Consumer Products | Q4 2020
Harmonised marking specifications for single-use plastics products
On 18th December 2020, the European Commission published the following regulation related to single-use plastics:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 of 17 December 2020 laying down rules on harmonised marking specifications on single-use plastic products listed in Part D of the Annex to Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
Below, a summary table of the harmonised marking specifications:
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Harmonised marking specifications |
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Annex I |
Sanitary towels (pads) (with the surface area of 10 cm2 or more) |
Tampons and tampon applicators (with the surface area of 10 cm2 or more) |
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Annex II |
Wet wipes |
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Annex III |
Tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use in combination with tobacco products (with the surface area of 10 cm2 or more) |
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Harmonised marking specifications |
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Annex IV |
Beverage cups made partly from plastic |
Beverage cups made wholly from plastic (printed marking or the following engraved/embossed marking) |
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Placed on the market before 4 July 2022 may be affixed by means of stickers.
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Note: the printed marking are available in 23 languages of Europe Union in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
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The Regulation available further information about requirements of position, size, design and others relevant points for marking. It shall apply from 3 July 2021.
Amending Annex I of General Product Safety Directive
On 1st December 2020, the European Commission published the following amendments related to General Product Safety Directive.
Ecolabel criteria for electronic displays
On 1st December 2020, the European Commission published the following amendments related to Ecolabel criteria for electronic displays.
Ecolabel criteria for printed paper, stationery paper, and paper carrier bag products
On 1st December 2020, the European Commission published the following amendments related to Ecolabel criteria for printed paper, stationery paper, and paper carrier bag products.
Extending the period of validity of the ecological criteria for textile and footwear products
On 1st December 2020, the European Commission published the following amendments related to Ecolabel criteria for textile and footwear products.
On 28th October 2020, The Substances of Concern In articles or in complex objects (Products) (SCIP) database was launched by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Companies supplying articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs) must submit information on these articles to ECHA, as from 5 January 2021. Consumers and waste operators will be able to access and use the data from February 2021.
For more information, consult the ECHA website here.
Publications by European Commission
The below table summarises recent publications by the Official Journal of the European Union:
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Date |
Reference |
Title |
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02/10/2020 |
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1369 of 29 September 2020 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff.
Creation of additional TARIC subheadings for different protective face masks, in accordance with their filtering capacities. |
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27/10/2020 |
Goods package. |
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30/10/2020 |
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1577 of 21 September 2020 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff. |
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22/12/2020 |
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2179 of 16 December 2020 concerning the classification of certain goods in the Combined Nomenclature. |
Please see the below table summarising the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):
(*) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.
(**) Date of availability: date when the definitive text in the official language versions of an approved CEN/CENELEC publication is distributed by the Central Secretariat.
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CENELEC / CEN |
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Paints and varnishes |
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Reference |
Title |
Date of Withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
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Paints and varnishes - Cross-cut test (ISO 2409:2020) |
2021-03-31 |
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Paints and varnishes - Natural weathering of coatings - Exposure and assessment (ISO 2810:2020) |
2021-03-31 |
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Binders for paints and varnishes - Determination of softening point - Part 1: Ring-and-ball method (ISO 4625-1:2020) |
2021-02-28 |
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Binders for paints and varnishes - Determination of hydroxyl value - Part 3: Rapid test (ISO 4629-3:2018) |
2021-03-31 |
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Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes - Sampling (ISO 15528:2020) |
2021-03-31 |
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Paints and varnishes - Determination of image clarity (degree of sharpness of reflected or transmitted image) (ISO 20266:2018) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Determination of settling (ISO 21545:2018) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Determination of the resistance to rubbing using a linear abrasion tester (crockmeter) (ISO 21546:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Pigments and extenders - Determination of experimentally simulated nano-object release from paints, varnishes and pigmented plastics (ISO 21683:2019) |
2021-03-31 |
