(TÜV SÜD: Peabody, MA) -- International safety standards and regulations are complex and constantly evolving. Leading global testing, auditing, and regulatory expert TÜV SÜD has launched a new webinar series to keep buyers, retailers, and importers in the textile, clothing, and footwear industry up to speed. In the first webinar on the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, TÜV SÜD Greater China REACH project officer, Connie Lau, gives a clear and concise introduction of the REACH regulation and its effect for non-European Union producers in the softlines industry. This complimentary webinar can be viewed in English or Mandarin at www.tuv-sud.sg/webinar.

Why does REACH concern me? As a non-European Union manufacturer of softlines, how do I prepare my business to continue exporting to EU markets? This webinar will answer these important questions and more. It provides a comprehensive introduction to REACH terms and definitions, providing examples in the context of the softlines industry, and highlights the legal obligations of non-European Union manufacturers and material suppliers with regard to registration, including the type of chemicals that require registrations.

The section on restrictions in REACH for hazardous chemicals is compulsory viewing for non-European Union manufactures in the softlines industry. It outlines the latest amendments to the list of restricted substances that includes azodyes, nickel, and phthalates, and the limits of each allowed under the regulation for softlines products.

The final section on authorization pays attention to the class of chemicals in REACH called “substances of very high concern” (SVHC). The aim of authorization is to control the risks from those SVHCs identified and placed on the EU Candidate List, by progressively replacing them with suitable alternative substances or technologies. With more substances being added to the list, it has become critical for those affected to stay up to date with the latest information.

With dedicated softlines offices globally, TÜV SÜD is able to provide local-language sales and technical support to retailers, buyers, and importers. In addition to registration and expert information on the REACH regulation, TÜV SÜD also provides a comprehensive range of chemical, quality, and performance testing, management system auditing, social compliance auditing, training, and inspection services for the softlines Industry.

Free registration and further details about the webinar are available here. For further information about REACH and other regulations and standards affecting the softlines industry, register for the TÜV SÜD newsletter, SoftlinesE-ssentials, or contact a TUV SÜD expert at softlines@tuev-sued.com.