SGS : Tenure as Laboratory Administrator for the JPMA is Extended

SGS is proud to announce that the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has selected SGS as Laboratory Administrator for its JPMA Certification Program, following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process among leading independent, third-party, global product testing laboratories.

SGS has already served the JPMA in this role for four years, and this announcement extends the company's tenure of this important and prestigious role for a further three years, to 2019.

To achieve selection SGS, and its competitors, were evaluated on five key areas:

• Personnel
• Operations
• Technology
• Management
• Marketing support

JPMA also explored other factors that would safeguard the data collected for the more than 2,000 products currently included in the JPMA Certification Program.

'The selection process for identifying a Lab Administrator was very competitive among some of the world's leading product testing labs,' said Kelly Mariotti, JPMA Executive Director. 'SGS not only provided an incredibly competitive robust proposal but has also done a great job administering JPMA's Certification Program over the past four years offering a proven-track record of world-class service to the program and our members. We are confident that they will continue to meet and exceed our expectations as they support JPMA efforts related to retailer engagement, working in lock-step with ASTM, and our vital regulatory activity in the United States.'

'We're proud and enthusiastic to once again be chosen as the JPMA Program Administrator and Principal Testing Lab, continuing this common success story. The JPMA has shown a level of dedication to self-assessment and continuous improvement that epitomizes a commitment to juvenile products safety, as well as ensuring that their certification member community maintains that same standard,' said Nicolas Bachere, SGS Vice President of Global Hardlines. 'Sharing the same commitment to excellence and safety, SGS has worked diligently with the JPMA over the past four years to ensure that members' products meet the high standards set forth by the certification committee that customers demand and our children deserve. It has been a pleasure collaborating with the dynamic team at JPMA.'

About The JMPA Certification Program

The JPMA Certification Program provides a turnkey testing solution by helping navigate a complex regulatory environment, saving precious time and money by reducing demand on internal testing costs. The Certification Program underscores an unwavering commitment from industry and regulators to develop safe products for children.

About The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

The JPMA is a national trade organization of more than 200 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It exists to advance the interests, growth and well-being of North American prenatal to preschool product manufacturers, importers and distributors marketing under their own brands to consumers. To find out more information about the JPMA certification program, the products certified and a complete listing of JPMA members, please visit JPMA website.

SGS JPMA Certification Services

As a leading provider of product testing service to manufacturers, buyers and retailers in toy and juvenile products sector, SGS offers a fast and effective JPMA 2.0 certification service from its independent and accredited third-party testing labs. Meeting the JPMA's new standard also demonstrates commitment to consumer safety and helps to build confidence in both individual products and the brand.

For further information, please contact:

Jennifer Dwyer
CTS North America Marketing Manager
SGS North America Inc.
Fairfield, NJ
t: [phone]
www.sgs.com/toys

About SGS

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.