Consumer Products | Monthly bulletin | June 2023
Chemical | Cosmetics & Personal Care | Softlines & Leather | Toys, Childcare & Hardlines | PPE
Europe
New update to Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)
On 14th June 2023, the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) released the new Candidate List of SVHCs. With the addition of 2 new substances, the current list of SVHCs now contains 235 substances.
See below a table indicating the latest substances addition:
|
Nº |
Substance name |
EC number |
CAS number |
Reason for inclusion |
Examples of use(s) |
|
1 |
Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide |
278-355-8 |
75980-60-8 |
Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) |
Inks and toners, coating products, photo-chemicals, polymers, adhesives and sealants and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay. |
|
2 |
Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulphone |
201-247-9 |
80-07-9 |
vPvB |
Manufacture of chemicals, plastic products and rubber products. |
Legal obligations for companies using SVHC substances include:
- Suppliers provide customers and consumers with enough information to allow for safe use of products that contain a substance of very high concern (SVHC) above a concentration of 0.1 % (weight by weight)
- Importers and producers of these products must notify the ECHA if their article contains SVHC substances above a concentration of 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) and the substance is present in those products in quantities totalling over 1 tonne per producer or per importer per year. The notifications have to be submitted within six months from the date it that the substance is included in the list.
- Suppliers of substances on the Candidate List, supplied either on their own or in mixtures, have to provide their customers with a safety data sheet.
- Under the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC on waste- WFD), any supplier of an article containing a substance of very high concern (SVHC) in a concentration above 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) on the EU market is required to submit a SCIP Notification on that article to ECHA, as of 5 January 2021. SCIP is the database holding information on Substances of Concern in articles, as such or in complex objects (products), established under the WFD. The SCIP database complements the existing notification obligations for Candidate List substances in articles subject to REACH regulation and its related communication through the supply chain, according to Articles 7 (2) and 33 respectively.
Click here to access the official List from ECHA’s website.
PFOA amendment in POP European Regulation
On 28th April 2023, the European Commission published an amendment to the Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistant organic pollutants (POP). The amendment is related to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and PFOA-related compounds.
The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/866 of 24 February 2023 indicates the following several amendments in Annex I, Part A, the fourth column of the table, and entry ‘Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds’:
- In point 3, the date of review and assessment by the Commission has been changed to, 25 August 2023, related to exemptions from control measures of a substance present as an unintentional trace contaminant.
- Point 4 has been replaced by the following text:
‘4. For the purposes of this entry, Article 4(1), point (b), shall apply to concentrations of PFOA and its salts equal to or below 1 mg/kg (0,0001 % by weight) where they are present in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders produced by ionising irradiation or by thermal degradation as well as in mixtures and articles for industrial and professional uses containing PTFE micropowders until 18 August 2023. All emissions of PFOA during the manufacture and use of PTFE micropowders shall be avoided and, if not possible, reduced as far as possible. The limit of 1 mg/kg (0,0001 % by weight) shall apply only to manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFOA and its salts where they are present in PTFE micropowders that are transported or treated for the purpose to reduce the concentration of PFOA and its salts below the limit of 0,025 mg/kg (0,0000025 % by weight).’;
- In point 5, subpoint (e) has been deleted which allowed the manufacturing use of PFOA, its salts and related compounds for manufacturing of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for the production of:
- High-performance, corrosion-resistant gas filter membranes, water filter membranes and membranes for medical textiles;
- Industrial waste heat exchanger equipment,
- Industrial sealants capable of preventing the leakage of volatile organic compounds and PM2.5 particulates;
until 4 July 2023.
This Regulation entered into force on 18th May 2023 and shall apply from 18 August 2023.
For more information, consult the official publication in European Commission website here.
New restriction for lead in PVC articles
On 8th May 2023, the European Commission published an amendment to the restriction list in Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, as regards lead and its compounds in PVC (polymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride).
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/923 of 3rd May 2023 adds six points to entry 63 – lead and its compound, column 2, of Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
Lead is a toxic substance which has a negative impact on human health and the environment. It is used to make PVC thermally stable during compounding and article production. It also protects PVC against photo-degradation. To comply with the proposed restriction, it is necessary to restrict all lead in PVC, regardless of its intended function. As a means of limiting the carryover of lead in new products, through recycling processes, economic operators should be granted a 24-month period to adapt to the new requirements for flexible PVC; for rigid PVC, the obligation will apply 36 months regulation enters into force.