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Paints and varnishes - Practical determination of non-volatile and volatile matter content during application (ISO 22516:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Determination of solvents in water-thinnable coating materials - Gas-chromatographic method (ISO 22518:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Electro-deposition coatings - Part 1: Vocabulary (ISO 22553-1:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Electro-deposition coatings - Part 2: Throwing power (ISO 22553-2:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Electro-deposition coatings - Part 3: Compatibility of electro-deposition coating materials with a reference oil (ISO 22553-3:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Electro-deposition coatings - Part 4: Compatibility of electro-deposition coating materials with liquid, paste-like and solid foreign materials (ISO 22553-4:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Electro-deposition coatings - Part 5: Determination of sieve residue (ISO 22553-5:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Electro-deposition coatings - Part 6: Entry marks (ISO 22553-6:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Scratch test using a spring-loaded pen (ISO 22557:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Test method for evaluation of adhesion of elastic adhesives on coatings by peel test, peel strength test and tensile lap-shear strength test with additional stress by condensation test or cataplasm storage (ISO 22970:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Solvents for paints and varnishes - Demineralized water for industrial applications - Specification and test methods (ISO 23321:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Paints and varnishes - Determination of water content - Gas-chromatographic method (ISO 23168:2019) |
2021-06-30 |
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Reference |
Title |
Date of Availability (**) |
Supersedes |
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Paints and varnishes - Adhesion of coatings (ISO/TR 19402:2018) |
2020-10-07 |
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Paints and varnishes - Overview of test methods on hardness and wear resistance of coatings (ISO/TR 21555:2019) |
2020-10-07 |
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Miscellaneous subjects |
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Reference |
Title |
Date of Withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
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Durability of wood and wood-based products - Test method against wood destroying basidiomycetes - Part 1: Assessment of biocidal efficacy of wood preservatives |
2021-06-30 |
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Durability of wood and wood-based products - Test method against wood destroying basidiomycetes - Part 2: Assessment of inherent or enhanced durability |
2021-06-30 |
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Wall coverings in roll form - Specification for textile wall coverings |
2021-03-31 |
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Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria |
2021-04-30 |
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Lithopone pigments - General requirements and methods of testing (ISO 473:2019) |
2021-04-30 |
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Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Registered safety signs - Amendment 1 (ISO 7010:2019/Amd 1:2020) |
2021-04-30 |
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Metallic materials - Bend test (ISO 7438:2020) |
2021-04-30 |
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Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings - Classification - Amendment 1: Elimination of class 22+ (ISO 10874:2009/Amd 1:2020) |
2021-05-31 |
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Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products - Test methods for non-metallic blast-cleaning abrasives - Part 4: Assessment of hardness by a glass slide test (ISO 11127-4:2020) |
2021-04-30 |
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Safety of machinery - Laser processing machines - Part 1: Laser safety requirements (ISO 11553-1:2020) |
2021-05-31 |
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Wood-based panels - Determination of formaldehyde release - Part 3: Gas analysis method (ISO 12460-3:2020) |
2021-04-30 |
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Method for the simulation of accelerated wear and corrosion for the detection of nickel release from coated items |
2021-03-31 |
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Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods for equipment installed in pools for public use |
2021-05-31 |
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Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity against Legionella of chemical disinfectants for aqueous systems - Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 1) |
2021-04-30 |
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Inflatable play equipment - Part 3: Additional safety requirements and test methods for snappies |
2021-03-31 |
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Aerosol containers - Compartmented aerosol dispensers |
2021-04-30 |
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Mechanical products - Methodology for reduction of environmental impacts in product design and development |
2021-05-31 |
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Reference |
Title |
Date of Availability (**) |
Supersedes |
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Pulp, paper and paperboard - Determination of bisphenol A in extracts from paper and paperboard |
2020-11-30 |
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Furniture - Common test equipment - Test foams and mattresses |
2020-09-02 |
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Ambient air - Application of EN 16909 for the determination of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) in PM10 and PMcoarse |
2020-11-11 |
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Surface active agents - Bio-based surfactants - Overview on bio-based surfactants |
2020-12-02 |
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Planning beyond the Brexit transition period
UK authorities have published the following articles in relation to goods imported into Great Britain following the end of Brexit transition period (non-exhaustive list):
- Moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021
- Marking, labelling and marketing standards from 1 January 2021
- Reasonable Worst Case Scenario for borders at the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020
- Preparations for the end of the Transition Period
- European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks report
- Exporting excise goods to the EU from 1 January 2021
- Importing excise goods to the UK from the EU from 1 January 2021
- How to import and export goods between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021
- Acting as a Responsible Person (import) from 1 January 2021
- Export licences and certificates from 1 January 2021
- Import licences and certificates from 1 January 2021
- Exporting and importing businesses: prepare for 1 January 2021
- Using the UKNI marking from 1 January 2021
- Consumer goods sector: end of transition period guidance
- Intellectual property after 1 January 2021
- Agreements reached between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union
- UK product safety and metrology from 1 January 2021
- Designated standards
- UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
- Moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK
- Hallmarking requirements and the EU (jewellery)
- Recognition of professional qualifications: technical guidance for regulatory bodies
- Check if you need to declare goods you bring into or take out of the UK
For further information about the Brexit transition, consult the GOC.UK website here.
