New SGS Services Help Companies Meet EU's EcoDesign Directive

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- SGS Consumer Testing Services today announced new global services to help electronic products manufacturers and retailers comply with the EU's EcoDesign Directive for reducing the environmental impact of energy-using products (EuP) throughout their lifecycle. All consumer products that use electricity must meet the directive's environmental performance requirements or risk penalties including removal from the EU market.

SGS's EuP services include energy efficiency testing to determine whether products are compliant with the directive's requirements. SGS also offers EuP training seminars, product portfolio assessments to plan for upcoming compliance deadlines, assistance in preparing the technical documentation files required by the directive, CE marking indicating product compliance with the relevant EU health and safety requirements, and ecodesign consulting addressing areas ranging from energy consumption to hazardous substances and end-of-life handling.

The EuP directive addresses product categories ranging from computers, televisions and kitchen appliances to external power supplies, imaging equipment and lighting products on an individual basis, with different environmental requirements being developed for each class of products. The goal is to increase energy savings as well as reduce emissions of greenhouse gases believed to be responsible for global warming.

"EuP is going to be in the spotlight in 2010 and beyond as the European Commission phases in implementation measures for each of the 34 product categories defined by the directive," said Jennifer McDonnell, U.S. Business Development Manager, Global Sustainability Services, for SGS. "Retailers and manufacturers of products powered by electricity need to begin preparing now to ensure that they are able to sell their products in EU countries when the requirements relevant to their categories take effect."

The new EuP services add to SGS's sustainability program, which assists companies in evaluating the environmental impact of their products and packaging, 'greening' their supply chains, validating environmental labeling claims, and otherwise supporting corporate sustainability initiatives. Services range from product lifecycle analysis to carbon footprinting, restricted substances testing and social responsibility risk assessment.

SGS's EuP offerings also complement other company services, including material and performance testing such as RoHS, Proposition 65, CPSIA, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), safety, performance and reliability testing as well as quality inspections, systems compliance, and GHG emissions verification.

SGS is exhibiting at South Hall 4, Booth #36739, at the 2010 International CES show that opens today at the Las Vegas Convention Center. More information about SGS' EuP testing services is available at http://www.ee.sgs.com/eup_ee, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 800-777-TEST.

About SGS Consumer Testing Services

SGS Consumer Testing Services, a division of the SGS Group, is the world's leading verification, testing and certification company. The company's comprehensive testing, product inspection, process assessment and technical services cover the entire supply chain from product development to retailing for electrical products, wireless products, soft line products, hard line products and food products. SGS' global network and expertise provide a single consolidated source that can help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers reduce risk, improve efficiency and product quality, and ensure compliance to both national and international standards. Parent company SGS Group has more than 56,000 employees and over 1,000 offices and laboratories in 143 countries. For more information about SGS Consumer Testing Services, visit www.us.sgs.com/cts

SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services