Enfield, CT, March 9, 2004 -- Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. (STR) of Enfield, Connecticut, one of the leading quality assurance testing and compliance monitoring companies in the world, today announced that its Shenzhen, China laboratory has received accreditation from the China National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (CNAL) in the toy testing category.

CNAL is the only government body in China that provides accreditation services to laboratories. The accreditation is based on the ISO/IEC 17025 system as well as CNAL’s own rigorous requirements. CNAL is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement, which promotes a global network of accredited testing and calibration laboratories that can be relied on to provide accurate results. Currently, 45 laboratory accreditation bodies, including CNAL, have signed the multi-lateral, mutual recognition agreement.

STR’s Shenzhen China facility houses some of the most technologically advanced laboratories ever built for the testing of toys and premiums. The company offers a full range of services for the toy industry, including: product design evaluations to identify safety hazards; behavioral analysis and human factors consulting; FMEA analysis; product safety and quality evaluation; LHAMA/toxicology services; factory audits to evaluate quality assurance systems, production controls, and fair labor and social compliance practices; toy safety training/educational seminars; inspection services for every phase of a product’s production; and testing to all worldwide standards.

“CNAL is a very important accreditation because it means that clients can have confidence that no matter where they use our services, they will receive the same high level of quality and technical competence worldwide,” said John Gual, Chief Operating Officer of STR.

Founded in 1944, Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. has grown into the largest full service, privately-owned consumer product quality assurance testing and compliance monitoring company in the world with fully accredited laboratories and inspection offices in over 30 countries over five continents. STR offers a wide range of quality assurance, compliance consulting, and ISO registration services to retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers of consumer hard, soft, and consumable goods. STR also provides materials development services, industrial products services, and manufacturing services to its diverse client base. STR is the first consumer products testing company in the U.S. to earn the ISO-9002 accreditation. This year, STR celebrates 60 years of quality service.