Testalks. Textile Testing International. March April Your partner in textile Testing. Textile Testing International s Online Newsletter

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1 Testalks March April 2012 March-April Issue 2011 Textile Testing International Your partner in textile Testing

2 Table of Contents Section I Testing & Inspections Restricted Chemicals Testing in Textiles, Apparel & Leather (Formaldehyde Testing) Latest Restricted Substances list 2012 New SOP for Phthalates Testing published by GAFTI Section ii Corporate News Tti CPSC Scope Enhancement Highlights of Textile Asia 2012 Section iii Trainings & Workshops Workshop on RSL Testing Conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Textiles, PU and UMT Webinar conducted by CPSC and ASTM on Regulatory Requirements of Wearable Apparels Vender Trainings Workshop on LEVI s RSL Testing Requirements: Formaldehyde testing In house Trainings: Time Management

3 Restricted Chemicals Testing in Textiles, Apparel & Leather (Formaldehyde Testing) Formaldehyde is a volatile compound used widely in apparel and textile manufacturing as an anti creasing and an anti shrinking agent. In addition, formaldehyde is often used in polymeric resins (e.g., phenol formaldehyde and ureaformaldehyde). Because of its volatility it can easily spread by cross Contamination from one garment to another. Formaldehyde/ formaldehyde releasing compounds are applied for: Permanent press and artificially stiffen fabric Dimensional stability control (i.e., pre shrinkage) Easy care Crinkle treatment Fixation or preservation of dyes and prints Adhesives for flock prints Binders for pigment prints Fibers and Materials Fluorescent dyes and pigments Natural fibers Synthetic fibers Natural and synthetic Blends Artificial leather with fiber backing Natural leather Plastic, rubber, paint, Coatings Natural materials (e.g. Paper, Wood) Metals Fusing, padding, feather, and down Presence of Formaldehyde Formaldehyde Testing Methods Testing Standards Released by sealed jar method AATCC 112 BS EN Free & hydrolyzed method BS EN Japanese law 112 JIS 1041 Qualitative analysis (un dyed fabrics only) Spot test

4 For Further information on Formaldehyde Testing Contact us at Restricted Chemicals Testing in Textiles, Apparel & Leather (Formaldehyde Testing) The hazardous chemical formaldehyde continues to be found on a regular basis in garments and other products shipped around the world. Formaldehyde is used in adhesives, textile processing and as a preservative in some paints, coating products and also in some cosmetics and may be found in everyday products such as handbags, footwear, accessories, garments, beauty and cosmetic products. Formaldehyde is commonly restricted by brands and global regulations according to the end consumer ( adult or child) with the acceptable limits for children being significantly lower than those for adults. Formaldehyde is one of the key examples of how variable the restrictions can be. Formaldehyde Limits / Age Groups as per Restricted Substances List March months old Not Detected (detection limit is 20 mg/kg) >36 months old (with direct skin contact) 75 ppm (detection limit is 20 mg/kg) >36 months old (no direct skin contact) 300 ppm (detection limit is 20 mg/kg) Formaldehyde (leather) Baby products (0 24 months) Leather (with direct skin contact) Leather (without direct skin contact) 20 ppm 75 ppm 300 ppm Manufacturers and importers have a responsibility to undertake testing programmes and due diligence in order to comply with international legislation and a number of alert systems actively police dangerous consumer products before they reach the marketplace to protect consumers. It is vital to keep abreast of international legislation on restricted chemicals not only to ensure product safety and compliance, but also to protect your company reputation. The use of formaldehyde in many construction materials means that it is a common indoor air pollutant. At concentrations above 0.1 mg/kg in air, inhaled formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, potentially resulting in watery eyes, headache, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty breathing. Formaldehyde is also classified as a carcinogen.

5 around the world. Textile Testing International s Online Newsletter Latest Restricted Substances List March 2012 Background This Restricted Substance List (RSL) was created by a special working group of the American Apparel & Footwear Association s (AAFA) Environmental Task Force. The RSL is intended to provide apparel and footwear companies with information related to regulations and laws that restrict or ban certain chemicals and substances in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products Methodology The RSL includes only those materials, chemicals, and substances that are restricted or banned in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products because of a regulation or law. In each case, the RSL identifies the most restrictive regulation. The RSL does not include regulations that restrict the use of substances in production processes or in the factory; rather the focus is on whether or not the substance can be found in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products at a certain level. Mentioned below is the link to the 10 th Edition of the RSL, Published on March 21,

6 New SOP for Phthalates Testing published by GAFTI About GAFTI Global Apparel, Footwear and Textile Initiative (GAFTI) is an initiative to bring retailers, brands, mills and factories together to improve efficiencies and set standards globally. Because there is no single source of standards, there is a lack of standardization in the apparel, textile, and footwear industry. This gap creates conflicting requirements across customers. GAFTI s goal is to reduce complexity and remove costs from common industry practices and prevent increased scrutiny from press and governments, which could lead to increased regulation. For more information see:

