On 28 December 2012, the decision on revising the “Labor Contract Law of the People's Republic of China” (hereinafter referred to as the “New Labor Law”) was voted through in the 30th session of the 11th Standing Committee of the...

In April 2013 in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President François Hollande in Beijing, Luc Oursel, President and CEO of AREVA, signed a series of key agreements with the companies CNNC and CGNPC for the...

In May 2007, Russia opened discussions to join the OECD Convention on combating bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions.(1) Since then, several legislative changes related to anti-corruption...

Companies and industries strongly engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have taken significant steps in their sourcing policies to reduce unethical and inhuman working conditions by controlling their subcontractors...

SGS is pleased to announce the recent launch of their SGS Carbon Footprint Marks in India. During the launch ceremony on January 10, 2013, SGS awarded the first Indian companies who have conducted carbon footprint assessment and...

A growing number of suppliers in various countries are being asked to participate in sustainability related indices by providing data and information. For suppliers who have or will be contacted, gaining an understanding of...

On February 3-6, 2013, SGS will be participating at the ISPO Munich in Germany. Throughout the entire event, SGS will present its wide portfolio of services for sporting goods and will discuss topics like Social Compliance and...

SGS co-sponsors the seventh edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit - a series of summits that focuses on the leading issues the food industry faces concerning sustainability and eco-labels such as Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest...

William Lepercq, Senior Ecodesign Consultant at SGS France, will speak at the European edition of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Paris, taking place from November 21 to 23, 2012. His presentation will focus on the benefits...

American Red Cross to Receive $1 million in Assistance

The period from September through to January sees a number of important holidays for many countries and these holidays represent the peak season for gift giving. Many people’s thoughts often turn to luxury items such as jewelry...

Siemens awarded contracts for two combined cycle conversions in Argentina

After Denmark’s proposal was turned down by ECHA, the country announced its ban of four phthalates from consumer products placed on the Danish market. The expected implementation date will be the fall of 2012.

On Sep 3, 2012, the second Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC) consultation list of this year was published by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). An unprecedented large update, including 54 proposals added for consultation...

The European Chemical Agency recently published a Question & Answer document on the implementation of Commission Regulation (EC) No 552/2009 (REACH Annex XVII) and its subsequent amendments on substance restrictions. The agreed...

June 29th, 2012, “The Measure of Heat Control” (hereinafter referred as “The Measure”) was jointly published by China’s State Administration of Work Safety, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security...

Already in spring 2012, the Bangladesh government published an official notice in their Gazette announcing an exemption to the limits of overtime work. Factories can hence extend their working time by up to 4 hours per day of...

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added 13 further substances to the Candidate List for Authorization of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) on June 18, 2012. Several additional entries to the list made in January 2010 and...

On July 18, 2012, SGS will host a free 45-minute webinar focusing on the Product Environmental Profile for electronic products. Registration is required to participate in this event.

SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company and Cameron-Cole, a nationwide leader in sustainability and environmental consulting, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership...

Member states of the South American free-trade group Mercosur have until November 1, 2012 to harmonize national legislation in line with recent updates to substances authorized for use in plastic materials and products that are...

The People's Republic of China enacted a revised Law for the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases on December 31st, 2011 that increases fines for violations of the law. The changes also reflect the previously stated...

More than 40 organizations around the world will benefit from $87,500 in Green Communities environmental grants awarded by Rockwell Collins this year.

Effective from June 1, 2012, Annex XVII of the EU Directive known as REACH extends the list of restricted CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or repro-toxic) as categories 1A and 1B.

The Chinese government’s 12th Five-Year Plan includes a statement for the Development of Human Resources and Social Security: that “China’s minimum wage should exceed a 13% average growth annually” during the plan’s period. By...