National Press Release

SHANGHAI, China, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- AIAG China and Intertek announced that they have signed an agreement to co-develop a series of unique services that will assist the automotive industry in becoming compliant with the new European Union (EU) regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) entered into force on 1st June 2007.

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REACH requires all manufacturers and importers of chemicals into EU member states to identify and manage risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market. For substances produced or imported in quantities of one ton or more per year per company, manufacturers and importers need to demonstrate that they have appropriately done so by means of a registration dossier, which must be submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

The AIAG-Intertek REACH support services-intended to facilitate smooth implementation of REACH by industry members-will include an e-learning course developed specifically for the auto industry, as well as symposiums and workshops to provide in-depth training on topics such as chemical inventory management, the technical identification of substances used in preparations and articles with intentionally released substances of concern, tonnage and Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) concentration calculation.

"It is imperative that all the players in the supply chain understand their role as it relates to REACH and perform the necessary actions in a timely manner to avoid supply chain disruptions," states Dr. Yilong Chen, AIAG general director of Asia Pacific affairs and chief representative in China. "Companies that do not comply with REACH will not have a market in the EU."

AIAG China entered into the partnership with Intertek to make Intertek's REACH expertise and capabilities available to all members and their suppliers in China. "The main aim of REACH is to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed through chemicals," said Paul Yao, executive vice president of Intertek Group. "Drawing on Intertek's leading expertise in the area of chemical and toxic analysis for automotive and related consumer products, we are confident that the cooperation between AIAG and Intertek will assist the automotive industry in the development of IT tools, guidance documents and a network of helpdesks that will support industry to effectively fulfill their tasks under REACH."

About AIAG

Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG's goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. For more information, please visit the organization's Web site at www.aiag.org .

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 21,000 people in 110 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.intertek.com .

    AIAG Contact: Amber Qian
    +86 21 50818737

    Intertek Contact: Jasmine Zhang
    +86 (0) 21 6120 6565 ext. 8260

    Intertek Contact: Janey P. Liu
    +86 (0) 21 6120 6565 ext. 8524

SOURCE Automotive Industry Action Group