Feature Stories

Jun 29, 2016

Behind the Scenes: Lithium-ion Batteries Are Put to the Test

How does UL test batteries? While not a formal UL test, the Blunt Nail Test initiates fault if a single cell fails due to a short circuit. If the positive and negative battery chemistries…

Hoverboards have received more than their share of attention from consumers, first because of the excitement of owning the hottest product in the market and then because of the hazardous conditions caused by untested Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs.

Jun 28, 2016

Behind the Scenes: How UL Tests Hoverboards to UL 2272 Requirements Part II

Hoverboards have received more than their share of attention from consumers, first because of the excitement of owning the hottest product in the market and then because of the hazardous…

Indian Youth Plan to Save Lives through Safer Roads, Safer India with UL Support, Indian Youth Plan to Save Lives through Safer Roads, Safer India with UL Support, Safer Road, Safer India Grant Program

Jun 28, 2016

Road Safety: The Biggest Safety Challenge for India’s Youth

In 2015 UL and Youth Services of America (YSA), a U.S.-based advocacy organization, partnered to help Indian youth solve local road safety challenges. This problem in India is complicated…

Jun 21, 2016

Don’t Gloss Over New Low-Emission Paint Labels

Most Americans consider their homes as safe havens. But according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the primary source of pollution comes from inside our homes. In fact, it…

Jun 21, 2016

ECHA Updates REACH SVHC Candidate List with One New Substance

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added one new Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List for Authorization, bringing the total to 169 substances. As foreseen by…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Adopts Flavoring Substances Regulation

The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/692 Amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 as regards Certain Flavoring Substances. Following the…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Amends Cosmetics Legislation; Approves Use of Potassium Hydroxide and Zinc Oxide

The European Commission (EC) has published in the Official Journal two regulations amending the European cosmetics legislation to approve the use of potassium hydroxide and zinc oxide. …

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Amends Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has amended two standards pertaining to household and similar electrical appliances: IEC 60335-1:2010+AMD1:2013+AMD2:2016 CSV…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Publishes Footwear Standards

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the following standards for footwear: EN ISO 17694 Footwear - Test Methods for Uppers and Lining - Flex Resistance (ISO 17694…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Publishes Hot Beverage Dispenser Standard

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published EN 16889:2016 Food Hygiene - Production and Dispense of Hot Beverages from Hot Beverage Appliances - Hygiene Requirements,…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Releases Implementing Regulation on Spirit Drink Test Methods

The European Commission (EC) released Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/635 Amending the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 as Regards certain Reference Methods for the…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Releases Microbiology Standard for Cosmetics

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has released CEN ISO/TR 19838:2016 Microbiology - Cosmetics - Guidelines for the Application of ISO Standards on Cosmetic Microbiology (ISO…

Jun 17, 2016

European Union Releases Non-Reclosable Packages Standard for Pharma and Non-Pharma Products

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has released the following standards setting performance requirements and test methods for non-reclosable packaging designated as child…

Jun 17, 2016

Finland Updates Textile Labeling Standards

The Finnish Standards Association (SFS) has released an updated standard on verbal instructions for textile treatment guidelines. SFS 5236 Textile Care Instructions Label. Verbal…

Jun 17, 2016

ISO Releases Footwear Standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the following new footwear standards: ISO 22649:2016 Footwear -- Test Methods for Insoles and Insocks -- Water…

Jun 17, 2016

ISO Releases Textile Colorfastness Test Standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the following new standards for testing of colorfastness of textiles: STANDARD DESCRIPTION ISO 105-D02:2016…

Jun 17, 2016

Italy Drafts Toy Safety Standard

The Italian Organization for Standardization (UNI) has launched consultation regarding its planned adoption of CEN ISO/TR 8124-8: 2016. Project UNI1601707 will provide guidelines for…

Jun 17, 2016

United States Updates Nutrition Facts Label

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods. The updated label reflects new scientific information, including the link…

UL Fish Speciation Testing,UL Fish Speciation Testing

Jun 14, 2016

From radarange to modern day microwaves

The first microwave was introduced at the end of World War II with the invention of radar technology. “Radarange” was first sold in 1946 but it was too large and too expensive for the…

Tom Chapin, PhD, Vice President, Research and Corporate Fellow

Jun 6, 2016

Research and the Exploration of the Unknown

Tom Chapin investigates the behavior of materials.