SGS Adds Testing for 15 New Substances in Europe's REACH Program
Affects Electronics & Other Goods Sold in Europe
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- SGS Consumer Testing Services announced today that it has expanded its REACH testing services to include methodologies for testing the 15 new substances expected to be added to the candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) by the European Chemicals Agency this month. The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemical substances program) regulation affects virtually all manufacturers and importers selling products in Europe, including electronics and electrical equipment.
SGS' ability to immediately test products for the presence of the newest SVHCs on the candidate list will enable companies to respond rapidly to the new requirements, which will go into effect upon adoption without a grace period. Information identifying any SVHCs present in a given product at 0.1 % by weight, plus any information necessary to enable safe use, must be disclosed upon supply of the product directly to commercial customers or within 45 days after a consumer request. Failure to provide the required information will result in forced withdrawal of the product from the market and/or fines or penalties imposed by individual EU countries.
SGS has tested for the 15 substances on the initial candidate SVHC list since shortly after the law took effect in 2007 to help manage potential chemical risks to human health and the environment. The latest additions - approved by the EU Member States Committee in December - are pending final European Chemical Agency approval.
The new substances are used in goods including rubber products, dyes, yellow and orange paint pigments, plasticizers, polyurethane, PVC, polyesters, other polymeric materials and flame retardants. They include five forms of the polyaromatic hydrocarbon anthracene; high temperature coal tar pitch; acrylamide; 2,4-Dinitrotoluene; lead chromate molybdate sulphate red; lead sulphochromate yellow; tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate; diisobutyl phthalate; aluminosilicate refractory ceramic fibres; and zirconia aluminosilicate refractory fibres and lead chromate.
REACH affects virtually all products in the electronics industry, from raw and component manufacturing materials such as alloys, solder, paints, adhesives, PCBs and electronic components, to end consumer products such as electronic toys to toasters, televisions and beyond.
"The substances covered by the REACH program may be introduced into consumer products through the supply chain or production processes. There is no way to know whether a product has an SVHC, or to meet the data requirements of the REACH program, without laboratory testing," said Doug Letlow, Manager, SGS Consumer Testing Services. "When the new substances are formally added, companies must be immediately compliant or risk losing the right to sell the affected products in Europe. We prepared well in advance to help manufacturers and importers meet the requirements."
SGS employs a dedicated team of REACH specialists with expertise in substance analysis, supply chain management and toxicology, plus a global network of laboratories in key electronics manufacturing countries including China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Germany.
The company can perform REACH testing on a standalone basis or in conjunction with any of its other extensive inspection services, including RoHS, Proposition 65, CPSIA, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), safety, performance and reliability testing.
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' REACH testing services is available by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-777-TEST. More information about SGS is available at www.us.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 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
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