SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 149.23 to keep stakeholders up to date with the latest proposals affecting California Proposition 65 (Prop 65).

The state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has reintroduced a proposal to modify the safe harbor warning methods required under Prop 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. These were previously introduced in 2021, revised twice and then abandoned.

The main aim of the proposal is to limit usage of the short form of the Prop 65 warning. Currently, companies can use the short form without identifying the chemical name that the warning applies to.

SGS has published Stakeholder 149.23 to provide an overview of the latest proposal. It includes  information on previous proposals, highlights of the current proposal and a table with examples of the proposed new short form warning labels relating to exposure to:
- Carcinogens
- Reproductive toxicants
- Both carcinogens and reproductive toxicants
- A chemical that is listed as both a carcinogen and a reproductive toxicant

The OEHHA is holding a public meeting on December 13, 2023, and will accept comments until December 20, 2023.

SGS Prop 65 Services
With a global network of laboratories, SGS can offer comprehensive testing, product assessment and consultancy services related to California Proposition 65. SGS can assist your risk management strategy in consumer goods, such as DIYs, electrical and electronics, hardgoods products, juvenile products, and textile & toy products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Prop 65 Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full California reintroduces proposal to modify Prop 65 warning methods SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA.
Tel: + 1 312 414 9394

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

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 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

MILWAUKEE, WI - Local Web Concepts, a Wisconsin-based digital marketing agency, recently rebranded its company. Despite the digital facelift, the agency's dedication to providing top-notch SEO services remains unchanged. Because of COVID-19, AI, and other disruptive forces, SEO has undergone fundamental changes.

With varying customer demands and high expectations, the competition for top search engine rankings remains strong. Fortunately, Local Web Concepts is well-versed in the ever-changing world of local SEO. The company revised its approach, making it more transparent to local businesses so there’s no mistaking the value.

The new logo and designs express the agency’s local authority and deliver more ROI, not based on vanity metrics. On September 24th, the company launched its new site featuring new content marketing services, local case studies, and a complete website auditing service. The company only wants ideas that generate verifiable leads and sales.

As the go-to marketing agency for mid-sized or larger businesses in the Midwest, they offer proven strategies to drive results. Depending on the ICP's pain points, an SEO campaign may include:

• Organic Search Improvements: Using SEO best practices and expert keyword research, the company targets relevant local results and generates high-quality leads.
• Pay-per-click Advertising: The company delivers high ROI for clients via effective PPC management, focusing on intent-based and research-driven keywords.
• Website Design & Development: Staff create SEO-friendly websites that deliver exceptional UX designs with a focus on conversions and reducing bounce rates.
• Local Lead Generation: Clients capture the attention of their prospective local customers through focused lead generation campaigns and improved GMB listing visibility.

Pewaukee Drywall Pros, a local Waukesha County drywall and painting service, needed to expand and attract higher-paying customers to their business. With the help of Local Web Design's consumer and keyword research, website optimization, and a revamped GMB, the company experienced a 167% increase in lead conversions. Pewaukee now ranks #1 for three Pewaukee keywords and is in the top five for five other keywords in the region.

The company's site audit helps businesses avoid generic marketing and use bespoke strategies to reach their ideal customers. Just ask Perfection Painting their thoughts, "Went from worrying about next week to being booked solid two months out. Quickly. Best money I’ve ever spent on my business. It has easily justified the fee every month, even the first one. Highly recommended."

Local Web Concepts is the only choice for clients seeking hyperfocused SEO efforts. They offer effective communication and customized SEO aligned with the latest trends for local success. Their referral system includes a free audit, providing unmatched confidence in a growing business.

As a forward-thinking agency, they remain a vital resource for local clients and adapt to the constantly evolving digital landscape. The only way to outperform competitors is with a clear vision that generates ideal clients daily.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 152.23 to provide stakeholders with an overview of China’s new mandatory national standard for musical instruments – GB 28489-2022.

