TÜV SÜD organizes first e-commerce conference

Online shopping has become firmly anchored in today's world. Sales revenues generated over the Internet are rising. But just how good are today's online shops? Have their operators learned from past mistakes? What are the trends for the future? These and many other issues will be discussed by experts and decision-makers at the first TÜV SÜD e-conference in Munich on 11 November.

More safety and quality for online retailers is the theme of TÜV SÜD's first e-commerce conference. Specialists advise managers and owners of online shops by giving practical tips and reporting about the experience they have gathered in testing and inspecting hundreds of online shops. They show the pitfalls to which many online retailers repeatedly succumb, and how to avoid them. An acknowledged digital communication expert will inform online retailers what they can do today to survive the next Internet revolution and the future challenges of online shopping. As a special highlight, an Internet hacker will report on how easy it is to hack into the IT systems of online shops and what Internet retailers can do to protect themselves against data theft or data manipulation. At the end of the conference, the attendees have the opportunity of discussing their issues with the experts.

For further information about and to register to the 1st TÜV SÜD e-Commerce Conference, go to

https://www.tuev-sued.de/management_systeme/it-dienstleistungen/e-commerce.kongress or contact Rainer Seidlitz, TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH, Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 50 08 42 97, rainer.seidlitz@tuev-sued.de.

Research Reveals Consumers’ Product Safety Ignorance

New research from product testing expert TÜV Product Service suggests that UK consumers are putting their safety at risk as they do not understand the meaning of marks stamped on the products they buy.

Three-quarters (73 per cent) of survey respondents said that they believed a CE marking on an electrical product meant that it was safe. What they don't realise is that manufacturers can use a CE marking on their products without any authorities checking that the proper safety tests have been done.

When it was explained that CE marking does not prove that a product is safe, the respondents said they were horrified and worried, or felt misled (79 per cent), with more than one-third (35 per cent) calling for the CE marking system to be monitored by an independent organisation.

Every year customs officials stop hundreds-of-thousands of faulty products being imported into the UK. This is because CE marking is simply a manufacturer's self-declaration that the product complies with European legislation. Less scrupulous manufacturers don't bother to test products and stamp on a fake CE marking, while others misunderstand the complex rules and pass products that should fail tests.

Children at risk

However, many more unsafe products are being missed by UK authorities. These make it onto our shop shelves each year, which the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimates causes 0.75million accidental injuries each year.

Most worrying is that 78 per cent of the respondents with children at home thought that 'CE' meant 'safety'. They could be buying cheap toys which they think are safe, but that in fact bear a CE marking which means nothing.

The use of fake CE markings has become so widespread that the UK safety testing industry often refers to it as 'China Export', inferring that the mark shows that a product has been exported from China, rather than proving it is safe to use.

Jean-Louis Evans, Managing Director of TÜV Product Service, said: "This research proves that there is a widespread assumption that CE marking stamped on a product by the manufacturer is proof of its safety. My advice to consumers would be not to panic as most of what we use is safe and does genuinely comply with CE marking safety standards. However, if you are really concerned about the safety of something, contact the customer service department of the retailer from which you purchased the item. We don't want to cause mass panic, but we do want to raise consumers' awareness of what identifies a product as safe to use," concluded Evans.

Illuminating The Darkness Of The Energy-Saving Lamp Market

Munich. The future is dark for electric light bulbs. Conventional incandescent bulbs will gradually be phased out of the market by 2012. Another important date is 1 September 2010, from which light bulbs and halogen lamps up to 60 watts must comply with energy efficiency class C.

The EU-wide policy aims to direct consumers increasingly – and one day exclusively – to purchase low-energy lamps. However, as well as lowering power consumption these lamps cause frequent confusion – start-up times, light quality and disposal being just three of the issues. The experts at TÜV SÜD explain what to look for when choosing and using low-energy lamps.

