Under this conformity assessment program, which verifies that the import of oil and gas-related equipment and materials conforms to Uganda’s standards, the Ugandan Government has appointed AQM BD as one of the official service providers.

Uganda’s Three Main Oil and Gas Projects

Uganda stands as the epicenter for some of East Africa’s most expansive petroleum production projects, featuring three primary initiatives: Tilenga, Kingfisher, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Tilenga

The Tilenga project, situated in the Lake Albert project, is operated by TotalEnergies in collaboration with CNOOC and UNOC. This multifaceted project encompasses exploration, drilling, and oil production across over nine onshore fields, including one within the Murchison Falls National Park.

Kingfisher

Kingfisher is an onshore upstream oilfield situated along the shores of Lake Albert in Kikuube district. The project encompasses the drilling of thirty-one development wells over a span of five years. Additionally, it involves the installation of a pipeline for the export of oil to Tanzania.

EACOP Project

The EACOP project, a 1443-kilometer heated, insulated, and buried crude oil export pipeline, links Albertine Graben in Uganda to the international oil market. Commencing from Kabaale, Hoima District, it concludes at the Marine Storage Terminal and Load Out Facility at Chongoleani, Tanga District in Tanzania. The pipeline is designed to transport 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

AQM BD as a Service Agent for Uganda PAU PVoC for Specialised Oil and Gas Materials and Equipment

Exporters are required to comply with Uganda’s standards in the country of origin, and the goods must undergo inspection by an authorised Uganda PAU PVoC service agent.

AQM BD has entered into an agreement with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to perform Pre-Export Verification of Conformity Assessments on specialised equipment and materials for oil and gas projects in Uganda. It is one of only two contracted companies globally. In addition to the certification service, AQM BD has previously been engaged to provide PAU Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) services for inspecting general goods destined for Uganda.

Uganda PAU PVoC Program Effective from March 1

The PAU Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) assessment for imported specialised materials and equipment used in oil and gas projects in Uganda will be in effect from March 1, 2024.

Post this date, all imports of related equipment and materials must adhere to Uganda standards in the country of origin and carry a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).

The Uganda PVoC can only be issued by contracted service providers, with Helmsman Quality and Technology Services Company Ltd. (AQM BD) being one of them. A CoC will only be granted upon confirmation that the goods align with applicable Uganda standards through the product conformity assessment program.

AQM BD: A Global Leader in Quality Assurance and Uganda PAU PVoC

Established over 25 years ago, AQM BD has grown into one of the leading testing, inspection, and certification companies in the world, with a workforce exceeding 2,500 professionals and a presence in more than 40 countries.

AQM BD is involved in multiple conformity assessment programs and has a team of industry experts ready to assist your business at every stage of the application process, regardless of your business’s geographical location.

The Core Advantages at AQM BD Include:

• Complete PVoC Certification Services
• Over 25 Years of Industry-Leading Expertise
• Global Service Network for Quick Accessibility
• Recognised International Accreditations
• Flexibility and Expedited Services
• Tailored Solutions to Your Unique Business Needs, Regardless of Your Size

The post AQM BD Secures a 5-Year Contract with Uganda’s Government appeared first on AQM BD.

What are the Key changes to the Trade Descriptions (Marking of Quantity for Pre-Packaged Goods) Order 2023?

Outlined below are the key modifications incorporated into the latest order:

• Removal of Marking Requirements: Previous marking requirements concerning the appropriate indication of goods and the manufacturer and importer’ name and address have been eliminated.
• Consolidation of Interpretations: Interpretations of pre-packaged goods and related measurements are now consolidated into a single clause under paragraph 4, “Declaration of quantity for pre-packaged goods.”
• Mandatory Quantity Declaration: Wholesalers, manufacturers, importers, or producers are mandated to declare the quantity of pre-packaged goods within each package, ensuring consumers have accurate information about the contents they purchase.

Apart from these changes, the core content of the latest order remains consistent with the previous version. All pre-packaged goods packaged, manufactured, or imported into Malaysia must adhere to specific marking regulations, including the nett weight for goods with solid content in liquid, display nominal quantity and specified units.

Markings on pre-packaged goods must meet the following criteria:

• Use of clear words in the national language or English, depending on the origin of the goods
• Legibility
• Minimum height specifications as outlined in the second schedule
• Color contrast with the background

Additionally, the order stipulates that the actual quantity of pre-packaged goods must not fall below the nominal quantity, with tolerance levels specified for different categories and declarations.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living issued the Trade Descriptions (Marking of Quantity for Pre-Packaged Goods) Order 2023 on September 21, 2023. Effective June 4, 2024, it replaces the Trade Descriptions (Marking of Pre-Packaged Goods) Order 2023. Click here to read more information on the information issued by Malaysia Government.

