Softlines

The Swedish government has announced the abandoning of its proposed chemical tax on clothing and footwear due to practical difficulties associated with its introduction. The tax was originally going to be introduced in April 2021, before being postponed until January 1, 2022, because of the pandemic. It was to be applied to all clothing and […]

SGS is pleased to announce a complimentary webinar ‘Bring comfort, compliance and innovation to your home textiles’ on October 21, 2021. This event covers key industry issues for manufacturers, including regulatory updates, sustainability and global product verification. In commercial and domestic markets, competition has never been greater for textiles which deliver quality, safety and compliance.

Utah has become the first US state to require a sterilization permit for quilted clothing and apparel and from January 1, 2022. The sterilization permit number must be included on the textile label. The sterilization permit number will be issued by Utah’s Department of Agriculture and Food. It will identify the sterilizing facility, person, or

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to announce that the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation has recognized and accepted SGS in Vietnam as an indicator of Level 1 ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) v2.0 Conformance in connection with the ZDHC Gateway – Chemical Module. The recognition enables

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, invites registrations for its complimentary webinar, ‘Mold Prevention in the Softlines Supply Chain,’ which will be presented on November 9, 2021. This event addresses an important issue for the leather and footwear industry and provides an opportunity to find out more about mitigating the problem. The

In early September 2021, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) issued two California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) 60-day notices relating to the presence of bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby, children’s and women’s socks made primarily of polyester with Spandex. Prop 65, or the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, is a unique piece

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has launched a new testing method – TM212-2021 – Fiber Fragment Release During Home Laundering. All textiles release fiber fragments during the laundry process. This new testing method has been developed to help the textile industry to understand and reduce fiber fragmentation discharge into the environment.

On July 1, 2021, the Californian Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) made carpets and rugs containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a Priority Product under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program. According to the DTSC, consumers exposed to PFAS may risk several health concerns, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, hormone disruption, thyroid disease, liver

In July 2021, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to retain the US Care Labeling Rule for apparel and certain textile goods. In July 2020, the FTC had voted to propose a repeal of the US Care Labeling Rule, which had been in effect since 1971. The rule requires manufacturers and importers of garments

On April 1, 2021, China’s new product standard for knitted clothing that feels cool to touch – FZ/T 73067-2020 – came into effect. This standard covers knitted clothing made predominantly from knitted fabrics with a contact transient cool feeling function. It does not apply to clothing made for children aged less than 36 months. ‘Transient