TÜV SÜD tips for purchasers:

• Even the most passionate fans of incandescent bulbs will have to come to terms with the new low-energy lamps. In the European Union, conventional incandescent bulbs are set to vanish from the market completely by 2012. The next milestone in the implementation plan is 1 September 2010; from this date onwards, only lamps up to 60 watts will be allowed on retailers' shelves. As a further example, throughout the EU no pearl incandescent lamps and no lamps of over 75 watts have been permitted for sale since September 2009. Low-energy lamps are thus gradually taking over. The plan is to use this shift to low-energy lamps as a regulatory method to compel private households throughout the EU to cut their power consumption by an annual 39 terawatt hours, or five per cent, by 2020. Politicians hope this measure will cut CO2 emissions by 15.5 million tonnes per year.
• Essentially, there are three successors for the classic incandescent bulb now on the brink of discontinuation. These are low-energy lamps (or compact fluorescent lamps, as they are officially known), halogen lamps and LED lamps, currently an alternative to low-power lamps (up to 40 watts).  
• But there are lamps and lamps. TÜV SÜD's experts point out that differences in the quality of low-energy lamps become apparent in properties including start-up time. Cheap products may have extremely long start-up times and do not reach full brightness for several minutes. In extreme cases, cheaper lamps may only emit a few lumens (light output) when first switched on, which can be dangerous in corridors or staircases. In other words, purchasers should ensure that lamps that are frequently switched on and off have short start-up times for rapid brightness.  
• A further important point is colour rendering. Since low-energy lamps use different colour spectra from those of incandescent lamps, their light is often regarded as cold and unnatural. Colour temperatures are expressed in kelvins. As a general rule, the lower the number of kelvins, the warmer the tone. Warm white has 2700 kelvins and is comparable to conventional light bulbs; neutral white has up to 5000 kelvins and daylight white, also known as "functional light", over 5000 kelvins.  
• A further guideline in selecting an energy-saving light bulb is the energy efficiency rating of A, B, C or D, where A is the most efficient. How is this efficiency rating determined? In simple terms, the luminous flux of the lamp is compared to its power consumption.  
• What is the lifespan of a low-energy bulb? This question is answered by the specification "average lamp life in hours". Top performers can reach well over 10,000 hours, say the experts at TÜV SÜD.  
• And what about brightness? This depends on the luminous flux, measured in lumens, and not on the lamp's wattage. As an example, the luminous flux of a 75-watt standard bulb can be around 890 to 980 lumens.  
• Further details which must be shown on the packaging: voltage – e.g. 220 to 240 volts; type of base – such as E14, E24, GU10, GU4 etc.; power rating – such as 18 watts (determines power consumption).  
• To ensure that the right choice of low-energy bulb is made, TÜV SÜD advises purchasers to consider the following questions before they buy: Do I need the lamp for indoor or outdoor use? Will it be visible in use – and thus a part of the room's interior design? Do I want to use it with a dimmer function?

TÜV SÜD tips for users:

• For a low-energy bulb to reveal its true strengths – and actually reduce power consumption and CO2 emissions – short-term use should be avoided. The process of switching these lamps on and off accounts for most of their power consumption; in addition, the lamps require a warm-up period before they reach full brightness.
• Put simply, energy-saving lamps are coiled fluorescent tubes. They contain mercury and must be disposed of as hazardous waste – not added to household waste or glass recycling banks.
• If a lamp breaks, do not vacuum up the pieces - this may merely distribute fine mercury particles in the air, where they may be inhaled. TÜV SÜD's experts recommend sweeping the remnants together with a damp cloth, and mopping the floor in a radius of around two metres. All cloths and lamp pieces should then be placed in a sealed container and taken to the nearest hazardous waste collection depot.

Additional information on testing:

The specialists at the TÜV SÜD laboratory are commissioned by manufacturers and retailers to conduct wide-ranging tests on energy-saving lamps. Taking the Ecodesign Directive 2005/32/EC / 2009/125/EC (successor) and regulations concerning its implementation as a basis, they examine luminous flux, lamp efficacy, warm-up time, start-up time, matching colour temperature, colour rendering index, power consumption, power factor and determination of energy rating. To do this, the experts work to standards including EN 13032-1 (Light and lighting - Measurements and presentation of photometric data of lamps and luminaires, part 1: Measurement and file format), DIN 5032-1 (Photometric measurements), DIN 6169-2 (Colour rendition/CIE Index) and DIN 60969 (Fatigue testing for low-energy lamps). As a concrete example of the testing performed in the TÜV SÜD laboratory, during the process of determining lamp life the lamps are switched on and off for 20,000 cycles.  

