With a world-class furniture and chemical emissions testing laboratory expected to open in the country early next year, furniture manufacturers will be able to save money and expand into global markets.

An agreement to set it up was signed on October 17 between the Ministry of Science and Technology's Quality Assurance and Testing Centre 3 (QUATEST 3) and the US – based Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organisation.

The lab will have UL's world-class furniture-testing equipment to test hazardous chemical emissions from furniture, building materials, electronics and formulated products.

"The new facility will give local manufacturers an advantage with convenient access to expert testing service, enabling them to achieve competitiveness in the global market," QUATEST 3 director Hong Lâm said.

Việt Nam was the fourth largest wood furniture exporter last year with revenues of US$6.9 billion, and its exports are expected to grow in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, QUATEST 3 opened an office and testing building in Cát Lái Industrial Park in HCM City's District 2, and UL has set up a consumer and retail services testing laboratory in the building.

The $3 million laboratory expands the region's capacity to test toys, textiles, footwear, accessories and jewellery for compliance with a variety of safety and performance-related requirements. 

VNS