown. "Experience Cuisine is passionate about local cuisine and wine. We will lead you on a tantalising adventure through bustling food markets, picturesque vineyards, and world-class restaurants."

From decadent dining experiences in hidden bistros to immersive day tours in secluded vineyards, each aspect of the journey is designed to reveal the true essence of each destination's food scene. Participants will not only taste but also learn about the local culinary practices, making each meal a chapter in a broader story of Australian gastronomy.

Creating Lasting Memories

The Explore Hidden Gems tours promise more than just a taste of Australia's finest. It is an invitation to create lasting memories with every bite and sip. Whether it's the tang of a freshly caught seafood dish, the robust flavour of a locally produced wine, or the vibrant atmosphere of a secret food market, each carefully crafted experience leaves a lasting impression.

Book Your Culinary Adventure Today

Experience Cuisine's new food and wine tour is now open for bookings. This is an exclusive opportunity for those looking to delve deeper into Australia's culinary landscape and discover something truly unique.

"We invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey and experience the heart and soul of Australia's culinary diversity," concluded Brown.

Contact Experience Cuisine at 1300 885 718 or visit the website for more information.

About Experience Cuisine

Experience Cuisine is a leading provider of gourmet travel experiences, offering a range of culinary tours that cater to food and wine enthusiasts across the globe. With a focus on local flavors and authentic experiences, Experience Cuisine is dedicated to unveiling the world's most exciting gastronomic destinations.

Contact Information:

Craig Brown

Experience Cuisine

PO Box 308 Kensington NSW 1465, Australia

Phone: 1300 885 718

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

Website: https://experiencecuisine.com/