Germany- based quality-testing firm TUV SUD says it can guideVietnamese apparel, footwear, leather goods and textiles exporters toprosper in EU markets, avoiding several legal pitfalls.

The company said in a statement on August 19 that its guidance wouldbe useful for companies to deal with EU regulations, especially thoserelating to REACH – registration, evaluation, authorisation andrestriction of chemical substances.

This would allowsuppliers to expand their market share, access key EU markets andreaffirm their global industry standing, the company statement said.

"Local suppliers will have significant competitive advantages overtheir competitors to access the EU market when they fully understandstringent EU regulations," said Suresh Somou, general director of TUVSUD Vietnam.

With TUV SUD's expertise, complyingwith REACH requirements would become a simple, step-by-step approach. Byunderstanding the regulations and requirements, suppliers can easilyclassify their products and determine individual obligations regardingproduct type, place of manufacture and role in the supply chain.

Failure to comply with the EU's regulatory requirements would lead to costly product recalls and damage brand reputation.

Hence EU brands, retailers and importers are under great pressure toensure that their products meet the necessary regulatory requirements.Their non-EU suppliers are also required to ensure full REACHcompliance.

TUV SUD provides solutions for productquality and safety testing and inspection, engineering support,management system certification, and training./.