Chemical Testing
Eurofins | BLC Chemcial Testing Services
Chemical testing is vital to ensure that products entering the marketplace are safe, fit for purpose and compliant with legislation. Legislation varies across the globe, which can prove to be a difficult and challenging task for global manufacture and supply chain management. As consumers are becoming more aware of product safety issues, businesses need to ensure they comply with regional and international chemical regulation.
Eurofins | BLC offer chemical testing and supply chain support at our CPSC/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. We are one of the fastest testing laboratories in Europe, providing results within 3-5 days for a majority of tests. With over 95 years’ experience, you can trust BLC’s testing, support and advice on chemical testing and legislation for your business and supply chain.
Chemical Testing Specifications
With many businesses now sourcing globally, supply chain risks are increasingly applicable. Therefore, retailers often carry out due diligence testing to ensure restricted substances are not present in any products. BLC offers a complete quality and risk management package for retailers and brands, addressing all aspects of product sourcing and sale. Eurofins | BLC can help to set realistic specifications, coupled with a relevant testing programme. Chemical testing programmes must monitor the presence of any high-risk substances, without being financially onerous for the customer and supplier. Eurofins | BLC ensures all chemical testing will be in line with current legislation and industry standards.
European REACH Testing
If you retail any products within the European Economic Area (EEA), you need to be aware of REACH. REACH is the European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use (EC 1907/2006). It deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances. The REACH regulation calls for the progressive substitution of the most dangerous chemicals when suitable alternatives have been identified. All products manufactured and retailed within the EEA must be compliant with REACH, regardless of their country of origin, and specifically the presence of SVHC’s (Substances of Very High Concern). BLC can assist you business with REACH testing and support, and we also offer a REACH screening process, ensuring that you meet the immediate requirements of the REACH regulation.
United States of America CPSIA Testing
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 controls the amount of lead and phthalates in consumer products designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger. Your business needs to comply with these regulations if your products are intended for the target age group and retailed within the USA. CPSIA testing of products is a mandatory legal requirement. This safety standard as been widely adopted voluntarily to control the amount of lead in all products sold within the USA. BLC is a CPSC accredited laboratory (CPSC 1049) for lead and phthalate testing.
China GB Standards Testing
Any brand supplying leather product into China needs to demonstrate compliance to GB standards testing for formaldehyde and azo dyes. If you are selling leather products into China, these standards are mandatory and currently can only be conducted by a Chinese government approved laboratory. Eurofins | BLC, working with a Chinese partner laboratory, provide a GB standard testing service. It is important to note, brands that are in breach of the GB standards regulation may have their products seized from stores. GB standards do not only apply to leather, Eurofins | BLC can also carry out GB lead testing on jewellery, amongst other tests.
California Proposition 65 Compliance & Testing
Brands and retailers selling products in the state of California need to be aware of Proposition 65 (Prop. 65) and its limits to ensure products are fully compliant with legislation. Prop. 65, otherwise known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Environment Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986 in the state of California. Prop. 65 has more recently become a product safety directive, under which an retailer of a product or service can be challenge legally regarding the chemical content of a product against a list of over 850 potential chemical candidates.
Prop. 65 does not ban the sale of any product; it requires that warnings are issued advising citizens and consumers of potential risk. Prop. 65 only applies in the state of California and covers all products and services distributed within that state. Failure to comply with Prop. 65 can have significant financial implications and potentially cause damage to brand reputation. Eurofins | BLC can support with risk-based testing models, based on the Pop. 65 list of substances.
Eurofins | BLC Chemical Testing Tips
- If you are a retailer, have you checked suppliers’ certificates to ensure products have been chemically tested, not just taking their word for it?
Contact Eurofins | BLC? for support on chemical compliance in your supply chain.
- How frequently have you conducted due diligence testing?
Contact Eurofins | BLC? for advice on due diligence testing programmes.
- Are you keeping up to date on legislation changes and complying with product safety laws around the world?
Attend a Eurofins | BLC? training course or webinar on chemical management and regulatory compliance.
Contact Eurofins | BLC Today
Eurofins | BLC are able to help with any concerns or questions you may have about manufacturing, supplying and testing a product. To test your products with us, contact us today via [email protected] or telephone +44(0)1604 679999.
21 March 2017