Pet-Friendly Research Lab and certification systems highlight TÜV Rheinland’s role in shaping sustainable growth of China’s pet economy

Pet-Friendly Research Lab and certification systems highlight TÜV Rheinland’s role in shaping sustainable growth of China’s pet economy

(IN BRIEF) TÜV Rheinland Greater China presented its comprehensive testing and certification solutions for the pet industry at the 27th Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai, focusing on safety, sustainability, and innovation across the entire value chain. With China’s pet economy projected to nearly double to RMB 1.15 trillion by 2028, TÜV Rheinland is addressing challenges such as inconsistent product quality and evolving industry standards by offering tailored services for pet supplies, toys, and smart devices. The company has introduced specialized “Pet-Friendly” certification systems and “Pet-Friendly Cleaning” standards to guide manufacturers in improving product safety, functionality, and consumer confidence. Earlier this year, TÜV Rheinland inaugurated its InnoHub in Shanghai, featuring a Pet-Friendly Research Lab that simulates real household settings to study pet interactions and accelerate the development of new evaluation standards for the industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) COLOGNE, 10-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — TÜV Rheinland Greater China, a leading independent provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, showcased its expertise at the 27th Pet Fair Asia held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. During the exhibition, the company highlighted its comprehensive one-stop testing and certification solutions, which are designed to support safety, quality, and sustainability across every stage of the pet industry value chain.

China’s pet economy has grown at an extraordinary pace in recent years, fueled by changing family dynamics, increasing emotional demand, and technological advancements. According to iiMedia Research’s 2024–2025 China Pet Industry Operation Status and Consumer Market Monitoring Report, the domestic pet industry generated RMB 592.8 billion in 2023 and is forecast to nearly double, reaching RMB 1.15 trillion by 2028. Despite this momentum, the industry faces pressing challenges, including inconsistent product quality, evolving standards, and heightened competition that often leads to homogeneity. To sustain long-term growth, stronger standards, innovation in research and development, and enhanced differentiation are essential.

At Pet Fair Asia, TÜV Rheinland presented its wide-ranging services tailored to diverse pet lifestyle scenarios. For the pet supplies segment, the company provides safety and compliance testing for wearables, feeding equipment, housing, cleaning, travel, entertainment, and grooming products. Items such as bowls, leashes, toys, grooming tools, and pet furniture are tested for durability, corrosion resistance, safety, and environmental compliance. These measures enable manufacturers to meet increasing consumer expectations for products that are safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible.

TÜV Rheinland also offers specialized services for pet toys, including assessments of usability, flammability, chemical safety, durability, and electrical safety for both conventional and smart toys. With different regulatory requirements in Europe, North America, and Australia, the company’s global testing network and local experts ensure that manufacturers meet international standards and successfully access global markets.

The rise of smart technologies has further expanded opportunities in the pet sector. Automated feeders, litter boxes, and other connected products are in growing demand. Since traditional safety standards primarily focus on human use, TÜV Rheinland has launched a pioneering “Pet-Friendly” testing and certification system to evaluate pet-centric safety risks. This system gives consumers reliable guidance when choosing innovative, safe, and user-friendly products for their pets.

Addressing the daily challenges pet owners face, particularly around shedding and odors, TÜV Rheinland has also introduced its “Pet-Friendly Cleaning” standards. Drawing on its global expertise in appliance testing and consumer insights, these standards help manufacturers improve design, functionality, and user experience for household products tailored to pet families.

Earlier in 2025, TÜV Rheinland further strengthened its commitment to the industry by opening its InnoHub in Shanghai, which houses a dedicated Pet-Friendly Research Lab. This facility replicates real household environments to study how pets interact with appliances, smart devices, and toys. By building a pet bio-information database, the lab supports the development of new testing protocols and standards that drive safer, higher-quality products and promote pet-friendly living environments.

Media Contact:

Simon Hung
Tel: 852 2192 1948
Email: Simon.Hung@tuv.com

SOURCE: TÜV Rheinland