Softline Products Now Have SVHC Screen Lite Available

HONG KONG, March 27, 2011 (Press-News.org) Various NGOs have published reports (http://www.eeb.org/EEB/?LinkServID=8BBC1DF8-C9C7-8B93-CA5F42033F11A3AD) disclosing the names of brands, products and retailers that have been found to have the dreaded Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) in their products.

The studies published by these NGOs perhaps shed light on the lack of awareness on the part of brands and retailers regarding their obligations under REACH legislation (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/SGS-Safeguards-17810-EEB-Big-Retailers-Caught-Breaching-EU-Chemicals-Law-EN-10.pdf ). The reputations of brands and retailers could thus be adversely affected in the light of NGO market reports and increased monitoring.

In order to help retailers tackle the risks inherent in NGO campaigns of market scrutiny, SGS has developed a highly effective SVHC screening programme for high risk SVHC substances. Based on NGO reports and RAPEX notifications (http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/rapex/rapex_archives_en.cfm ) in the textile and footwear product categories, the substances screened for by SGS' SVHC screening programme are to be found in materials such as plastic, leather, textiles, prints and coating layers and so on.

For more information on the SGS SVHC Screen Lite Programme, contact:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Ruth Hon
Softlines Laboratory Manager
5-8/F & 28/F, Metropole Square, 2 On Yiu Street, Siu Lek Yuen Shatin, N. T., Hong Kong (China)

t: +852 2774 7148
E-mail: ruth.hon@sgs.com
Website: http://www.softlines.sgs.com/restricted-substances-testing-services.htm

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 64'000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1'250 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Consumer Testing Services ensures the quality and safety of every kind of consumer products, from textiles, electronics and furniture to food and automotive. Our customers in these distinct manufacturing industries rely on our inspection and testing capabilities and laboratories to help them comply with the regulatory requirements governing their products, as well as to ensure the integrity of the inputs received from their suppliers.
For more information, please visit: http://www.sgs.com/cts