The TÜV SÜD experts are able to provide comprehensive advice on the development of lamps, based on the extensive array of measurements they have already performed (including reference and comparative measurements). And the company is currently developing its own system of quality marks for lamps and luminaires.

Electric Cycles: Stepping Up Pedal Power

Munich. Once upon a time, motorized bicycles were only for pensioners. Today, however, their popularity is soaring as electromobility develops into a major issue. The cycles, known as pedelecs (Pedal Electric Cycles), have taken on the status of trendy, eco-friendly alternatives to cars for city-dwellers, and the market is booming.

While around 150,000 cycles with electric auxiliary drives were sold in Germany in 2009, sales for this year will significantly exceed 200,000 units. E-bikes are also a prominent theme at Eurobike, the trade show held in Friedrichshafen from 1 – 4 September. But what should powered pedallers watch out for when choosing their purchase? The experts at TÜV SÜD have assembled a list of tips.

The idea of boosting cyclists' muscle power along with an auxiliary motor is almost one hundred years old. In the early days combustion motors helped cyclists to climb every mountain; today, the two-wheelers that take them to the top are known as pedelecs or e-bikes and are fitted with electric motors. Cyclists seeking that little extra assistance need not pay more than for a conventional cycle. "Pedelec prices range from 800 to 4,000 euros", advises Michael Winter, TÜV SÜD's e-mobility expert. Range, purchase price, environmental consideration, battery, laws and regulations and so on – purchasers prepared to invest in powered pedalling should familiarize themselves with the main issues involved.

Pedelecs: In legal terms, pedelecs are bicycles. "Under EU law, they are not subject to any restrictions or obligations concerning registration, driving licences or wearing of helmets", explains Winter. Pedelec motors have a maximum nominal output of 500 watts and operate solely as an auxiliary support, switching off automatically at speeds of over 20 kilometres per hour. Faster speeds, however, need the extra kick of muscle power – just like conventional bicycles.
 E-bikes: However, different regulations apply to "e-bikes" in Germany, which require an operating licence in accordance with Article 21 of the country's Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) or a comparable EU operating licence and insurance number plate. The technical difference is that like a moped, the motor of an e-bike is operated solely by a twist-grip throttle, and is independent of any pedalling by the rider. Motor and muscle power are therefore two separate and independent drive systems.

E-bikes can be operated in "mixed" mode or pedalled only just as pedelecs can, but can also be used with engine power only. And like mopeds, e-bikes require users to have a driving licence regardless of category (minimum: moped licence as per Art. 5 of the German Driving Licence Regulations (FEV).

Battery: The rechargeable battery is the most important component of a pedelec, supplying the necessary power to boost the cyclist's progress. Prospective purchasers should therefore pay particular attention to this aspect. Developments in battery technology in recent years have led to improved performance and reduced weight – both of which play a major role for the rider in terms of convenience and range. While nickel cadmium (NiCd) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are still occasionally found, e-cyclists should go for lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries as the current state-of-the-art technology. Unlike the older battery types, these batteries have a significantly higher energy density (around twice as high as NiCd batteries and over 50 per cent higher than NiMH batteries) and no longer suffer from the "memory effect" which results from irregular charging cycles and incomplete discharging and which significantly impairs performance. Lithium-ion batteries thus have a considerably longer operating life, on average three to five years.

Charging time: The number of potential charging cycles and the lifespan of a battery are determined not only by the quality of the battery cells, but also by the charging method. Manufacturers specify battery lifespan in terms of full charge cycles, with an average battery having a life of around 500 cycles. At a (purely electrical) range of 30 kilometres, one battery represents 15,000 kilometres of travel. Lithium-ion batteries have the advantage that the volume of current determines the battery life; if the battery is only charged halfway this corresponds to half a charge cycle, whereas for other battery types each time of charging represents a charge cycle. Nevertheless, the charging capacity of even the most modern batteries declines with every charging process. Charging devices that charge slowly are kinder to batteries. Battery life can also be extended by charging the battery in a warmer environment; charging in an ambient temperature of under ten degrees Celsius puts greater strain on the battery.

