SGS opens automotive materials lab in Czech Republic

By AI, Created 11:16 AM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – SGS has opened a new automotive materials laboratory in Kolín, Czech Republic, adding testing capacity for vehicle interior air quality and flammability in Central Europe. The lab is designed to help OEMs and suppliers get faster, locally delivered results aligned with regulatory and customer requirements.

Why it matters: - The Kolín laboratory expands SGS’s European automotive testing network in a region close to major OEM and supplier operations. - Local testing can shorten turnaround times, reduce logistics friction and support vehicle development and validation work. - The facility focuses on vehicle interior air quality and flammability, two areas tied directly to passenger health, safety and compliance.

What happened: - SGS opened a new automotive materials laboratory in Kolín, Czech Republic. - The lab is built to serve original equipment manufacturers and their supply chains with locally delivered materials testing services. - SGS said the facility strengthens its ability to support automotive manufacturers and suppliers with high-quality testing.

The details: - The Kolín lab tests volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde in materials and parts. - The facility also evaluates interior emissions performance, including odor and fogging. - The laboratory uses gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and controlled sampling chambers. - SGS says the setup is designed to deliver reliable and repeatable results across a wide range of automotive interior materials and components. - The lab was established with support from SGS teams in Germany. - SGS says the Kolín operation benefits from transferred methodologies, standardized testing practices and technical know-how from its global automotive materials network. - The lab is ISO/IEC 17025-accredited for formaldehyde testing under PV 3925, GMW 15635 and VDA 275. - The accreditation also covers fogging under DIN 75201, ISO 6452, GMW 3235, PV 3015 and SAE J1756. - ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation extends to odor testing under PV 3900 and VDA 270. - The lab is also accredited for flammability testing under ISO 3795, DIN 75200, FMVSS 302, GS 97038 and TL 1010. - Gregory Lechki, head of Automotive Materials Testing Services, Connectivity and Products, said the lab combines advanced analytical capabilities with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation to help customers meet regulatory requirements.

Between the lines: - SGS is pushing more automotive testing closer to customers, which can make compliance work less dependent on distant labs. - The concentration on VIAQ and flammability suggests demand is rising for interior-material validation as automakers balance safety, quality and launch timing. - The Germany-to-Czech Republic support model shows SGS is using its larger European network to standardize testing across locations.

What’s next: - The Kolín lab is positioned to support ongoing OEM development and validation programs across Central Europe. - SGS said the local setup should improve project turnaround, technical collaboration and supply-chain efficiency. - Further use of the lab will likely center on interior materials testing for manufacturers seeking regulatory and specification alignment.