The new standard will come into force on January 1, 2024, superseding the previous standard, GB/T 28489-2012. It establishes requirements for the content of harmful substances in musical instruments and updates testing methods.

It applies to musical instruments, accessories and packaging and relates to the entire supply chain. The standard has two categories:
- Category A: instruments and accessories that come into direct contact with the player's mouth under normal usage
- Category B: instruments, accessories and indoor packaging that, while not in direct contact with the player's mouth, is still accessible under normal usage

Products manufactured or imported in China before January 1, 2024, will have a transition period of one year.

SGS has published SafeGuardS 152.23 to provide stakeholders with a complete overview of the new standard. It includes a table detailing the harmful substances included in the standard along with limit requirements.

Stakeholders are advised to review the original SGS SafeGuardS 152.23 for more details.

SGS Consumer Product Services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivalled 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 China Publishes New Mandatory National Standard for Musical Instruments SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Ethan Zhang
Technical Supervisor, EET RSTS
Tel: (86) 574 8776 7006 ext. 6007
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

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 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, publishes summary of a proposed rule by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the use of the solvent trichloroethylene (TCE).

The proposal was issued in the Federal Register on October 31, 2023. If accepted it will restrict TCE under section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), using a one-year staggered timeline to prohibit its manufacture, import, processing and distribution. Longer phase-out periods will be granted by the EPA for certain uses.

This move follows similar proposals made in 2023 to regulate perchloroethylene (Perc) and methylene chloride.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep businesses informed about regulatory and market changes. SafeGuardS 154.23 includes examples of potential longer phase-out periods and details additional requirements. It also contains information on some of the uses of TCE and the reason why the EPA is seeking to ban it.

Stakeholders should review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 154.23 to learn more.

The EPA will accept comments until December 15, 2023.

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 EPA Proposes Ban on Trichloroethylene SafeGuardS.

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA.
Tel: + 1 312 414 9394

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/cp
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

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 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

DebtCo UK Solutions Limited and Taurus UK Collections Limited have announced a breakthrough for the UK's financial services industry by joining forces. Their merger ushers in an era of innovative debt management, uniting DebtCo's leading technology with Taurus's vast experience in resolving large debt cases to form one formidable force within the debt recovery landscape, offering services with innovative practices supported by experience.

Debt Recovery Is Entering a New Era

Taurus DebtCo UK Group will use DebtCo's cutting-edge collections platform FinView, along with Taurus's legal and negotiation skills, for enhanced debt recovery solutions that encompass both high-volume case management and sophisticated debt recovery strategies. The merger aims to boost service offerings, providing both volume case management and sophisticated debt recovery options under one umbrella.

The merger will also embrace the power of AI with DebtCo’s collections system, FinView, which allows customers to use an app to manage their accounts and set up repayments.

Its intelligent digital debt collections platform, Finview, helps improve recovery rates while maintaining client relationships. It also makes debt recovery simpler with user-friendly software that accelerates invoice settlement while decreasing manual effort.

Comment from Leadership of CPCB (National School Board).

"We are excited to join Taurus Collections," stated Darren Tebbitt, Director of DebtCo UK Solutions. "This merger represents an ideal strategic fit; providing our clients with comprehensive suite of services while setting new standards in the debt recovery industry through combined technological and sector expertise."

Karl Baker, Director of Taurus UK Collections and the new Managing Director for the new group, echoes these thoughts: "Taurus and DebtCo's partnership offers unrivalled debt recovery capabilities. Through our shared commitment to excellence and innovation, our clients will receive unsurpassed support and service."

Vision for the Future

Taurus DebtCo Group is committed to reinventing debt recovery experiences for clients across all UK industries. By seamlessly integrating our operations, our empathetic and efficient debt management approach will cement our position as market leaders, as well as advocates of responsible recovery practices.

Contact Information

For further inquiries into what this merger means for our clients and partners, please contact:

Phone: 01332565350

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: https://tauruscollections.com/ - https://debtco.io/uk/