As one of the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification companies, SGS China is working with to assist brands and retailers enter international markets. According to a company news release, its laboratory network enables local manufacturers to ensure that their products meet the applicable international and national standards of their destination markets. Eight of its footwear and leather goods testing laboratories are strategically located in manufacturing regions and in close proximity to the sourcing offices of many international brands. They are ISO 17025 accredited and work closely with technical experts at SGS’ Footwear & Leather Goods Competence Centre in Guangzhou, ensuring that the laboratories provide consistently high quality services.
The SGS China laboratory network tests raw materials, components such as leather, textile lining and metal, and physical performance. It also provides chemical testing to ensure compliance with various regulations including REACH for Europe, CPSIA for the US as well as those in many emerging markets such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Turkey and Korea.
According to SGS, China is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of footwear and leather goods. Between 2009 and 2014 China’s export growth in the footwear and leather goods sector grew by 9.9 per cent annually. In 2014 it accounted for nearly 40 per cent of global exports worth USD 118 billion.