CBAM Report Assurance – Everything You Need to Know (2025)
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, or CBAM, is an EU policy designed to put a carbon price on the imports of certain goods. The policy stops companies from moving their production to countries with weaker climate rules just to avoid paying for emissions. In practice, this means importers will have to report the greenhouse gas […]
Navigating Tariff Pressures: U.S. Importers in a Challenging Trade Environment
As U.S. importers continue to grapple with the impact of evolving tariff policies, the challenges go far beyond simple cost increases. Importers are now facing an array of logistical, operational, and financial hurdles—from increased storage and freight expenses to potential product shortages and labor reductions. At HQTS, we understand the complexity of this shifting […]
AA1000 Report Assurance – Everything you need to know (2025)
The AA1000 is a global standard for validating a company’s ESG reports. It validates whether companies are being open and honest about the progress they are making on sustainability. Companies use sustainability to show their partners and consumers that they care about the environment. But consumers and partners need to be sure that what the […]
PFAS product testing and how to comply in 2025
More brands and customers are worried about PFAS in products. With stricter regulations and growing demand for PFAS-free options, companies need to understand how to stay compliant. But keeping up with different rules in the EU and the U.S. can be confusing. Read on as we explain what PFAS are and how testing can help […]
All you need to know about PFAS testing
What are PFAS? PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in everyday products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, electronics, and personal care items. They’re super useful because they resist heat, water, and oil, but there’s a big downside: they don’t break down easily. This means over time, they can spread through water, air, and soil, […]
Food Contact Material Testing – How to comply with EU and US regulations (2025)
When we talk about Food Contact Material testing (FCMs), most people would assume that we are talking about food packaging testing. But from production to plate, our foods actually come into contact with many different surfaces and materials. Whether it’s plastic packaging, food containers, or even the tissue for your pizza slice at the restaurant, […]
SLCP vs Higg FSLM: How are they different?
As a business, it’s important to be able to prove your supply chain follows the best possible labour practises. It’s also important to make sure you don’t get audit fatigue by doing a new audit for every new partner. Luckily, two frameworks exist that help companies prove their commitment to good labour practices while still […]
How to get SAC Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) Verified in 2025
These days supply chains are global and making sure every stage of your supply chain is as ethical as possible should be top priority. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case. According to a 2024 report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on any given day, 28 million people were trapped in forced labour. What’s more, […]
Everything You Need to Know About Higg FEM Verification Audits
As the fashion industry grows, sustainability becomes more important. Increasingly, people want to know where their products come from and who makes them. They’re becoming more aware of how the things they buy affect people and the planet. According to a 2018 report by Quantas, in the last decade, the apparel industry’s climate change impacts […]
Testing and inspections for grapes
The global agricultural market plays a crucial role in growing and processing a wide range of food products. In fact, many countries are leading producers of fruits and vegetables, supplying markets worldwide. Grapes, in particular, hold significant export potential. They thrive in hot, dry climates and come in various types—colored, white, seeded, and seedless—making them […]
