SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS to help stakeholders gain a better understanding of the technical requirements in China’s new product standard for black rain boots.

Product standard HG/T 2019-2022 was issued on September 30, 2022, by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It applies to black rain boots (shoes) made using the vulcanization process and rain boots (shoes) made using the injection molding process. It does not apply to industrial and mining boots and PPE boots (shoes).

SGS SafeGuardS 068.23 contains details of the main technical changes introduced by HG/T 2019-2022. In includes a detailed table covering the requirements and test methods associated with parameters such as appearance quality, tensile strength, hardness, abrasion resistance of outsole and resistance to water penetration.

Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 068.23 to learn more about the scope and requirements in HG/T 2019-2022.

HG/T 2019-2022 replaces HG/T 2019-2011 and became effective on April 1, 2023.

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full China Updates Footwear Product Standard for Black Rain Boots (Shoes) – HG/T 2019-2022 SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Louann Spirito
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
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.

Port Charlotte, FL – With advances in medical technology, one of the most embarrassing problems – varicose veins – is now being solved with non-invasive surgical procedures. Fortunately, Fort Myers Vein Specialists' highly trained medical team is equipped with such state-of-the-art equipment and imaging guidance to ensure patients can walk with added confidence.

Their Port Charlotte-based vascular specialists have over 40 years of combined experience in providing medical management and minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. 

"We understand that pursuing excellence in patient care requires a patient-focused, hands-on, full-time commitment to you," said Dr. Nima Azarbehi, Medical Director. "Many conditions that once required open surgery can now be treated less invasive with less risk, pain, and recovery time."

If you suffer from leg pain, aching, cramping, leg heaviness and fatigue, restless legs or burning, numbness, ulcers, sores or varicose veins, then the team at Fort Myers will only be too happy to meet and guide you on the best possible outcomes.

Fort Myers Vein Specialists uses only the latest medical technology to bring you the comfort and convenience you deserve for your varicose vein treatment. It offers a three-step process: consultation, ultrasound and treatment plan.

Using radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the team applies Medicare-approved and safe, non-invasive procedures to help you remove varicose veins. Unlike traditional methods such as ligation and stripping, their procedures do not require cuts over the veins and do not require tying the veins and stripping them, which can be prone to infection.

Dr. Azarbehi specializes in treating venous insufficiency and other chronic vein conditions. With years of experience, he has performed over 1,000 vein treatments, providing his patients exceptional care and attention.

He completed his medical education at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in California, graduating in 2010. He completed his residency at the University of Wyoming in 2013, where he gained extensive experience treating various medical conditions.

As a Medical Director, Dr. Azarbehi has established a reputation for his expertise in diagnosing and treating chronic vein conditions. He uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately identify the root cause of his patients' symptoms and develops individualized treatment plans to help them achieve optimal health outcomes.

Dozens of patients of Dr. Azarbehi appreciate his compassionate and patient-centred approach to care, as well as his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of complex vein conditions.

To book an appointment or if you have questions, call 239-687-4015 or click on their website: https://www.fortvein.com/locations/port-charlotte/

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to announce that SGS Gulf Limited (SGS) has been appointed as a Notified Body for the certification of low voltage electrical equipment (LVE) in Oman by the Directorate General for Standards and Metrology of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman (DGSM).

Oman’s product conformity program requires that specific regulated product categories are be certified for compliance with the country’s technical regulations and standards, or their approved equivalents. SGS can carry out assessments for the products listed under Stage 1 LVE, which are washing machines (with a capacity exceeding 10 kg and up to 25kg), dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. Products categorized under Stage 2 and 3 will be announced later this year and in 2024.

In addition to this, SGS has also been approved for the certification of the DGSM’s energy efficiency rating scheme of air conditioners and for G Mark Certification of LVEs. The latter covers categories such as refrigerators, food grinders and mixers, ovens, plugs, socket outlets, cord extension sets, air-conditioners, microwave ovens, washing machines, electric water heaters, electric fans, electric irons, hair straighteners and curlers etc.

Certificates of Conformity are issued by SGS following an assessment and testing process which includes design and sample evaluation, as well as analysis in DGSM-approved laboratories. The type examination process involves safety and electromagnetic compatibility tests, and manufacturers must prepare product design and risk analysis documentation. Once the products have been approved by SGS and registered with the DGSM, a certificate of conformity can be issued.

Oman’s product conformity assessment (PCA) program regulates products sold in the country, in order to protect public health and the environment. SGS’s services help manufacturers and retailers gain access to Omani markets, avoid delays in customs clearance and reduce loss from potential penalties.

