The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has accredited the Hohenstein Institute as an independent testing laboratory, which entitles the institute to test toys and textiles destined for U.S. markets for compliance with legally set lead limits. The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act 16 CFR Part 1303 requires manufacturers and importers in the United States to certify the lead safety of toys and textiles for children age 12 years or younger.

Beginning December 1, 2008, comprehensive textile testing services became available at the Hohenstein Textile Testing Institute GmbH & Co. KG, Boennigheim, Germany. These include classic materials testing; textile certification to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100; tests of personal protective equipment, feathers and down; and audits of textile production sites. Lutz Seifert has been named business manager of the new company, and Dr. Siegfried Glander, as COO, will be responsible for technical direction. Visit www.hohenstein.de.