SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 118.25, reporting on a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that upholds the annulment of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometers as a category 2 carcinogenic substance by inhalation.

TiO₂ is commonly found in many consumer goods, including food additives, food contact materials, sunscreen, coatings, adhesives, floor coverings, paints, paper, plastics, rubber, printing inks, roofing materials and toys. An amendment to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on the Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) was published in 2020 by the EU, classifying TiO₂ in the specified forms as a carcinogenic substance.

This ruling was challenged in the EU General Court and subsequently annulled. On August 1, 2025, the CJEU upheld the annulment, dismissing appeals from the European Commission and France, noting that a manifest error had been made in assessing the reliability and acceptability of the study underpinning the classification, which led to the incorrect application of the classification criteria.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 118.25 includes further details of the legal proceedings leading to the annulment and its dismissal. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 118.25 for more details.

SGS Chemical Testing Services
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’s chemical testing services: www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing.

SGS SafeGuardS
SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Court Upholds Annulment of Carcinogenic Classification for Titanium Dioxide SafeGuardS here: www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/08/safeguards-11825-eu-court-upholds-annulment-of-carcinogenic-classification-for-titanium-dioxide.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox: www.sgs.com/en/newsletters/subscription-center-form.

For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

SAN ANTONIO, TX – August 18, 2025 – A recent blog post published by the Austin Hagee Law Firm reveals a critical and often overlooked legal hazard. Possession of a THC vape pen or dab pen, even when only trace amounts, can automatically result in felony charges under Texas law.

The firm’s latest article, “Caught with a Vape Pen in TX? Learn About Case Dismissal,” outlines the severe legal risks and provides five practical defense strategies aimed at helping individuals get their cases dismissed. Under Texas statutes, any THC concentrate, including oils and resins found in vape and dab pens, is classified as a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, and its possession is a state jail felony, regardless of the amount. Traditional notions of personal use protection or minor quantities do not apply, meaning that even a single vape pen can trigger serious legal repercussions. According to the blog, there are five primary strategic defenses that can help. Here is a quick overview: 1. Challenging search legality 2. Scrutinizing lab testing protocols 3. Pretrial diversion programs 4. Questioning possession and ownership 5. Lack of intent In the blog, you can find vital resources for individuals facing THC pen-related charges in Texas.

“Many people, especially young adults, don’t realize that a single vape cartridge can be prosecuted as a felony in Texas,” said Austin Hagee, owner of Austin Hagee Law Firm. “We’re seeing cases where first-time offenders face life-altering charges for something they thought was minor or even legal in other states. Our goal is to help clients navigate the legal system and fight for the best possible outcome because we believe everyone deserves another chance.” The Austin Hagee Law Firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense throughout Texas. They handle everything from drug charges and DWIs to felony offenses.

The firm brings extensive courtroom experience and personalized legal strategies to each case, aiming to protect clients’ futures and fight for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions. Located in San Antonio, the firm serves clients across Central and South Texas and offers free consultations for individuals facing criminal allegations. Whether defending students, young professionals, or working adults, the firm is known for its clear communication, aggressive advocacy, and focus on client outcomes. You can learn more about Austin Hagee Law Firm on their website at https://austinhageelaw.com/ or even schedule a free consultation. Reach out directly to the firm with any specific questions.

Rick Shaffer has dropped the grittiest, edgiest album of his career. Rites & Stories is Shaffer's thirteenth full-length, saturated with the vibe of a 3-way argument among Waits, Morrison, and Iggy Pop. Part Punk, part 120 Minutes-era Alternative, Rites & Stories smells of gasoline and cigarettes, tastes black-coffee bitter, and radiates a searing mid-summer desert heat. Close your eyes, listen, and you'll see a highway mirage rising from the scalding asphalt. 

On my first listen, the word "sharp" kept coming to mind. Then I read in Shaffer's bio "a dense cutting edge of angular songs, fragmented guitars, atmospheric passages." That's exactly it! No sonic surface gets cleaned and polished throughout Rites & Stories. Flangers, slides, and reverb unite to forge guitar tones that cut into your ears. When the vocals aren't purposely distorted, there's still a straining--Shaffer offering every ounce of his being as he guts out the verses of "Pleasure."

Shaffer says of the track that it's "an Iggy Pop 'The Idiot' inspired rocker, with great hooks and atmospheric guitar work--a dark rocker existing in a postmodern form...a 70’s manifesto, but pushes further strong rhythmic undercurrents that sound enthralling. A menacing swagger delivered with aggressive precision." A video is in the works--keep an eye out for it. We'll share it as soon as it sees the light of day

As a whole, Rites & Stories is at-once a late-80s Midnight Oil tinge melded with the ambient/echo-y overtones of 60s Surf. Thick reverb, booming toms, bright heavy cymbals, and layers of guitar washing down over it all. It's an album you need to wear in order to appreciate. Listen intently. Let it seep into your soul and you'll begin to experience it, taste it. Hell, you may even start to smell the sweat and attitude that when into its creation.

Listen on Spotify.

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GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO –August 13th, 2025 – Baker Law Group, PLLC is now providing comprehensive estate planning and probate services from its office in Greenwood Village, serving the Denver Tech Center and surrounding areas. With a focus on personalized legal strategies, the Greenwood Village team assists clients in creating plans that protect assets, minimize tax burdens, and ensure their wishes are carried out. “Every estate is unique, and so is our approach,” said Jereme Baker, CEO of Baker Law Group. “Our Greenwood Village attorneys take the time to understand each client’s goals and provide clear, effective legal solutions.” Services Offered in Greenwood Village: ● Wills, trusts, and estate plans ● Probate guidance for executors and beneficiaries ● Healthcare directives and powers of attorney ● Estate litigation and dispute resolution ● Business succession planning The Greenwood Village office is located at: 8301 E Prentice Ave #405, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Contact: Baker Law Group, PLLC – Greenwood Village Phone: (303) 862-4564 Website: www.jbakerlawgroup.com

Geneva (August 14, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 085.25, summarizing the UK’s latest updates to its fire safety framework for domestic furniture and furnishings. On April 30, 2025, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards released statutory guidance on the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which amend the original 1988 regulations. The updates take effect on October 30, 2025, and reflect the government’s intent to enhance consumer protection and align the regulations with modern product usage and associated risks. Key changes include: - Scope exclusions: certain baby and children’s products (e.g. mattresses, prams, play mats, cot bumpers) are no longer covered due to low fire risk and concerns over chemical exposure - Labeling update: swing labels (display labels) are no longer required, though permanent labels under Regulation 11 remain mandatory - Extended enforcement window: the legal timeframe for non-compliance action is increased from six to 12 months - GPSR compliance: excluded products must now comply with the General Product Safety Regulations in the UK. This includes fire safety obligations - Risk and documentation: manufacturers must assess risks where required, maintain technical documentation and ensure product traceability SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders stay informed of important regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 085.25 offers a comprehensive overview of the UK’s amended furniture fire safety regulations and their implications for manufacturers, importers and retailers. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full SafeGuardS 085.25 for further information and compliance guidance. SGS Toy & Juvenile Product Services SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Toy & Juvenile Product Services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full UK Updates Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Catherine Follin-Arbelet SGS Connectivity and Products Global Expert, Juvenile Products Tel: +33628502588 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products About SGS SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource. SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).