Will this Impact Your Business?

With over 25 years of experience in quality assurance, AQM BD is ready to help your import and export business build a robust quality assurance plan. AQM BD has a dedicated compliance consultancy department that can help your business in understanding these regulatory changes. Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate your current quality control challenges.

The post Malaysia Issues New Trade Descriptions Order on Pre-Packaged Goods appeared first on AQM BD.

What Is the ASTM F963-23?

The ASTM F963-23 is a set of safety standards created by ASTM International for toys. These standards include different technical specifications and safety criteria, such as:

• Acoustics
• Battery Safety
• Projectiles
• Phthalate Limits
• Substrate Material Exemptions
• Toy Tracking Labels

For more information regarding the ASTM F963-23, click here.

Direct Final Rule and Amendments for Toy Safety

The direct final rule is set to incorporate ASTM F963-23, introducing amendments to the existing Notice of Requirements (NOR). This revision will include alterations in both physical and technical dimensions, covering aspects such as Acoustics, Expanding Materials with Outer Coverings, Environmental Conditions for Projectile Toys, Testing Sequence for Bow and Arrow Toys, and Battery Accessibility with Battery Compartment Attachment.

Additionally, modifications will be implemented to harmonise ASTM requirements with current Federal and CPSC standards, particularly related to Phthalates, Exemptions for Toy Substrate Materials, and the labeling criteria for Tracking Labels on Toys.

Want to learn more? Click here to read the new safety standard mandating ASTM F963 for toys.

Implications on Your Business

In the toy industry, businesses must adhere to ASTM F963-23 to meet federal safety regulations. Aligned with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), toys manufactured on or after April 20, 2024, and intended for sale in the U.S., must comply with ASTM F963-23—established as the mandatory consumer product safety standard.

If this regulatory change has impacted your business, reach out to inquiry@AQM BD.com or click here. Seek assistance from our professionals to guide you through the compliance process.

The post U.S. CPSC Approves Revised ASTM F963-23 as New Federal Toy Safety Standard appeared first on AQM BD.

What Is The IChEMS Register?

Australia’s Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) was established in 2021. It is a national framework designed to manage the use, storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals harmful to the environment and human health. All listed chemicals are categorised into seven schedules. These schedules ranges from the lowest (1) to the highest risk (2). The purpose is to encourage industries to use less harmful alternatives. The list of banned chemicals can be found here.

Australia Bans Several PoPs 

The recent ban adds the new chemicals to Schedules 6 and 7, underlining their potential to cause serious or irreversible harm to the environment. It will take into effect on July 2024. Click here to read more information on the list of added chemicals.

Following inclusion in Schedules 6 and 7, the ban prohibits the import, manufacture, use, and export of products containing these newly banned chemicals. For businesses affected by these changes, AQM BD offers expert consultancy. Reach out at inquiry@AQM BD.com for guidance.

The post Australia Bans Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) appeared first on AQM BD.

Background on PFHxS

Products Containing PFHxS Banned for Import to Japan

Effective from February 1, 2024, the recent METI cabinet order specifically targets the importation of ten product categories containing PFHxS, its salts, and isomers. These categories include:

• Treated fabrics
• Etching agents for metal machining and semiconductor manufacturing
• Surface treatment agents
• Anti-reflective agents for semiconductors
• Resists for semiconductors
• Water and oil repellents
• Fire extinguishing agents
• Treated clothing and floor coverings with water or oil repellent properties.

Important Dates

Key milestones include the designation of PFHxS as a Class I Specified Chemical Substance on February 1, 2024, and the prohibition of importation of PFHxS and its salts in the specified product categories from June 1, 2024. Click here to find out more details.

As Japan takes a proactive stance in addressing potential risks posed by PFHxS, industries and importers affected by these new regulations will need to adapt to ensure compliance. Will this change affect your business? Contact AQM BD for personal guidance today.

The post Japan Implements Regulations on PFHxS appeared first on AQM BD.

These new changes came into effect on August 1, 2023, and aim to improve regulation and uphold hygiene standards within the industry.

Fee Breakdown of the Bedding and Upholstery Program

Effective August 1, 2023, manufacturing and renovating establishments will be subject to a biennial fee of $476, payable every two years. Simultaneously, businesses engaged in the storage, sale, or keeping for sale of mattresses and bedding products, encompassing warehouses, retail stores, second-hand or thrift stores, will face a biennial fee of $34.

Mandatory Registration Process

The post New Fees and Licensing Requirements for Mattress-Related Businesses in DC appeared first on AQM BD.

An Introduction to AB-899 Food Safety: Baby Food

AB-899 addresses the pressing concern of limiting the presence of toxic elements, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, in finished baby food products. The law imposes transparency requirements on manufacturers, mandating them to publish their test results on their websites. Additionally, when deemed necessary, the legislation requires additional labeling on these products.