The main new restrictions are:
- Items shall not be placed on the market, if the concentration of lead is equal to or greater than 0.1 % of the weight of the PVC material. This shall come into effect on 29 November 2024. Exceptions:
- PVC articles containing recovered flexible PVC until 28 May 2025;
- PVC articles containing recovered rigid PVC until 28 May 2033, if the concentration of lead is lower than 1.5 % of the weight of the recovered rigid PVC;
- From 28 May 2026, rigid PVC recovered for construction items referenced in this entry shall only be used for the production of new such construction items.
- Suppliers of PVC items containing recovered rigid PVC shall submit documentary evidence to national enforcement authorities upon request, substantiating claims about the recovered origin of the PVC in those items. Certificates issued by schemes to provide proof of traceability and recycled content, such as those developed according to EN 15343:2007 or equivalent recognised standards, may be used to substantiate such claims for PVC items produced in the European Union. Claims made as to the recovered origin of the PVC in imported articles shall be accompanied by a certificate that provides equivalent proof of traceability and recycled content, issued by an independent third party.
This amendment shall not apply to:
- PVC-silica separators in lead acid batteries, until 28 May 2033;
- Jewellery items and items supplied to the general public, with accessible parts, with a concentration of lead equal to or greater than 0.05 % by weight which can be placed in the mouth by children;
- Items within the scope of:
-
- Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 - food contact materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with food
- Directive 2011/65/EU - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
- Directive 94/62/EC - packaging and packaging waste
- Directive 2009/48/EC - safety of toys
- PVC articles placed on the market before 28th November 2024.
This Regulation shall enter into force on 28th May 2023.
For more information, consult the official publication in European Commission website here.
Additional recent updates regarding REACH Regulation
The following table provides a non-exhaustive summary of some recent updates regarding REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006:
|
Summary of the most recent updates |
||
|
Date |
Subject |
Link |
|
22/05/2023 |
New IUCLID version including formatting updates
This version is the first to include formatting changes since the release schedule was adapted to deliver this type of change in the first half of the year. The release was originally scheduled for April, but to ensure the quality of the release, it was delayed by one month. |
More information on ECHA’s website here. |
|
20/04/2023 |
ECHA provides advice on new hazard classes for substances and mixtures:
|
More information on ECHA’s website here. |
|
03/05/2023 |
Publication of the first batch of questions and answers focuses on the info session on the PFAS restriction proposal. |
More information on ECHA’s website here. |
Other interesting links about REACH from the ECHA’s website
- Registry of restriction intentions until outcome - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Registry of SVHC intentions until outcome - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Substance evaluation - CoRAP - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Adopted opinions and previous consultations on applications for authorisation - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Applications for authorisation - current consultations - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Current calls for comments and evidence - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Authorisation List - ECHA (europa.eu)
- ECHA's completed activities on restriction
- Submitted restrictions under consideration
- Assessment of regulatory needs list
The table below outlines a summary of the most recent updates (non-exhaustive) regarding CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008:
|
Summary of the Most Recent Updates |
||
|
Date |
Subject |
Link |
|
22/05/2023 |
Relevant changes for PCN notification
These changes include:
|
For more information, consult Poison centres‘ website here. |
Other interesting links about CLP on the ECHA’s website
- Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - ECHA (europa.eu)
- Harmonised classification and labelling consultations - ECHA (europa.eu)
European published initiatives
May 2023, The European Commission adopted the following published initiatives:
- Electrical equipment – Mercury in melt pressure transducers for specific capillary rheometers (RoHS exemption).
This initiative concerns a request for an exemption for mercury in melt pressure transducers for capillary rheometers under extreme conditions used as monitoring and control instruments.
- Chemicals classification and labelling – Assignment of notes to certain substances.
This initiative assigns new notes (added to the CLP Regulation in a recent amendment) to certain substances; in this case, the modification of entries in Part 3 of Annex VI for 2-ethylhexanoic acid and its salts, boric acid, diboron trioxide, tetraboron disodium heptaoxide hydrate, disodium tetraborate anhydrous, orthoboric acid sodium salt, disodium tetraborate decahydrate, and disodium tetraborate pentahydrate.
Revision of Regulation (EC) 648/2004 on detergents
On 28th April 2023, the European Commission proposed a revised regulation on detergents, with the aim of improving the current rules to better protect health and the environment. This proposal covers new innovative products like detergents containing micro-organisms, sustainable new practices, like the refill sale of detergents, digital labelling, and a product passport for detergents and surfactants.
