TÜV SÜD Increases Consumer Goods & Retail Certification Test Activities

Plymouth, Michigan. TÜV SÜD America is pleased to announce added investment and increased engineering expertise with the certification of playground equipment and surfacing for the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), bunk beds, safety eyewear, sports equipment, and juvenile products, permitting manufacturers to obtain CPSIA and IPEMA certifications. Globally, the TÜV SÜD Group, with its more than 600 locations and over 15,000 employees, is able to test, inspect, and certify children's products to regulatory requirements wherever these products are produced worldwide. Since the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), TÜV SÜD has been helping manufacturers issue General Certificates of Compliance (GCC) at its facilities in Bangalore, Shanghai, Munich, Hong Kong, and now Plymouth, Michigan.

"In today's global market, the number of electronic and conventional toys arriving on the market is rapidly increasing. As the overall safety of toys and their use comes under closer scrutiny, certification and compliance to safety standards from an independent third-party organization becomes immensely beneficial," states Mr. Karsten Xander, CEO and President, TÜV SÜD America.  "TÜV SÜD America can serve manufacturers and retailers alike on complete performance testing for consumer goods, including children's products, Softlines, Hardlines, Electrical testing and more, to help differentiate their products and enhance their company's brand.  The TÜV SÜD octagon demonstrates a product has been tested and certified by a globally recognized, independent third-party testing and certification organization," continued Mr. Xander.

TÜV SÜD's global certification and testing capabilities include:

• Children's playground equipment (IPEMA) and all European standards
• Children's products (16 C.F.R Part 1203 (bicycle helmets)
• Children's furniture (16 C.F.R. Part 1508 & 1509 (cribs)
• Children's ride-on vehicles (FCC & NRTL)
• Battery-powered toys (FCC & NRTL)
• Infant Care articles (16 C.F.R. Part 1510 (rattles), 16 C.F.R. Part 1511 (pacifiers)
• Conventional toys (16 CFR Part 1501)
• Chemical composition (16 C.F.R Part 1303 (lead paint), CPSC-CH-E1001-08, CPSC-CH-E1002-08)
   

In the interest of public safety, IPEMA provides third-party Product Certification services for U.S. and Canadian public play equipment and U.S. public play surfacing materials. The services provide validation of a participant's certification of conformance to one of the standards referenced below. Both programs are administered by TÜV SÜD America.

• ASTM F1487-07 - Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
• CAN/CSA-Z614-07 - Children's Playspaces and Equipment
• ASTM F1292-04 - Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment
• ASTM F2075-04- Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment

"With the high profile recalls in 2007 and 2008 leading to passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) resolved to adopt a more proactive stance on product safety," adds Mr. Scott Griggs, General Manager, Consumer Retail Services, TÜV SÜD America.  "TÜV SÜD is an expert in product safety and compliance, and is recognized as a leader in RILA / BRC audits for factories producing Children's Products.  Retailers will begin auditing these factories in late 2010, and TÜV SÜD will continue at the forefront of these efforts.  We are excited to provide more value for our customers and potential customers," concluded Mr. Griggs.

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