SG 39/24
China Updates Footwear Product Standard – QB/T 4556-2023 - Snow boots.
On July 28, 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued QB/T 4556-2023 for the labelling of snow boots. This came into effect on February 1, 2024, replacing the previous edition, QB/T 4556-2013.
The new standard applies to the production, inspection and sale of snow boots for general use. Other footwear products with the functions of insulation against cold can refer to this document.
Main Technical Changes
Revisions to QB/T 4556-2023, include:
- Scope
- ‘Appearance quality’ requirements
- ‘Peeling strength of upper-sole’ requirements
- ‘Flexing resistance of whole shoe’ requirements
- ‘Abrasion resistance of outsole’ test methods
- ‘Insulation against cold’ test methods
- Judgment rules
Additions include:
- Requirements and test methods for ‘Color fastness to rubbing of lining and insock’
Deletions include:
- Classification of snow boots by upper material
- Requirements for shoe materials in ‘General requirements’
- Requirement and test method for ‘Restricted Substance’
- Inspection items
Main technical requirements of QB/T 4556-2023 - Snow boots
| No. | Item | Test method | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Appearance quality | GB/T 3903.5 | Comply with QB/T 4556-2023, 5.2, Table 1 |
| 2. | Peeling strength of upper-sole | GB/T 3903.3 | ≥ 45 N/cm If the material is torn and the adhesive film is still bonded during the peeling test: ≥ 30 N/cm |
| 3. | Flexing resistance of whole shoe | GB/T 3903.1 | No pre-cutting; after flexing 40,000 cycles, no cracks, no delamination, no damage on upper; The length of debonding at sidewall, upper-sole, or sole shall be not more than 10.0 mm; No more than 3 cracks on outsole and individual crack length shall be not more than 5.0 mm; No paint peel-off on outsole. |
| 4. | Abrasion resistance of outsole | GB/T 3903.2 | ≤15.0 mm |
| 5. | Low-temperature flexing resistance of upper | QB/T 2224-2012 | Comply with QB/T 2224-2012 qualified level |
| 6. | Low-temperature flexing resistance of outsole | QB/T 4886-2015 | Comply with QB/T 4886-2015 qualified level |
| 7. | Color fastness to rubbing of lining and insock | Fur, faux fur: QB/T 2882-2023, Method C, 10 cycles, wet rubbing Other materials: QB/T 2882-2023, Method A, 50 cycles, wet rubbing | Staining grade ≥2-3 (Dark fur and dark faux fur: ≥2) |
| 8. | Insulation against cold | GB/T 21284-2015 | The temperature decrease on the surface of the insole or insock shall be not more than 10 °C within 30 min |
| 9. | Slip resistance | GB/T 3903.6 | Wet, dynamic friction coefficient ≥ 0.30 |
| 10. | Compression set of cellular outsole | HG/T 2876-2009 | Single density single-layer cellular outsole: Compression set ≤ 30% |
| 11. | Odor | QB/T 4556-2023,7.11 | Infant products ≤ 2 grade |
Table 1
For more information, please refer to the standard QB/T 4556-2023 – Snow boots - or contact SGS directly
From a product safety and quality perspective we conduct tests to verify that products meet the desired global requirements and standards, for example: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in adhesives, excessive chromium VI in leather and the risk of phthalates in plastic accessories associated with children’s footwear. With a global network of consumer product experts and testing facilities, we are the ideal partner to support your leather and footwear business needs. Contact us for more information or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
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