The main points are:
- Simplify market rules, such as the obligation to provide an ingredient data sheet for hazardous detergents among other things;
- Labels will also be simplified;
- Introduce voluntary digital labelling;
- Facilitate the sale of innovative, safe products;
- Increase sustainability and safety through clear rules for refilled detergents;
- The introduction of a product passport will strengthen market surveillance and ensure that only safe detergents complying with the rules enter the Single Market.
Following the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Parliament and Council must now approve this proposal.
For more information, consult the European Commission website here.
Answers to frequently asked questions related to BPA
On 21st April 2023, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) published a compilation of common questions and answers about bisphenol A (BPA).
BPA plays an important role in the production of polymers and plastics, and is used in a variety of sectors and applications. It can be found in a wide range of everyday consumer goods.
Due to its properties as an endocrine disruptor, it has been classified as toxic to reproduction (category 1B). This substance can cause adverse health effects by affecting the endocrine system.
Bisphenol A has been identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under European chemical legislation. The use of some bisphenols has been or is being restricted in the EU to protect human health and the environment.
California Adds 2 New Chemicals to Proposition 65 List
Effective April 21, 2023, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added 1,1,1-trichloroethane (CAS Registry Number 71-55-6) and leucomalachite green (CAS Registry Number 129-73-7) to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer. The warning requirement for significant exposures to these chemicals will take effect on April 21, 2024.
For more information, consult Chemicals Listed Effective April 21, 2023 as Known to the State of California to Cause Cancer: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane and Leucomalachite Green - OEHHA.
New ban on use of substances in Persistent Organic Pollutants
On 15th May 2023, the annual meetings between the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions took place. In this meeting, the elimination of the use of the following persistent organic pollutions which have been added to the Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, was decided upon:
- Methoxychlor (pesticide for insects)
- Dechlorane Plus (flame retardant)
- UV-328 (UV absorbent)
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, disperse widely geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and/or have a harmful impacts on human health and/or the environment.
For more information, consult the BRS convention ‘s website here.
Sustainability, environmental and circular economy
Europe
One step closer for ecodesign requirements for consumer products
On 22 May 2023, the European Council adopted its position on ecodesign requirements for sustainable products.
The Council position clarifies how member state experts and industry should be involved in the future development of ecodesign requirements and the criteria and aspects that should be considered before ecodesign requirements are developed.
The new ecodesign regulation will be applicable to almost all categories of products and establish harmonised requirements for specific product groups, such as recycled content, presence of substances that inhibit circularity, etc... The aim is to make products more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, reparable, recyclable, easier to maintain, and more energy- and resource-efficient.
The proposal will also establish a "Digital Product Passport" which will provide information about a products' environmental sustainability, including its carbon and environmental footprints, durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, etc. Other interesting points in this new proposal are provisions on transparency, the prevention of destruction of unsold consumer products, and green public procurement.
The new regulation will replace the current Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, enlarging the scope to cover almost all kinds of goods placed on the EU market, only exempting food, feed, medicine and veterinary products and motor vehicles.
As regards textiles, the proposal introduces a ban on the destruction of textiles, footwear and apparel, with a four-year exemption for medium-sized companies, and a general exemption for small and micro companies.
Now the next step will be negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council, which will begin when the Parliament adopts its position.
For more information, consult the official publication here.
Miscellaneous technical publications relating to environmental, plastics, packaging and waste
The table below summarises the most recent publications regarding the environment, circular economy and sustainability (non-exhaustive):
|
Entity |
Date |
Publication |
|
French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion |
27/04/2023 |
On January 1, 2023, France became the first country in Europe to ban disposable tableware for on-site catering. This progress report validates the working method adopted by the ministers. |
|
European Commission |
28/04/2023 |
Mercury-added products – EU ban on export, import and manufacture
This European-published initiative will align EU legislation with the Minamata Convention on Mercury and help phase out the use of mercury in these products worldwide, thus offering further protection for the environment and human health. |
|
European Commission |
02/05/2023 |
This European-published initiative will give legal clarity to Member States so they can properly implement EU rules on single-use plastics. This will help increase the use of recycled material in the EU economy and reduce plastic waste incineration and landfill. |
|
BfR ( German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment) |
08/05/2023 |
Many people concerned about microplastics
In a poll about certain health and consumer topics, microplastics came in at the top of the list of concerns. In second place, antibiotic resistance is mentioned, and in third place residues of pesticides in food. Microplastics are also a topic of natural and social science research at the BfR. |
|
European Commission |
12/05/2023 |
Environmental Liability Directive (evaluation)
This European-published initiative will assess whether the directive is fit for purpose and any shortcomings it may have. It will also reflect on calls from the European Parliament and the European Court of Auditors to strengthen its application. |
|
European Commission |
15/05/2023 |
Circular economy – monitoring framework (revision)
This European-published initiative aims to better cover the production stage of the economic cycle and the links between circularity, climate neutrality and zero pollution, in line with the European Green Deal. |
|
ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) |
17/05/2023 |
ANSES calls for the adoption of a more protective definition for nanomaterials
ANSES recommends improving the current definition of nanomaterials by providing a broader definition, not only based on dimensional criteria, and regardless of the sector in which nanomaterials are used. The hazards posed by nanomaterials should be one of points to take into account when expanding the definition. |
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Is the vegetable oil you are putting on your skin safe?
