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.

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The comprehensive document includes important recall information and updates from key regions across the globe with explanation on issues you need to know about. See below for a latest round-up from the EU, US below.

Download the full report further down the page, which includes percentages, charts and full details for each region.

EU (RAPEX)

In January 2024, the EU recalled 248 products in 17 categories. The most recalled products corresponded to three categories –Electrical appliances and equipment(59), Toys(47) ,Motor vehicles(35). Most of the recalled products came from China (151). The chart on the right shows the breakdown per product category.

USA (CPSC)

In January 2024, the US recalled 17 products in 5 categories. The most recalled products corresponded to three categories – Household Supplies(8),Hobby/sports equipment(4) and Childcare articles, children’s equipment and toys(2). The chart on the right shows the breakdown per product category.

Download the Full Report:

AQM BD is accredited to test for all major regulatory standards for the importing of consumer goods. You can count on the expertise and technical resources of AQM BD’ consumer product testing to ensure you comply with relevant regulations as well as your own technical specifications.

Stay tuned for the latest product recall updates and contact us for more information about our consumer product testing services.

About AQM BD

With over 27 years of experience in quality assurance, AQM BD is ready to help your import and export business build a robust quality assurance plan. Our many service locations are prepared to be your one-stop-shop for inspection needs. Including, production monitoring, pre-shipment and sorting inspections and everything in between. Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate your current quality control challenges.

The post Latest Product Recall Report: January 2024 appeared first on AQM BD.

AQM BD Spain Branch

Strategically located at Paseo de Recoletos 5, Madrid, the new AQM BD office in Spain represents a significant milestone in the company’s expansion journey. With Europe being a crucial hub for international trade and commerce, the establishment of this office underscores AQM BD’s commitment to providing unparalleled quality control solutions to its European clientele.

Office Location: Paseo de Recoletos 5, Madrid, Spain
Telephone: +34 917 697 999
Email: inquiry@AQM BD.com

At the core of AQM BD’s offerings lie comprehensive quality control services tailored to meet the unique requirements of each client. Whether it’s factory and supplier controls, production monitoring, project supervision, or quality inspection, AQM BD prides itself on delivering meticulous and reliable solutions that enable businesses to mitigate risks and safeguard their reputation.

With the opening of the new office in Madrid, AQM BD reinforces its commitment to being closer to its European clients than ever before. The strategic location of the office not only facilitates smoother communication and collaboration but also enables AQM BD to provide timely and personalized support to businesses operating in the region.

The post AQM BD Expands Its European Presence: New Office Opening in Spain 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.

Five Chemicals Added to the SVHC

The Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) is a list under the REACH Regulation. The SVHC list is maintained by the ECHA. The purpose is to identify substances that may cause serious effects on human health/environment, and it is regularly updated based on new scientific evidence and assessments conducted by the ECHA and member states. Click here to access the full list.

Out of the five added chemicals to the SVHC Candidate List. One is identified as toxic for reproduction. Three are very persistent and bioaccumulative, and one exhibits both toxic for reproduction and persistent characteristics. These substances have been found in various consumer products such as toners, adhesives, sealants, washing, and cleaning products, expanding the scope of concern.

The List of Five New SVHC

Source: ECHA

Important Dates and Responsibilities

All companies handling these substances are mandated to manage chemical risks. In addition to providing customers with information on safe usage if the product contains more than 0.1% of a SVHC, all companies must notify the ECHA if the total amount of the SVHC exceeds 1 ton annually.

Has these new changes going to impact your business? Contact AQM BD at inquiry@AQM BD.com if you have any questions regarding these changes.

The post ECHA Expands SVHC Candidate List: Five New Chemicals Pose Risks to Health and Environment appeared first on AQM BD.

The comprehensive document includes important recall information and updates from key regions across the globe with explanation on issues you need to know about. See below for a latest round-up from the EU, US below.

Download the full report further down the page, which includes percentages, charts and full details for each region.

EU (RAPEX)

In December 2023, the EU recalled 201 products in 14 categories. The most recalled products corresponded to three categories – Cosmetics(59), Toys(36),Motor vehicles(30). Most of the recalled products came from China (84). The chart on the right shows the breakdown per product category.

USA (CPSC)

In December 2023, the US recalled 35 products in 6 categories. The most recalled products corresponded to three categories – Household Supplies(12),Electrical appliances and equipment(7),and Hobby/sports equipment(5). The chart on the right shows the breakdown per product category.

Download the Full Report:

AQM BD is accredited to test for all major regulatory standards for the importing of consumer goods. You can count on the expertise and technical resources of AQM BD’ consumer product testing to ensure you comply with relevant regulations as well as your own technical specifications.

Stay tuned for the latest product recall updates and contact us for more information about our consumer product testing services.

About AQM BD

With over 27 years of experience in quality assurance, AQM BD is ready to help your import and export business build a robust quality assurance plan. Our many service locations are prepared to be your one-stop-shop for inspection needs. Including, production monitoring, pre-shipment and sorting inspections and everything in between. Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate your current quality control challenges.

The post Latest Product Recall Report: December 2023 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.