TV SD Footwear Mark Step Forward TV SD Group

							TÜV SÜD Footwear Mark: A Step Forward
A Mark Exclusively for Footwear                                              differ from country to country (for example
TÜV SÜD is proud to introduce a mark                                         REACH in the EU, CPSIA in the USA).
exclusive for the footwear industry.
Retailers and manufacturers are now able to                                  Non-compliance can result in product
demonstrate their commitment to excellence                                   recall, penalties from the authorities, loss
with a mark that tests safety for humans                                     of potential sales and profit. Worse, the
and the environment concerning the use of                                    ensuing negative publicity has implications
hazardous chemicals.                                                         for brand reputation and future success.

Challenges in the Footwear Industry                                          About the TÜV SÜD Footwear Mark
17 billion pairs of shoes, from functional                                   The Mark is awarded on completion of
work boots to high fashion heels, are                                        a comprehensive testing and factory
produced each year. Research shows that                                      inspection program, designed to address
over a hundred processes go into making                                      pertinent US regulations and most of the EU
shoes. The range of materials selected                                       directives regarding hazardous chemicals.
each season by designers – textiles, leather,                                The test parameter also includes most
rope, wood, plastic and synthetics – raises                                  substances found on the RSL (Restricted
further challenges as some of the chemicals                                  Substance List) of major retailers.
used for molding and other treatments are
potentially harmful.                                                         A universally recognized symbol of trust,
                                                                             it demonstrates your footwear products’
This has led to growing consumer concerns                                    compliance with international safety and
over the possible damage caused by such                                      environmental standards on the use of
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hazardous chemicals and has prompted                                         hazardous chemicals. Successful footwear
regulators to enact increasing legislation                                   brands build their global reputations on
to restrict their usage. This presents the                                   continuously striving for such standards.
footwear industry with more and more                                         This Mark is your next step towards that
stringent regulations to meet, which also                                    goal.

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    Most of these are now placed under the REACH regulation Annex XVII and Annex XIV




TÜV SÜD Group
                            www.tuev-sued.com/softlines




Advantages of the TÜV SÜD Footwear Mark          testing and inspection reports
ƒ Provides assurance and confidence            ƒ Issue certificate
  to consumers that a product has been         ƒ Upon approval, the Mark will be released
  manufactured with critical consideration       and can be attached to end products
  for chemical safety                            according to the enforced regulations
ƒ Certifies compliance to international
  standards                                    Validity of the TÜV SÜD Footwear Mark
ƒ Demonstrates awareness and sense             Use of the TÜV SÜD Footwear Mark is
  of responsibility towards quality,           supported by continual factory inspections
  environment and health                       (annual) and market surveillance (from the
ƒ Strengthens competitive capability and       2nd year) to ensure products in the market
  marketability of products                    continue to comply with the requirements of
                                               the Mark.
TÜV SÜD Footwear Mark allows you to
ƒ Maintain and build brand reputation
                                                About TÜV SÜD
ƒ Minimise business risks and costs
                                                TÜV SÜD is a major international service
ƒ Ensure compliance to international safety
                                                group providing testing, inspection,
  and environmental standards concerning
                                                auditing & certification, training and
  hazardous chemicals
                                                knowledge services. Represented in over
ƒ Gain international market access
                                                600 locations worldwide, TÜV SÜD
ƒ Meet customer expectations by
                                                holds accreditations for market access in
  delivering consistent quality with
                                                Europe, Middle East/Africa, The Americas
  regards to material safety, durability and
                                                and Asia Pacific. TÜV SÜD is a one-stop
  wearability
                                                solutions provider supporting customers
                                                secure fast and efficient global access.
The Certification Process in 6 easy steps
ƒ Request for certification and preliminary
  evaluation                                    Contact Us Today
ƒ Conduct raw materials and product             For more information contact a TÜV SÜD
  testing                                       expert at softlines@tuev-sued.com now or
ƒ Conduct factory inspection with spot          visit us at www.tuev-sued.com/softlines
  testing of product from production line
ƒ Conduct evaluation and approval of




TÜV SÜD Group • softlines@tuev-sued.com                                        PSMKG-2011/8.1