Essential in cosmetics, either in pure form or incorporated into a formula, vegetable oils are ever-increasing in popularity. They are widely used for manufacturing modern skincare products, thanks to their many benefits for the skin and hair, including antioxidant, soothing, and nourishing effects, and more.
Although of natural origin, these multifunctional ingredients are not free from risk of contamination or degradation. To ensure the safety of cosmetic products according to European and national legislation, it is essential to conduct chemical analyses of the oil itself, as well as to prepare a precise risk assessment for the cosmetic more generally. Depending on the relevant focus, different testing strategies can be applied.
- Contamination: May occur during the production, preparation or storage of vegetable oils and fats.
- Identity: To ensure the product conforms fully with its declaration, the vegetable oil can be identified in order to detect or exclude any blending with low-quality oils. Depending on the product composition, different analytical methods can be used to provide regulatory peace of mind.
- Quality parameters: Quality parameters are used to estimate the degree of freshness of the oil. Chemical reactions, such as progressive oxidation of the vegetable oil, can lead to unwanted changes in the finished product.
Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care leverages its network of analytical laboratories and experts to guarantee the safety, conformity and quality of your vegetable oils.
Analysing and preventing the presence of heavy metals in your cosmetic products
In 2021, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the new standard EN ISO 21392:2021 (Measurement of traces of heavy metals in cosmetic finished products using ICP/MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer technique).
Most heavy metals are listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) No.1223/2009 and are therefore forbidden in cosmetic products. However, many raw materials or manufacturing processes could be introduce heavy metals into the product. According to Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, even the unintentional presence of heavy metals in cosmetic products is only permissible if this is technically unavoidable in good manufacturing practice and, moreover, does not pose a hazard to human health. To ensure the safety of cosmetics, it is important to be aware of the potential amount of these substances in your product.
The Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care network of laboratories can offer you a complete range of tests to prevent or measure the presence of heavy metals in your cosmetic products, providing solutions to meet the regulatory requirements at each step of the product’s life cycle:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass - Spectrometer (ICP/MS)
- Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry - (FAAS)
- Ion Chromatography-Liquid - Chromatography (IC-LC)
- Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry and - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AFS/AAS)
- Thermal decomposition – atomic absorption spectrometry (Direct mercury analyser) following ISO 23674
Our team of experts are highly skilled at generating comprehensive, cost-effective and practical customised test plans and offers.
Express and characterise emotions
With the same embryological origin, the link between our skin and our brain is very strong. This explains the impact of skin discomfort on general wellbeing, which can lead to psychological stress. Conversely, psychological stress can itself be the cause of skin problems, due to the synthesis of stress mediators that act directly on the skin's homeostasis. Thus, cosmetic products have an influence not only on our skin, but also on our wellbeing and emotions.
Emotions are complex processes that are difficult to understand directly. In fact, there is no device to evaluate emotions. This is why objective analytical methods have been developed to take into account the different components of emotion, such as the affective sphere, the physiological sphere and the expressive sphere.
Several major components allow us to characterise emotions:
- Cognitive or subjective component: Psychometric measures (validated questionnaires, Lickert-type scales, neuro-genitive tests, implicit associations, free speech structuring (text mining), etc.)
- Behavioural component: Behavioural/ethological analysis (posture, gestures, facial expression, eye tracking, specific acts, vocalisations, etc.)
- Physiological component: Visceral component (electrodermal response, skin temperature, cardiac activity, respiratory rate, mydriasis, hormonal levels, electromyography, electroencephalography, brain imaging, etc.)
- Specific methods
This multidimensional approach allows us to measure the impact of cosmetic products, to explore the emotional dynamics at play in the use of make-up products, and even to evaluate the importance of the brand label on the packaging in terms of a client's overall satisfaction and hedonism.
