SGS expands Walmart US testing support across fashion departments

SGS has broadened its approved laboratory assignments under the Walmart US Third-Party Laboratory Assignment List, giving fashion suppliers wider access to testing support across key sourcing markets. The expansion is designed to speed product approvals, simplify compliance work and improve market access for apparel and accessories suppliers.

Why it matters: - The expanded approval gives Walmart US fashion suppliers more options for compliance and quality testing. - Localized testing support can shorten turnaround times and reduce supply chain friction for apparel and accessories products. - Faster testing and approvals can help suppliers reach Walmart retail channels sooner, both in stores and online.

What happened: - SGS expanded its testing support under the Walmart US Third-Party Laboratory Assignment List. - The expanded assignment covers additional Walmart US fashion departments. - The update broadens SGS’s ability to support suppliers across multiple Walmart US fashion categories. - Suppliers can find current department assignments in Retail Link under Product Quality and Compliance Library > a1 US Product Quality and Compliance Manual > Third Party Laboratory Assignment.

The details: - SGS is now an approved laboratory for additional Walmart US fashion departments. - The expanded support applies to apparel and accessories suppliers that must meet Walmart US quality, safety and compliance testing requirements. - SGS supports the assignments through its laboratory network in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, the United States and Vietnam. - SGS says testing closer to manufacturing locations helps simplify logistics, reduce turnaround times and improve supply chain coordination. - Walmart US suppliers gain expanded testing support, access to testing services in key sourcing markets, reduced turnaround times, more efficient navigation of testing requirements and faster access to retail channels.

Between the lines: - The move reflects the growing role of third-party labs in global retail compliance, especially for suppliers working across multiple sourcing countries. - A broader lab network can make Walmart’s testing process more manageable for suppliers with distributed manufacturing footprints. - SGS is positioning its global footprint as a practical advantage for brands that need speed and consistency across markets.

What's next: - Suppliers will continue to rely on the latest Walmart US Third-Party Laboratory Assignment List to confirm approved department coverage. - SGS is likely to use its expanded assignment to support more product approvals and faster market access for fashion suppliers. - Ongoing testing demand will likely center on the same major sourcing markets where SGS already operates.