Spare batteries: When purchasing your cycle, it is wise to consider buying a spare battery at the same time. In addition to keeping you mobile while the first battery is charged, a spare battery extends overall cycling pleasure: rechargeable batteries that operate at 85 per cent of their original capacity are generally classified as worn-out, and this may happen after only three years. It is therefore important to factor in aspects such as warranty conditions and costs of battery replacement when considering your purchase. "Replacing a battery after three years can be a very expensive undertaking", warns Winter – the costs average 600 euros.

Range: Battery, weight, pedalling force and road conditions are all factors that impact on the range of an electric cycle – a further key issue in making a purchasing decision. How long can I travel before needing to recharge? Even if powered assistance is not necessary, pedalling an e-bike or pedelec is harder work than a conventional cycle, since the additional weight of the electric motor also has to be moved along. "Manufacturer's range specifications vary from 15 to 80 kilometres", says Winter, but warns that the maximum ranges are almost never achieved. This is due to a variety of reasons; in addition to battery output and motor efficiency, the assistance factor has a major impact on the range; users who expend their own effort into riding will ride for longer. Many models, however, enable the assistance factor to be set manually, so that the range of travel varies depending on these settings.

Safety: E-bike or pedelec – as with normal bicycles, a helmet is an essential element for travel safety, even though not yet required by law.

Warning over fake hair straighteners

Trading Standards officers have warned people about dangerous fake hair straighteners after a teenager was left with melted hair and a singed scalp. Rebecca Day, 17, from Braunstone Town, Leicester, chose the tongs, believing them to be GHD straighteners, from a website but was left in agony when she first used them. "These straighteners singed my hair and ripped it away from the roots," she said. "I was in agony."

"I had no reason to believe the straighteners were fake, as the website said they were an approved retailer and the pictures looked very convincing. The experience has put me off buying from a website - I will now go to a hairdresser's, where I know any products will be real."

Leicestershire Trading Standards, which has so far seized 40 sets of counterfeit straighteners, said some of them heat up to 285C (545F) - hot enough to melt human hair and seriously burn someone's scalp. The fakes are modelled on GHD straighteners, however it is important that the popular products are purchased from GHD-approved retailers.

Product testing experts, TÜV Product Service suggest that UK consumers do not pay enough attention to the products that they purchase, often choosing the cheapest product or reseller, in favour of a reputable brand or an authorised reseller. Consumers often assume that a product is genuine because it displays a CE marking or approval marks, not realising that the markings on the product are also fake.

"We regularly see counterfeit products coming in to our laboratory.  Although, from the outside they may look like the genuine product, its what you can't see inside that is the scariest thing. These kinds of products pose a real safety risk, in this case exposing the user to damaging temperatures and in other cases we see the risk of electric shock from poor wiring, insulation or design." Mark Penton, Product Safety Expert, TÜV Product Service.

Other problems with counterfeit products are the substances used in manufacture, which may contain substances harmful to humans. "The product manufacturers are required to meet REACh regulations which make sure that substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic are not used in the supply chain. Unfortunately, counterfeit products sometimes use these chemicals and can pose a health risk," said Richard Poate, Compliance Services Manager at TÜV Product Service. "Some products do still find their way on to our shelves, so retailers and resellers should watch out for the weekly European RAPEX report containing items removed from sale in the EU for failing to meet regulations."

TÜV Product Service's advice to consumers is not to panic as the vast majority of products that they use are safe and do genuinely comply with safety standards. However, if they are really concerned about a product's safety, they should contact the customer service department of the retailer from which they purchased the item or alternatively contact their local Trading Standards officers. If in doubt about safety before purchasing a product, we always recommend that consumers should spend the extra pound and buy a recognised brand, from a reputable retailer.