Benchristie · Newsroom

SGS Examines the Impact of EU Sustainability Rules on Consumer Products
A new SGS Consumer Compact article explores how the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Digital Product Passport (DPP) will reshape the consumer goods landscape.

July 28, 2025

Minnesota Expands Exemptions to Lead and Cadmium Restrictions in Consumer Products
SGS highlights expanded exemptions to Minnesota’s lead and cadmium restrictions on consumer products following legislative amendments enacted in June 2025.

July 25, 2025

Australia Adds Six Chemicals to the IChEMS Register
SGS informs stakeholders that Australia has amended its IChEMS Register to include six substances/groups of substances, introducing new environmental risk management requirements.

July 25, 2025

SGS Examines the Safe Use of Recycled Plastics in Food Contact Materials
A new SGS Consumer Compact article explores how recycled plastics can be safely used in food contact materials without compromising consumer safety or regulatory compliance.

July 24, 2025

SGS Highlights the Growth of Ethical Fashion in the Global Apparel Industry
A new SGS Consumer Compact article explores how ethical fashion is reshaping the textile and apparel industry by prioritizing transparency, sustainability and fair practices.

July 24, 2025

SGS Highlights Innovation as the Driving Force in the Textile and Apparel Industry
Innovation and sustainability take center stage in a new SGS Consumer Compact article that explores how brands can adapt to changing consumer expectations and evolving market dynamics.

July 24, 2025

SGS Supports Compliance for Custom-Built Electrical Equipment in the US
Navigating OSHA requirements for customized and modified field equipment is the focus of a new SGS Consumer Compact article exploring compliance pathways in the US.

July 24, 2025

EU Council Releases Compromise Text for Draft Toy Safety Regulation
SGS reports that the EU Council has published the consensus text for the draft Toy Safety Regulation, introducing significant updates to toy safety, including digital product passports, AI toy classifications and new chemical restrictions.

July 23, 2025

EU Updates PFOS Regulation to Align with PFOA Standards Under POP Recast
SGS reports that the EU has revised PFOS and its derivatives’ regulatory limits and terminology to match those for PFOA, effective July 17, 2025.

July 23, 2025

SGS supports non-animal clinical testing with release of 3D epidermis and epithelium model white paper
Discover how 3D epidermis and epithelium models support ethical, human-relevant testing in clinical and dermatological research in SGS’s latest white paper.

July 23, 2025

Flammability Requirements for Toys Updated with EN 71-2 Amendment A1:2025
SGS reports the publication of Amendment A1:2025 to EN 71-2, updating toy flammability requirements with clarifications and alignments to related standards.

July 22, 2025

Three SVHCs Added to ECHA’s Candidate List
SGS reports that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added three new substances to the Candidate List under REACH, triggering new legal obligations for companies in the EU and EEA.

July 22, 2025

Switzerland Aligns Food Contact Materials Ordinance with EU Rules
SGS reports that Switzerland has revised its food contact materials ordinance to further align with EU requirements, including new limits and prohibitions on bisphenol A (BPA) and related substances. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

July 22, 2025

Washington State Proposes New PFAS Restrictions Under Safer Products Program Cycle 1.5
SGS reports that Washington State's Department of Ecology has released a draft rule targeting PFAS in 12 categories of consumer products under Cycle 1.5 of its Safer Products for Washington Program.

July 22, 2025

BIFMA Launches 2024 LEVEL® e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard
SGS informs stakeholders of the release of the 2024 edition of the BIFMA LEVEL® e3 standard, marking the start of a 12-month transition period for certification.

July 21, 2025

New Mandatory National Standard for Protective Gloves for Welders in China
SGS reports that China has released GB 45188-2024, a mandatory national standard for protective gloves used in welding and related applications. The new standard will take effect on January 1, 2026.

July 21, 2025

ASTM Revises Playground Safety Standard F1487-25 for Public Use
SGS highlights the release of ASTM F1487-25, a significantly revised consumer safety performance specification that introduces updated requirements for public playground equipment to reduce injury risks and support safer play environments.

July 3, 2025

EU Officially Endorses PEFCR for Apparel and Footwear
SGS reports that the EU has officially endorsed Version 3.1 of the PEFCR for apparel and footwear, introducing standardized methods for measuring and communicating environmental impact.

July 3, 2025

SGS launches FDA-approved food contact material testing service in Mexico
SGS has expanded its capabilities for food contact materials with US FDA approval for its laboratory in Naucalpan, Mexico.

July 3, 2025

Vermont Strengthens PFAS Restrictions for Consumer Products
SGS highlights Vermont’s legislative updates under Act 54, which expands and revises bans on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products.

July 2, 2025

Achieving regulatory success with ISO 10993 biocompatibility evaluations
Explore testing strategies aligned with ISO 10993 to support biological evaluations and risk assessments.

July 2, 2025

Rhode Island Expands PFAS Ban to Firefighting Protective Gear
SGS highlights that Rhode Island has expanded its PFAS ban to prohibit intentionally added PFAS in firefighting personal protective equipment, effective January 1, 2027.

June 26, 2025

Switzerland Announces Draft Revisions to Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance
SGS reports that Switzerland has notified the WTO of proposed changes to ORRChem to further align national chemical restrictions with EU REACH and POP Recast Regulation.

