SGS Adds Azo Dye Testing to Textile Testing Services in U.S.

FAIRFIELD, N.J., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SGS Consumer Testing Services today announced the expansion of its textile testing services in the U.S. to include testing for the presence of azo dyes, widely used colorants that may contain any of more than 20 carcinogenic amines that are listed under California's Proposition 65 and banned in countries including China, Japan, India, Vietnam and the European Union. The new service leverages expertise from SGS labs around the world to help U.S. retailers and brand manufacturers reduce the risk of regulatory violations.

Azo dyes have come under scrutiny because cancer-causing aromatic amines such as benzidine that are used in dye production can be released from the finished garment, home textiles or other item by perspiration or saliva, causing health risks from skin contact or ingestion. Recent azo dye-related product recalls and other enforcement actions have involved a broad range of products, including adult and children's t-shirts, denim jeans, scarves, dresses, hats and bed linens.

The availability of azo dye testing at SGS's flagship U.S. laboratory in Fairfield, N.J., reduces testing lead time for U.S. retailers, buyers and manufacturers by eliminating the need to send products destined for global markets to overseas testing labs. It also benefits finishers and converters in the U.S., who are facing the demands of shorter production cycles for bringing products to market, by making it possible to source safety testing domestically.

"Most retailers and brands recognize the need to be aware of increasing restrictions on toxic chemicals for their products in the global markets they sell. For textile products, a key area of concern is azo dyes," said Sanjeev Gandhi, Global Technical Director, Consumer Products, for SGS Consumer Testing Services. "Being able to source necessary testing from a U.S. company both streamlines and simplifies the process of protecting yourself from enforcement action that can damage your brand and result in a loss of sales."

SGS offers a full range of textile testing, inspection, quality assurance and global compliance services, including restricted substance testing, care labeling, eco-testing, factory quality assessment, code of conduct assessment, final random and in-line inspection, and regulatory advisory services. The company's clients include some of the best-known brands and retailers in the industry.

More information about SGS textile testing services is available by emailing [email protected], calling 800-777-TEST, or visiting http://www.softlines.sgs.com.

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 64,000 employees and over 1,250 offices and laboratories in 140 countries. For more information about Consumer Testing Services, visit www.us.sgs.com/cts

SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services