SGS Opens First Independent Laboratory for Natural Stone and Homogeneous Material in Xiamen, China
Posted: 2010-1-13
SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is pleased to announce the opening of their first independent laboratory for natural stone and homogeneous material in China. Located in Xiamen, this facility meets the demands of the biggest stone trade base in China.
On August 7th, 2009 SGS China officially opened its laboratory for natural stone and homogeneous material in Xiamen in response to the high demand for testing and certification services in the region.
Strategically positioned in the port of Xiamen, one of the main stone production and export bases in China and a leading base in the world, the laboratory has been designed, equipped, and staffed to provide technical support for local and international trading communities.
With 20 employees and about 1000m2 of floorspace, the lab in Xiamen is the first to be opened by a third-party organization in China. The laboratory provides testing and CE certification for stone exports to European, African and Asian countries.
Apart from tests and certification for natural stone, Xiamen's laboratory also carries out other tests on homogeneous products such as artificial stone, ceramic and wooden materials. Regulated by ISO 17025 and accredited by China National Accreditation Service (CNAS), the laboratory provides excellent technical support to international companies in construction for their quality control and product guarantees.
Stone exporting is the traditional and most important industry in Xiamen with 70% of the total volume of China's stone trade. Therefore local stone exporters benefit from the lab's location and excellent service. The laboratory can send inspection results directly to the head office in Switzerland and companies can obtain certification in Xiamen. The time taken for the whole process is shortened from the previous 40 days to just 10 days.
About SGS
The SGS worldwide network has accreditations to all major standards and is recognized as a leading global benchmark in the field of inspection, verification, certification and testing. With advanced testing technologies and experienced and qualified staff, SGS operates an extensive network of offices and laboratories in various fields, which offer a wide range of mechanical, physical and chemical testing facilities.