SGS Introduces Latest SVHC Screening Program for Chemicals in Textile and Footwear Products

HONG KONG, China - Jan. 27, 2015 - PRLog -- Chemicals in Textiles and Footwear - Update on SVHCs

With the addition of 6 new SVHCs onto the Candidate List on 17 December 2014, the number of SVHCs has been expanded to total 161 substances (1). In light of this rapid change, SGS has updated the SVHC SCREEN LITE program to help clients easily identify and detect the presence of any high risk SVHC found in textile and footwear products, thus appropriate actions can then be taken to minimize the risks.

SVHC Screening with SGS SVHC Screen Lite Program

In order to assist clients in fulfilling the REACH SVHC requirements, experts in the SGS technical competence center have developed a robust and cost effective SVHC screening program targeting high risk SVHCs. The high risk SVHCs in this program are selected specifically for textile and footwear products on the basis of the official substance dossiers submitted to ECHA for SVHC consultations (2), reputable literature sources and our testing experiences. These substances are often found in materials such as plastic, leather, textile, prints and coating.

The selected SVHCs are categorized into the following groups:

- Phthalates
- Flame Retardants
- Alkylphenols and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APs & APEOs)
- Dyes and Pigments
- Solvents
- Lead Compounds
- Chromium Compounds
- Sulphate Compounds
- Anhydride
- Others

Remarks on the SGS SVHC Screening Program

This program aims to provide a preliminary screening of the defined high risk SVHCs in textile and footwear products only. Client shall prepare safety information for the product if any SVHC is found with >0.1% (w/w) so as to fulfill Article 33 requirement.

This program is only applicable to selected SGS Softlines Laboratories.

References:

1. Safeguards #214/14, December 2014 (PDF 176 KB) (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/0...)

2. Annex XV Dossiers for identification of SVHC (http://echa.europa.eu/addressing-chemicals-of-concern/aut...)

About SGS Softlines Services

SGS Global Softlines has an extensive network of over 40 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. The internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, functional and SVHC testing services (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Softlines-and...) for components, materials and finished products. SGS can help companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide.

For further information, please contact an SGS expert.

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.