More information is available in SGS’s PCA Newsletter, Q2 2023.

For further information, please contact: 

Sithara Hatim
Certification Center Manager, SGS
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to provide details of Ivory Coast’s verification of conformity (VoC) standards program, giving businesses expert guidance on accessing this growing market.

Statistics from the International Trade Centre demonstrate that products exported to Ivory Coast were worth USD 14 billion in 2021, with a growth rate between 2020 and 2021 of 34%. China, France and Nigeria were the top three export supply markets for the country.

Ivory Coast’s VoC program began in July 2019, aiming to ensure that only high-quality products would reach this lucrative market. Its standards are set by the country’s regulatory authority.

With a minimum threshold for applicable products of XOF 1,000 or EUR 1,525, Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Promotion of SMEs (MCIPPME) has published a list of product categories which are regulated by the VOC program. This is available on the website of the Ministry of Commerce: http://www.commerce.gouv.ci.

SGS provides full product conformity assessment (PCA) services for exporters wishing to obtain certificates of conformity for VoC clearance. Full documentation must be submitted to SGS, including a Request for Certification, proforma/final invoice, quality management system certification details and other conformity documents such as test reports, quality and analysis certificates and technical data sheets. Products must have undergone one, or a combination, of documentary verification and physical inspection, as well as testing in approved laboratories. If the verification process has been completed satisfactorily, and conformity assessment fees are paid by the exporter, then a Certificate of Conformity can be issued.

With many years of experience in the monitoring of maritime traffic in Africa and the Middle East, SGS’s ACI technical center in Ivory Coast also provides access to expert assessment of the necessary commercial and transport documents. There are three available certification assessment routes to demonstrate product compliance. Details of these and SGS’s full PCA services for Ivory Coast, plus a list of products which are exempt from the VOC program, are available in SGS’s PCA Newsletter, Q2 2023.

For further information, please contact:

Sosthene Compaore
Contract Manager, Trade Facilitation Services, SGS
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

Gatineau, Quebec – Facing a real-life emergency in Quebec where you are called on to give first aid to someone on the edge of life can be overwhelming. But the team at Secourisme RCR Plus provides the very knowledge required to ensure you can help someone survive.

Secourisme RCR Plus is an emergency training school whose instructors are highly trained and qualified to lead various CPR and first aid courses. Having the knowledge, experience, and training empowers individuals to handle critical life situations either in the home, at work, as part of their health careers, or in general.

In Quebec, CPR training is mandatory for all medical personnel, without exception, for doctors, paramedics, nurses, dentists, emergency physicians or even pharmacists. The same applies to daycare educators, border guards, security guards, beach and pool lifeguards and adventure guides.

This is because the chances of these professionals being confronted with cardio-respiratory emergencies while exercising their daily professions are high. They must be able to recognize problems, assess the patient's condition and correctly administer the necessary first aid.

According to the results of various studies, the first minutes are crucial in the event of cardio-respiratory distress. Intervention that is too late considerably reduces the victim's chances of survival and increases the risk of serious, and sometimes even irreversible, problems.

CPR training is optional for people who do not practice risky jobs. However, according to the regulations by CNESST, at least one duly trained first aider must be present in all offices during working hours. The numbers required vary according to the number of employees. In addition, they must be chosen so that their positions within the company allow them to be released immediately and intervene quickly in the event of an emergency.

At Secourisme RCR Plus, they offer several categories of CPR training. At the end, participants obtain a certificate issued by the Canadian Red Cross. Depending on your situation and job, they offer online, mixed or face-to-face courses.

"Taking a first aid course is preparing to act; it also gives yourself the tools to recognize an emergency and take concrete actions that can save lives. We offer high-quality training so the theory becomes concrete and the practice allows you to act as a first aider," said a company official.

Secourisme RCR Plus can offer quality training, fast and efficient registration procedures and respect the values of the Canadian Red Cross.

The team includes Sebastien Gagnon, a first aid Instructor, first responder and Canadian Red Cross emergency medical responder. He is a former member of the National Red Cross First Aid Program Review Committees (2000-2008) for the Leadership component.

He received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Canadian Red Cross for his involvement in implementing the AED and advanced first aid program for first aid stations in Greater Montreal. Sébastien has ten years of practice as a paramedic in Quebec and Ontario, is certified as a paramedic in advanced care and has been teaching full-time in the Paramedic care program at La Cité collégiale (Ottawa) for ten years. 

To discover more about the program:

Phone: +1-819-775-9876

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

Website: https://secourismercrplus.com/