June 26, 2025

Soother Holder Safety Standard Updated by CEN
SGS highlights CEN’s publication of EN 12586:2025, which updates safety requirements and test methods for soother holders.

June 26, 2025

New ASTM Standard Enhances Fire Protection for Candle Accessories
SGS summarizes a revision to the ASTM standard for fire safety in candle accessories, introducing new testing requirements and clarifying definitions to reduce fire risks.

June 26, 2025

Mercosur Revises Food Contact Regulations for Recycled Cellulosic Materials
SGS highlights a new amendment to Mercosur’s technical regulation on food contact cellulosic materials, requiring member states to update national laws accordingly.

June 24, 2025

SGS Highlights Denmark’s Stricter Food Contact Material Rules Taking Effect in 2026
SGS highlights Denmark’s draft legislation that would impose stricter national requirements for ceramics, paper and other food contact materials.

June 24, 2025

SGS summarizes new EU restrictions on hazardous solvents DMAC and NEP under REACH
SGS publishes an update on the EU’s addition of DMAC and NEP to Annex XVII of REACH, introducing new usage limits and prohibitions.

June 24, 2025

FDA warns on safety risks of palm leaf dinnerware
SGS highlights an FDA warning that Areca catechu palm leaf dinnerware may release toxic alkaloids and requires pre-market clearance for US sales.

June 23, 2025

UK prevents disruption to critical healthcare application with amendment to POPs Regulation
SGS highlights recent amendments to Great Britain’s POPs Regulation, removing restrictions on Dechlorane Plus (DP) and UV-328 in critical healthcare applications.

June 23, 2025

New Hampshire expands PFAS ban to include certain wax products
SGS summarizes New Hampshire’s extension of PFAS restrictions to recreational waxes, effective January 2027, under amended state legislation.

June 20, 2025

New EU Standard Updates Safety Requirements for Children’s Chemistry Experiment Sets
SGS reviews EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025, outlining new safety rules for children's chemistry experiment sets.

June 17, 2025

SGS reports on Beautyworld Saudi Arabia
SGS has published an article on its participation in Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s premier beauty trade event.

June 16, 2025

SGS announces new PVoC contract in Tanzania
SGS publishes details of a new three-year contract with the TBS, offering approved PVoC services and its industry-leading expertise.

June 13, 2025

Key SGS services for food-grade packaging conformity
SGS publishes an article summarizing its comprehensive food-grade packaging conformity assessment services.

June 13, 2025

SGS expands Kuwait PCA service scope
SGS expands PCA services in Kuwait to cover detergents, cleaning products, and Energy Efficiency Rating certification.

June 13, 2025

SGS highlights reiteration of PCA regulations in Cameroon
SGS article focuses on Cameroon’s PECAE mandate for regulated products exported to the country.

June 13, 2025

SGS tackles global food waste with launch of The Pledge on Food Waste certification
The PLEDGE on Food Waste certification aims to empower food service providers to tackle food waste with confidence, credibility and impact.

June 12, 2025

European Commission Adopts Ecodesign and Energy Labeling Plan for 2025-2030
SGS highlights the European Commission’s adoption of ESPR and the 2025–2030 Energy Labeling Working Plan, outlining key product priorities and sustainability goals.

June 12, 2025

Utah Updates Digital Labeling Requirements for Bedding, Furniture and Quilted Clothing
SGS summarizes the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s recent revision removing online digital labeling obligations for bedding, upholstered furniture and quilted clothing.

June 12, 2025

Maine Finalizes PFAS Product Rules
SGS highlights the Maine DEP’s final rule on ‘Products Containing PFAS,’ which took effect on May 6, 2025.

June 11, 2025

Montenegro Bans PFHxS and Related Compounds in Consumer
SGS reports that Montenegro has prohibited PFHxS, its salts and related compounds in consumer products, reflecting its commitment to eliminating persistent organic pollutants.

June 11, 2025

SGS provides innovative ebike testing and certification solutions at Eurobike 2025
SGS is exhibiting at Eurobike 2025 – Europe’s primary trade show for bikes and e-bikes – providing expert regulatory, safety and performance guidance.

June 10, 2025

Massachusetts Finalizes Ban on Certain Flame Retardants in Consumer Products
SGS outlines a new final regulation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts restricting 11 flame retardants (FRs) in consumer goods.

June 9, 2025

SGS Publishes Summary of Canada's Amendment 18 to Energy Efficiency Regulations
SGS highlights Canada’s latest amendment to its Energy Efficiency Regulations, expanding regulated product categories and updating efficiency and testing requirements.

June 9, 2025

European Commission Releases 2024 Notification Report on Food Contact Materials
SGS highlights the European Commission’s 2024 annual report on notifications related to food contact materials (FCMs).

June 9, 2025

China updates product standard for children’s leather shoes
SGS publishes overview of the main changes to the Chinese product standard for children’s leather shoes – QB/T 2880-2024.

June 5, 2025

SGS hosts free webinar on navigating EU packaging and waste regulations
SGS announces expert-led webinar exploring the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and its impact on businesses.

June 4, 2025

China issues new standard for disposable bedding
SGS publishes an overview of China’s new standard for disposable bedding.

May 30, 2025

TSCA PFAS reporting rule postponed by EPA
SGS issues SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about the latest developments to the US EPA TSCA PFAS Reporting Rule.

May 30, 2025