URS Products and Testing

Leather has remained one of the most valued materials in fashion, footwear, and accessories manufacturing for centuries. However, the modern leather industry faces increasingly complex regulatory demands requiring specialised testing infrastructure to ensure product safety and compliance. Leather Products Testing Laboratories serve as critical facilities verifying that leather goods meet stringent chemical, physical, and performance standards while protecting consumers and the environment from hazardous substances. Understanding Leather as a Testing Challenge Unlike synthetic materials with uniform composition, leather represents a non-homogeneous natural material whose quality depends fundamentally on comprehensive performance testing. The leather tanning and dyeing processes incorporate numerous chemicals—chromium compounds, azo dyes, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, and organotin compounds—that can pose significant health and environmental risks if not properly controlled. This com...

Softline products refer to flexible, textile-based consumer goods encompassing clothing, including pyjamas, sweaters, jeans, and outerwear; home textiles such as bedding, curtains, upholstery, and rugs; footwear ranging from casual shoes to specialised safety footwear; leather goods, including bags, belts, and accessories; and personal protective equipment made from textiles and flexible materials. Unlike rigid hardline products, softlines present unique testing challenges due to their complex material compositions, variable manufacturing processes, and direct contact with human skin. Testing requirements differ significantly across product categories—children's sleepwear faces stringent flammability requirements, while bedding and upholstery require flame resistance standards different from those for apparel. Comprehensive Testing Capabilities in Softline Services Physical and Mechanical Testing evaluates fundamental fabric properties, including tensile strength and elongation, t...

The electronics industry faces increasingly stringent environmental and health regulations aimed at protecting both consumers and the environment. At the forefront of this regulatory landscape stands the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which mandates that electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the European market must comply with strict standards regarding the content of hazardous materials. RoHS Compliance Testing Laboratories play a crucial role in ensuring that manufacturers, importers, and distributors meet these critical requirements and maintain market access in the EU and beyond. The Ten Restricted Substances Under RoHS RoHS Compliance Testing Laboratories focus on detecting and quantifying ten hazardous substances that are prohibited or restricted in electrical and electronic equipment: Heavy Metals: ● Lead (Pb): Limited to 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials; historically used in solder and electronic connections ● Mercury (Hg): Res...

The transformation of footwear testing from an optional quality assurance measure to a mandatory regulatory compliance requirement represents a significant shift in consumer protection frameworks. India exemplifies this evolution. Following a policy announcement in 2020, the Indian government progressively implemented mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements for footwear products . Physical and Mechanical Testing: Evaluating Performance and Durability Durability Testing assesses how long footwear maintains its protective and functional properties under normal and extreme wear conditions. These tests evaluate sole wear patterns, material integrity, structural robustness, and overall longevity under specified usage scenarios. Flexibility and Bending Resistance Testing repeatedly flexes the shoe at the toe area to assess stress tolerance during regular walking, running, or athletic activities. This testing is particularly critical for sports footwear and casua...