Manish Kumar: Product Tests Aim to Protect both Investors and Consumers

The importance of washing new clothes before wearing them

24 – February - 2022:    As textile exhibitions approach and fashion weeks in Dubai and a number of Arab countries are just around the corner, Manish Kumar, CEO of Geo Chem Middle East CPS , an independent inspection and testing company, spoke about the series of tests that textiles and clothing undergo before they reach consumers, explaining that different textiles, such as clothing, including  jeans, scarves, woolen jackets, bedclothes, curtains, towels, carpets, and many others, are subjected to thorough examinations before they get to market as specialized and accredited laboratories -such as ours- verify their characteristics and suitability under various conditions. Textiles are also subjected to a number of tests such as Dimensional Stability Test (shrinkage test), Stain Resistance, Water Absorbency, Seam Strength, Seam Slippage, Seam Bursting Test, Fabric Weight, Antibacterial Finish Durability Test, Breathability Test, Air Permeability Test (sportswear), Color Matching, Restricted Substance Test, Appearance Test ( after wash/ dry clean cycle), Flammability Testing (Apparels, Nightwear, Carpets, Soft Toys, etc.) and many others of interest to the customer who is keen to ensure the reputation and safety of his project and product; from laboratory testing to regulatory compliance and beyond, the value and marketability of your products is advanced with testing and certification services.

Regarding the importance of washing new clothes before wearing them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manish said: It's not only about the fear of COVID infection, rather about the importance and healthiness of washing clothes before wearing them, especially since textiles are exposed to dye, shipping and various conditions that may leave them full of unhealthy residues; also when you decide to buy any piece of clothing, you must know that many have undergone many process. This can be a good reason to wash new clothes after buying them, but it is not the most important one, rather the fact that some of the materials used to dye clothes are scientifically considered the most irritants for skin, as well as that some textiles are sprayed with pesticides to prevent molding which may cause an allergic reaction to the consumer if not washed off properly.

He continued: The laws differ among countries regarding the quantity of allowed chemicals, but it is certain that the concerned authorities in the GCC and the UAE in particular are very keen on the consumer and have an important and very precise monitory mechanism to track any product proposed.
Manish Kumar added: Unfortunately, many consumers do not have sufficient awareness about the quality, which they associate with high prices and welfare, noting that it is a crucial element in product standards and marketing legislation, and is important for maintaining consumer safety and preventing money waste on unworthy purchases.

He added: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, home projects spread dramatically, accompanied by the emergence of new importers and start-ups whose owners do not have a great deal of experience in trade or import, therefore, some of them made the mistake of importing goods that do not meet the requirements of local markets thus returned after inspection causing them great losses. We have a specialized team working to spread business awareness, as we also try through our social media platforms to present advice for entrepreneurs while stressing the importance of learning about and committing to the state laws and quality standards. We also offer a series of important tests that must be performed on the product before it gets into the country. Once the product obtains an authentication certificate, guaranteeing its appliance to the necessary standards and technical specifications, it can be marketed without fear. These actions and awareness spare the investor many losses and ensure business sustainability and consumer satisfaction.