For assisting and having information about the Brexit, Eurofins has produced a guide about UKCA Mark & CE Marking Changes to product compliance, certification, testing and market access which should answer many of your questions. Click here to get it.
Guidelines for masks and protective clothing manufacturing
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has published new documents and updates related to masks. See below a list of recent publications:
Hygienic masks: General and frequently asked questions
- Frequently asked questions about hygienic masks
- Press release on the future Ministerial Order that will strengthen the labelling, advertising and control of hygienic masks
- Order SND / 354/2020, of April 19, which establishes exceptional measures to guarantee the population's access to products for use recommended as hygienic measures for the prevention of contagion by COVID-19
- Hearing and public information (from November 13 to 24): Draft Order seeking information and marketing requirements for hygienic masks
Please find below a table summarising the most recent technical publications (non-exhaustive):
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Date |
Countries |
Entity |
Title |
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23/09/2020 |
Europe |
European Commission |
Public consultation: SCHEER preliminary Opinion on e-cigarettes |
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21/10/2020 |
Europe |
ECHA |
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31/07/2020 |
France |
ANSES |
Imitation food: vigilance needed to prevent the risk of accidents |
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28/10/2020 |
France |
ANSES |
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01/10/2020 |
France |
DGCCRF |
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28/10/2020 |
France |
ANSES |
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07/10/2020 |
Germany |
BfR |
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09/11/2020 |
Norway |
Norwegian Environment Agency |
California Proposition 65 Settlement for leather gloves
As a result of several 60-day notices related to the content of Chromium VI in leather gloves, several settlements and judgements were issued which require that these type of products have a warning label on the covered leather gloves that contain Chromium VI. Below, examples of warnings according to advise from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
Standard warning:
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including chromium (hexavalent compounds), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Short-form warning (for small products):
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
For further information about Proposition 65 Warnings, consult the Proposition 65 website here.
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Date |
Countries |
Entity |
Title |
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18/09/2020 |
US |
Federal Register |
Virginia Graeme baker pool and spa safety act drain cover standard |
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30/09/2020 |
US |
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
Briefing Package Status Update: 16 CFR Part 1610 Rule Update and Consideration for Adding Spandex Fibers to the List of Currently Exempted Fibers from Testing |
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02/10/2020 |
US |
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Procedures for Export of Noncomplying Products |
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02/10/2020 |
US |
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:Safety Standard for Multi-Purpose Lighters |
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26/10/2020 |
US |
Federal Register |
Consumer product safety commission 16 CFR Parts 1112, 1130 and 1241 |
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30/10/2020 |
US |
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads |
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02/11/2020 |
US |
International Trade Commission |
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05/11/2020 |
US |
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
CPSC COVID 19 Guidance: face coverings, gowns, gloves, and disinfectant and cleaning products. (Not an official CPSC policy position). |
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09/11/2020 |
US |
International Trade Commission |
Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Furniture Products Finished with Decorative Wood Grain Paper and Components Thereof |
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18/11/2020 |
US |
International Trade Commission |
Complaint: Certain Sponge or Foam Products |
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24/11/2020 |
US |
Federal Register |
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request-Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets |
See below a table summarising some recent ASTM standards updates:
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Reference |
Title |
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Standard Guide for Evaluating Color Transfer or Color Loss of Dyed Fabrics in Laundering (Not Suitable for Detergent or Washing Machine Rankings) |
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Standard Test Method for Flammability of Sleeping Bags |
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Standard Test Method for Effects of Flame Impingement on Materials Used in Protective Clothing Not Designated Primarily for Flame Resistance |
China further controls the use of plastic products
On 31st August 2020, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China published a notice on further strengthening the work of Plastic Pollution Control in the field of commerce.
