ATLANTA – SGS Consumer Testing Services announced a new certification program for plumbing products that extends the company’s testing services for the plumbing industry. SGS can now both test and certify products for their adherence to the Uniform and International Plumbing Codes, offering market advantages, including rapid turnaround, competitive pricing and testing labs around the world.

SGS is accredited for testing under ISO 17025 and for certification under ISO Guide 65 by the International Accreditation Association. Services include on-site quality systems inspections at customers’ factories, product testing and certification in-house at SGS labs.

“Over the years, we have talked to many plumbing products manufacturers who have been looking for alternative certification services that can provide a global footprint as well as competitive pricing,” said J. Brian McDonald, operations manager at SGS Tulsa. “This is a logical extension of our testing services for the plumbing industry and a way for manufacturers to use the same testing and certification service for products produced anywhere in the world.”

The first manufacturer to take advantage of the new program is D’Vontz. Its copper line of plumbing products will be the first to receive the SGS-USTC certificate of compliance, with the rest to follow shortly.

“SGS offers a comprehensive program with upfront pricing, one-stop testing and certification, years of experience in the plumbing industry, and active involvement in industry committees,” said John Kellerstrass, vice president of D’Vontz. “We expect them to be our quality assurance partner over the long term.”

SGS also provides prototype testing, complete production article evaluation, follow-up inspection, listing and labeling, independent test witnessing and liability claim investigation for the plumbing industry. The company performs complete evaluations of fixtures and fittings for compliance to the applicable standards. Testing is accepted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Inc., American Society of Sanitary Engineers, International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Affiliates, National Evaluation Service and other code groups.