Defining Baby Food

The legislation defines baby food as “food packaged in jars, pouches, tubs, and boxes represented or purported for babies and young children less than two years of age. Notably, this definition excludes infant formula.

Stricter Testing Requirements under AB-899

Starting from January 1, 2024, manufacturers are subject to stringent testing protocols. They are required to subject a representative sample from each “production aggregate” of the final baby food product to testing for a range of toxic elements, in addition to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, as stipulated by the law. The test results must be readily accessible upon request.

Product Standards Effective from January 1, 2025

From January 1, 2025, final baby food products available in California must adhere to specific criteria. This includes disclosing the name and quantity of each toxic element in each production aggregate of the final baby food product on the manufacturer’s website. This information must remain available for the entire product shelf life, with an additional month.

If a product is tested for a toxic element subject to a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level, regulatory limit, or tolerance, the product label must incorporate a QR code or a machine-readable code that links to the manufacturer’s website with the information of test results for the toxic elements, a link to FDA website for guidance and information on the health effects.

Note that these are just a few of many new requirements. To get the complete information, read more information here.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to AQM BD to get personal help and guidance. Contact us here.

The post California Enacts AB-899 to Improve Baby Food Safety appeared first on AQM BD.

Microplastics in the EU

EU Implements Ban on Microplastics

In a move to address the issue of microplastic pollution, the European Union (EU) Published Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 in the Official Journal of the European Union, and introduced a new entry 78 of REACH Annex XVII.

The new regulation ban on the sale of microplastics and products that intentionally contain microplastics, and subsequently release them during use. This prohibition applies when microplastics are present either as a standalone substance or in a mixture, with a concentration equal to or greater than 0.01% by weight. Note that this ban will extend to microplastics used in cosmetics, personal care products, and detergents.

The regulation (EU) 2023/2055 took effect for products placed on the market from October 17, 2023.

Scope and Exemptions

While this ban is comprehensive, not all products will be affected. Certain exemptions are outlined in the regulation, primarily excluding products used at industrial sites and those that do not release microplastics during their use. For more information read the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 here.

Businesses impacted by these regulatory changes are advised to seek guidance and support. Contact AQM BD to get tailored support for any questions you may have.

The post EU Adopts Measures to Tackle Microplastic Pollution appeared first on AQM BD.

U.S. CSPC Introduces New Rules for Crib Bumpers and Inclined Sleepers

Crib bumpers will now face prohibition under Regulation 16 CFR 1309, taking effect from 13 September 2023. Meanwhile, Regulation 16 CFR 1310, coming into effect two days later, will prohibit the use of inclined sleepers for infants.

It’s worth noting that these items were already restricted to manufacture, distribution, or importation of these products into the U.S under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, implemented from 12 November 2022 , following years of reports involving infant deaths caused by suffocation and asphyxiation.

A crib bumper is defined as follows:

1. Any material that is intended to cover the sides of a crib to prevent injury to any crib occupant from impacts against the side of a crib or to prevent partial or complete access to any openings in the sides of a crib to prevent a crib occupant from getting any part of the body entrapped in any opening;
2. Includes a padded crib bumper, a supported and unsupported vinyl bumper guard, and vertical crib slat covers; and
3. Does not include a non-padded mesh crib liner.

For any additional questions or clarity, please reach out to the AQM BD compliance consultancy department here.

The post New Safety Regulations Announced by U.S. Consumer Safety Authority appeared first on AQM BD.

Australia Consumer Goods (Toys for Children up to and including 36 Months of Age) Safety Standard 2023

The 2023 Safety Standard for Consumer Goods outlines design and construction guidelines for toys intended for children up to and including 36 months of age. Its primary objective is to provide a framework ensuring that toys for children up to three years of age meet stringent safety benchmarks.

Manufacturers and suppliers can ensure compliance by aligning their products with one of the following established standards:

• Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2023
• International (ISO) standard ISO 8124 1:2022
• European Directive EN 71 1:2014 + A1:2018
• American Safety Standard ASTM F963 17

Special Provisions for Electronic Toys

For electronic toys, adherence to the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 62115:2018 is mandatory. This standard addresses electric toy safety, ensuring that children within this age range cannot access the battery compartment or remove batteries without the use of a tool.

Transition Timeline

All importers, suppliers and manufacturers must conform to the new standard. The deadline to achieve full compliance with the new standard is set for the 4th of March, 2025. Click here to read the full publication.

This regulatory update signifies a major evolution in toy safety standards. Our compliance department stands ready to navigate the new requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

The post Australian Government Announces New Safety Standard for Children’s Toys appeared first on AQM BD.