7 Tti CPSC Scope Enhancement Tti has the largest Accredited scope for Textiles & Leather Testing in Pakistan. In Addition, Tti was the first ISO/IEC Accredited Lab of Pakistan approved by the CPSC for Lead ( Pb) Testing in 2009 and Flammability Testing in It is a pleasure to share that CPSC has further expanded Tti's CPSC Testing Scope. (Click on the link below to View the Certificate for details) bin/labsearch/viewlab.aspx?labid=1168 Tti now offers the complete range of Accredited Consumer Product Safety Tests. 16 CFR Part 1303 (CPSC CH E or CPSC CH E ), Lead Paint Regulation 16 CFR Part 1501, Small Parts Regulation 16 CFR Part , Sharp Point Test 16 CFR Part , Sharp Edge Test 16 CFR Part F, Tension Test 16 CFR Part E, Torque Test Lead in Children's Metal Jewelry (test method CPSC CH E and/or CPSC CH E ). Lead in Children's Metal Products (test methodcpsc CH E and/or CPSC CH E ). Lead in Non Metal Children's Products (test method CPSC CH E and/or CPSC CH E )

8 Highlights of Tti s Participation in the Textile Asia 2012 (10 12 March 2012) Karachi Expo Pakistan

9 Workshop on RSL Testing and Global Ecological Testing Requirements Conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Textiles, PU and UMT LAHORE:5 th April 2012: Textile Testing International, in collaboration with the Textile Ministry and Punjab University held a workshop on An Over view of Global Ecological requirements and RSL Testing. The Workshop was attended by large numbers of Industry Professionals from the Central Punjab region. The Keynote speakers included Mr. Hamed K. Lateef (C.E.O Textile Testing International, Mr. Ali Ashraf ( G.M Operations Tti) and Dr. Nabeel Amin ( UMT). Speaking on the occasion Mr. Hamed K. Lateef emphasized on the importance of involving the whole supply chain and all associated stake holders of the Textile Sector, without which compliance with international standards cannot be achieved. He also mentioned that Testing, is not a financial burden but a very important value addition. The speakers covered the latest regulatory and testing requirements of Global Retailers and Consumer Safety Associations. Guidelines on how to develop a proper testing program and Compliance management systems were also delivered at the end of the session.

10 Webinar conducted by CPSC and ASTM on Regulatory Requirements of Wearable Apparels ASTM International and CPSC organized a Webinar on Regulatory Textile Compliance with US 16 Code of Federal Regulation 1610 and CPSIA Wearing Apparel Regulations on 12 April The Program was attended by Key Textiles & Apparel Industry professionals from Pakistan and India, including Sr. Managers and Apparel Testing Technicians from Textile Testing International The program was hosted by Dr. Jayakumar Gopalakrishnan ( ASTM International Trainer and Technical Consultant for South Asia). This session gave all attendees,an ideal opportunity to have a direct Interaction with the CPSC authorities and clarify their doubts on Wearing Apparel Regulations. The session was conducted by a CPSC Expert, Ms. Allyson Tenney ( Team Leader Textile Flammability Team. Regulatory Enforcement Division, Office of Compliance and Field Operations U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission( CPSC ) Topics Covered An Overview of US Flammability regulations and their impact on exporters from India and Pakistan. Clarifications on the existing regulations on flammability on the new CPSIA Regulations 3 rd Part Testing Liability issues About ASTM International Tti has been enjoying the ASTM International Corporate membership since View the links below to learn more about ASTM International and the Membership Types and Benefits. About ASTM International ASTM International Benefits Trainings and Courses Workshops and Symposiums For registrations for ASTM Memberships and Events, Contact : Dr. Jayakumar Gopalakrishnan textile1@astm.org Mr.Sirivatsa Srinivasan textile2@astm.org Ph:

11 Vender Trainings Workshop on RSL Testing Requirements: Formaldehyde testing (Lahore Karachi) Tti s Restricted Substances Testing department conducted a training on Formaldehyde Testing for all LEVI s Vendors.This training was conducted jointly in collaboration with LEVI s in both cities, Lahore and Karachi on 9 & 10 April consecutively. Mr.Ali Ahsraf ( G.M Operations Tti ), speaking on the occasion said that it was very important for the vendors of all retail chains and brands to educate themselves on Latest technical and legislative requirements of RSL Testing Protocols. He said it was the only way the Pakistani industry can bridge the Gap between manufacturing and compliance.

12 In house Trainings: Time Management The Quality Department of Textile Testing International organized an In house Training session on Time Management. The technical Team and the Customer services department attended the session. The training was conducted to increase the efficiency of the team with respect to on time delivery of test reports to the customers. Mr.Tariq Maqsood ( Head of Quality Department) while delivering the presentations mentioned that,although Tti was already providing a very good turnaround time of 2 3 Days, there is always a room for improvement. He said that Tti has plans to further reduce the reporting time to a single day. Case Studies and Practical scenarios were discussed to further enhance the quality of service at Tti.