Softlines

SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is warning manufacturers of textiles, garments, and footwear about the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA’s) plans for market surveillance in 2022. Following the publishing of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and product compliance in June 2019, the European Union (EU) has strengthened and modernized its […]

The European Union (EU) has recently recalled several particle filter masks for non-compliance via its Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX). Market surveillance performed by EU Member States has found that these masks failed to conform to requirements in: Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) EN 149 – harmonized standard for

China has postponed the implementation of its new mandatory standard for “Respiratory Protection – Non-Powered Air-Purifying Particle Respirator” – GB 2626-2019. GB 2626-2019 was originally included in China’s No. 17 announcement of approved national standards in 2019. It was scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2020, but, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this

China’s standardization administration has published a new mandatory national standard for protective clothing – static protective clothing. The new standard – GB 12014-2019 – covers protective clothing that is used in dangerous environments, where electric shock, fire, or explosion may be caused by static electricity. It does not cover static protective clothing that uses nonwoven

China has published a new national standard for the technical specifications related to children’s face masks. The new standard – GB/T 38880-2020 – applies to children’s face masks that can filter particles and block germs, pollen, and droplets. It covers products aimed at children between 6 years and 14 years but does not include masks

Paraguay has approved new textile labeling requirements by incorporating MERCOSUR’s Technical Regulation on Labeling of textile Products into its National Legal Order. MERCOSUR is the South American trade bloc containing Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its Technical Regulation on Labelling of Textile Products – MERCOSUR/GMC/RES. No. 62/18 (Repeal of GMC Resolution No. 33/07) – contains

The Swedish Government has announced proposals to impose a tax on clothing and footwear that contain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) under the EU’s REACH regulations. Under the proposals, there will be a default taxation on all clothing and footwear that is produced in, or imported into, Sweden. The default will be SEK 40

SGS, the world’s leading provider of testing, verification and certification services, offers a comprehensive range of services to help manufacturers of products aimed at assisting the elderly ensure they are safe and comply with the relevant regulations. We live in a world with an aging population. Currently there are an estimated 143 million people over

Consumer’s behaviors in purchasing and in using products have changed in pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle. For sustainable fashion to success as a business model, products must meet or exceed both market regulations and consumer expectations. To demonstrate this, products must be verified to demonstrate their quality, durability and versatility. Jean-Paul Gaultier’s announcement of his