Bosco Yi from SGS started the seminar by saying that SGS Group is the global leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 42,000 employees, SGS operates a network of nearly 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.
The U.S. CPSC published a new mandatory mattress fire federal law (16CFR1633) which stipulates that all mattresses and related products which enter the United States must meet the mandatory fire safety requirements. All signs indicate that the international community is creating a strong firewall to the security and reliability of imported furniture and bedding products.
Wang Junyan, Senior Technical Expert and Manager of AnJi Combustion and Light Industrial Products Laboratory provided an analysis of the European, American and Japanese furniture markets and a detailed interpretation for the 16CFR1633 and light industrial products. He pointed out that in 2005, among Chinese furniture exports, 60 percent flowed into the U.S. market, 20 percent to the EU, and the remaining 20 percent split between Japan, Canada, Australia and other countries.
In 2006, the total value of exports amounted to RMB 12.46 billion, of which the United States occupied a 46 percent share.
The main technical regulation in Japan is the “Washington Convention”; primarily designed for the protection of wild animals. If the exports of furniture has leather, shell and other materials, it is necessary to strictly follow the implementation of the provisions outlined in the Convention.
With EU countries, regulations are mainly based on the coordination standards of OJEC. The main technical regulations in Britain are regulated by the Fire Safety and GPSR. In the United States the major technical regulations are CPSC, CPSA, BIFAM and the ACT.
The third speaker, Cheng Zhichao, Senior Engineer of Light Industrial Products Laboratory (GZ), introduced export measurements for Chinese furniture and bed (sofa) pads. The International Certification Services Product Manager (Shenzhen) made the final speech that concentrated on how the furniture industry FSC/COC entered the international market.