The notice required that local commercial authorities to carry out the periodic task of prohibited and restricted plastic products in accordance with the specifications and deadlines. At the same time, it also required an improvement to the supervision mechanism for commercial law enforcement, and a strengthened policy support and guarantee and publicity and guidance etc.
The completed notification can be found here (in Chinese).
China released GB Standards relevant to Infant, Textiles & Footwear, FCM and other consumer products
Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China (SAC) published announcement No.22 of 2020 and announcement No. 23 of 2020 (in Chinese) to approve and release a batch of GB standards, which are closely related to our industries.
The below table lists some of these standards (non-exhaustive list):
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Standard No. |
Standard Name |
Superseded Standard |
Implementation Date |
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Infant Products |
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GB 38995-2020 |
Infant feeding bottles and teats |
Initial |
2021-11-01 |
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Textiles & Footwear |
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GB/T 4146.1-2020 |
Textiles—Man-made fibres—Part 1: Generic names |
GB/T 4146.1-2009 |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 18885-2020 |
Technical specifications of ecological textiles |
GB/T 18885-2009 |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 39104.1-2020 |
Textiles—Determination of antifungal activity of textile products—Part 1: Luminescence method |
Initial |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 39104.2-2020 |
Textiles—Determination of antifungal activity of textile products—Part 2: Plate count method |
Initial |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 39109-2020 |
Textiles—Determination of benzophenone ultraviolet absorbents |
Initial |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 39103-2020 |
Superfine woven wool fabric labelling—Requirements for Super S code definition |
Initial |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 3903.13-2020 |
Footwear—Test methods for outsoles—Dimensional stability |
GB/T 3903.13-2005 |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 3903.26-2020 |
Footwear—Test methods for stiffeners and toepuffs—Bondability |
GB/T 3903.26-2008 |
2021-05-01 |
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GB/T 39113-2020 |
Footwear—Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components—Determination of phenol |
Initial |
2021-05-01 |
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FCM |
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GB/T 18006.3-2020 |
General requirement of degradable disposable tableware |
GB/T 18006.1-2009 |
2020-12-31 |
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Others |
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GB/T 39107-2020 |
Determination of volatile organic compounds content for consumer products—Static headspace sampling method |
Initial |
2020-10-21 |
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GB/T 39110-2020 |
Consumer product—Plastics—Rapid screening of phthalates |
Initial |
2020-10-21 |
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GB/T 39181-2020 |
Consumer products―Polyester fiber and ABS material―Rapid determination method of fragrance allergens |
Initial |
2020-10-21 |
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GB/T 39183-2020 |
Determination of the migration quantity of nitrosamines in consumer products—Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry |
Initial |
2020-10-21 |
Please find a table below, summarising the most recent technical publications (non-exhaustive):
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Date |
Countries |
Entity |
Title |
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29/09/2020 |
US |
OEHHA |
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11/09/2020 |
Mexico |
Official Mexican Gazette of the Federation |
DRAFT Official Mexican Standard PROY-NOM-033/1-SCFI-2019, Gold, silver, platinum and palladium articles-Part 1-Commercial information and analysis methods (it will cancel NOM-033-SCFI-1994). (In spanish) |
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16/10/2020 |
Canada |
Health Canada |
Health Canada's Letter to the Corded Window Covering Product Industry (in English and French) |
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29/12/2020 |
Canada |
Health Canada |
Health Canada published the following updates:
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