Business

Three years of SGS PCA services for Morocco

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is delighted to enter its third year as an approved provider of PCA services to Morocco.

The country’s market surveillance program was launched in 2020 and has continuously evolved to cover a list of 41 product categories. Recent updates to these include:
- Building hardware: these products have been included in the list of products subject to inspection upon arrival since February 2024. Two specific types are concerned:
1. Vertical mortise locks known as "simple 150" locks, security warded locks, or cylinder security locks
2. Lock cylinders
These products are inspected according to three applicable Moroccan standards
- Adhesive tapes: these products have been included in the list of products subject to inspection and verification upon arrival since February 2024. Inspection is carried out according to the mandatory Moroccan norme marocaine (NM) standard 03.5.359-2022
- High-adhesion bars and coils, steel products and sandwich panels: mandatory NM certification against 16 Moroccan standards came into effect on August 2, 2024
- Gas appliances and equipment: following Ministerial Order No. 1616.22 concerning the safety of gas appliances and equipment, requirements related to the Cم (CMIM) declaration of conformity, the technical dossier and CMIM marking have been included. This mandatory requirement will take effect from December 20, 2024

As an accredited IEC/ISO 17020 service provider, SGS offers an innovative, dedicated software platform, expert certification centers organized by field of expertise and file analysis/field teams to ensure the proper control of goods.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for Morocco are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter.

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

Saudi Quality Mark support for ceramic tile product exporters

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, explores regulatory requirements for ceramic tile products, including porcelain, for exporters to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is granted by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, for products eligible to enter the country’s ports or to be sold on Saudi markets. Under the Technical Regulation for Building Materials, Part 4: Bricks, Tiles, Ceramics, Sanitary Ware and Related Products, businesses must meet ISO/IEC 1706 quality standards.

The SQM certification scheme includes all different types of ceramic tiles; glazed or unglazed, exterior or interior, flooring or cladding; whether they are manufactured through pressing or extrusion, and with all different levels of water absorption capacities. All manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters of ceramic tile products can apply for the SQM.

Ceramic tile grouts and adhesives are reviewed against specific standards, requirements and classifications. Characteristics and markings are also evaluated against international standards and SASO regulations.

As a SASO-approved conformity assessment service provider, SGS help businesses towards SQM certification with documentation, testing, labeling and quality management guidance.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for Saudi Arabia are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter.

SGS PVoC program provides expert guidance for South Sudan importers

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to provide pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) services for the Republic of South Sudan.

Joining the East African Community (EAC) in 2016, South Sudan’s young and growing economy provides excellent trade opportunities. Approved by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) for the provision of PVoC services for all imported goods, SGS assists businesses in obtaining a certificate of conformity (CoC), which must be presented at ports of entry for the clearance of consignments.

Traders can request a CoC through the SGS Exporter Portal and guidance is available for the following certification options:
- Route A: applicable to suppliers/manufacturers importing products into South Sudan, who present regular shipments or export products identified to be of high risk.
- Route B (registration): a fast-tracked route, applicable to suppliers/manufacturers with valid quality management systems and frequent shipments to South Sudan, that are homogenous. Registration is renewable annually, subject to consistent compliance.
- Route C (licensing): this is a licensing process: a fast-track route offered to manufacturers with valid quality management systems in place who frequently import homogenous goods to South Sudan. Certificates are issued after proven conformance to the country’s standards for the manufacturing process. Licenses are renewable annually, subject to consistent compliance.

Goods arriving without a CoC can be subject to penalties of up to 40% of the cost, insurance and freight value (CIF). Import licenses can also be withdrawn and further legal action taken according to the relevant laws.

Further details of SGS’s PVoC services for South Sudan are available in the Q3 PCA newsletter.

SGS Summarizes New Hampshire Regulation of PFAS in Certain Consumer Goods

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a summary of New Hampshire, USA’s new regulation for the control of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across a wide range of consumer goods.

HB 1649 (Chapter 349, the Act), was signed by the governor of New Hampshire and provides classification and definition for several terms including ‘food packaging and containers’ and ‘juvenile products’. New Hampshire differs from most US states in referencing the PFAS definition as set under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) reporting rule (SG 133/23). In other states, it is generally considered that the PFAS family of chemicals includes any fluorinated chemical containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. However, the EPA’s reporting rule has a smaller and more defined scope.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulations that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 129.24 provides a useful table summarizing highlights of HB 1649.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 129.24 for more details.

SGS consumer product services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s consumer product services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Hampshire, USA, Regulates PFAS in Certain Consumer Goods SafeGuardS.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang

Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

SGS Summarizes Revision of Chemicals Ordinance on Substances and Mixtures in Switzerland

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has provided details of Switzerland’s revision of its national Chemical Ordinance (ChemO, RS/SR 813.11). ChemO regulates dangerous substances and preparations (mixtures).

Requirements stipulated under ChemO include the following:
- Classification, labeling and packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures
- Safety data sheets (SDS)
- Use of substances of very high concern (SVHC)

Official Collection 2024 404 (RO 2024 404) was issued on August 6, 2024, revising ChemO Annex 2 (Technical requirements for CLP) and Annex 3 (Candidate List of SVHC). It becomes effective from September 1, 2024, and provides transitional provisions for the CLP of substances and mixtures.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulations that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 130.24 provides further details of RO 2024 404 and useful links to its French, German and Italian versions.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 130.24 for more details.

SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Switzerland Revises Chemicals Ordinance on Substances and Mixtures SafeGuardS.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang

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