In partnership with specialists in psychology and neuroscience, the Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care network of companies has been exploring the pleasure and wellbeing associated with the use of skincare, make-up and fragrance products for over 20 years.
Softlines & Leather
New European regulation for consumer products
On 23rd May 2023, the European Commission published the general product safety regulation (GPSR):
The aim of this new regulation is to reinforce the safety rules for products sold both offline and online, market surveillance for unsafe products and consumer rights.
With today’s digital and technological advances and the increase in online shopping, it was necessary to update the rules regarding product safety. The GPSR transforms the general product safety directive of 2001 into a regulation, which leaves no scope for member states to transpose the rules with divergent legislation. It also repeals the Directive 87/357/EEC concerning products which endanger the health or safety of consumers by appearing to be other than they are, as the requirements of this Directive are incorporated into GPSR are incorporated into GPSR.
In addition, the GPSR modernises the rules for all economic operators (manufacturers, importers and distributers) and updates the rules for online businesses and marketplaces.
This new regulation will enter into force on the 20th day after its publication and member states will have 18 months to apply the new rules on general product safety.
For more information, consult the official publication on the European Commission website here.
New restriction for lead in PVC articles
On 8th May 2023, the European Commission published an amendment to the restrictions list in Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as regards lead and its compounds in PVC (polymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride).
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/923 of 3rd May 2023 adds six points in entry 63 – lead and its compound, column 2, of Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
Lead is a toxic substance which has a negative impact on human health and the environment. It is used make PVC thermally stable during compounding and article production. It also protects PVC against photo-degradation. To comply with the proposed restriction, it is necessary to restrict all lead in PVC, regardless of its intended function. As a means of limiting the carryover of lead in new products, through recycling processes, economic operators should be granted a 24-month period to adapt to the new requirements for flexible PVC; for rigid PVC, the obligation will apply 36 after the Regulation enters into force.
The main new restrictions are:
- Items shall not be placed on the market, if the concentration of lead is equal to or greater than 0,1 % of the weight of the PVC material. This shall come into effect on 29 November 2024. Exceptions:
-
- PVC articles containing recovered flexible PVC until 28 May 2025;
- PVC articles containing recovered rigid PVC until 28 May 2033, if the concentration of lead is lower than 1.5 % of the weight of the recovered rigid PVC;
- From 28 May 2026, rigid PVC recovered for construction items referenced in this entry shall only be used for the production of new such construction items.
- Suppliers of PVC items containing recovered rigid PVC shall submit documentary evidence to national enforcement authorities upon request, substantiating claims about the recovered origin of the PVC in those items. Certificates issued by schemes to provide proof of traceability and recycled content, such as those developed according to EN 15343:2007 or equivalent recognised standards, may be used to substantiate such claims for PVC items produced in the European Union. Claims made as to the recovered origin of the PVC in imported articles shall be accompanied by a certificate that provides equivalent proof of traceability and recycled content, issued by an independent third party.
This amendment shall not apply to:
- PVC-silica separators in lead acid batteries, until 28 May 2033;
- Jewellery items and items supplied to the general public, with accessible parts, with a concentration of lead equal to or greater than 0.05 % by weight, which can be placed in the mouth by children;
- Items within the scope of:
- Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 - food contact materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with food
-
- Directive 2011/65/EU - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
- Directive 94/62/EC - packaging and packaging waste
- Directive 2009/48/EC - safety of toys
- PVC articles placed on the market before 28th November 2024.
This Regulation shall enter into force on 28th May 2023.
For more information, consult the official publication in European Commission website here
One step closer for ecodesign requirements for consumer products
On 22 May 2023, the European Council adopted its position on ecodesign requirements for sustainable products.
The Council position clarifies how member state experts and industry should be involved in the future development of ecodesign requirements and the criteria and aspects that should be considered before ecodesign requirements are developed.
The new ecodesign regulation will be applicable to almost all categories of products and establish harmonised requirements for specific product groups, such as recycled content, presence of substances that inhibit circularity, etc... The aim is to make products more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, reparable, recyclable, easier to maintain, and more energy- and resource-efficient.
The proposal will also establish a "Digital Product Passport" which will provide information about a products' environmental sustainability, including its carbon and environmental footprints, durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, etc. Other interesting points in this new proposal are provisions on transparency, the prevention of destruction of unsold consumer products, and green public procurement.
The new regulation will replace the current Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, enlarging the scope to cover almost all kinds of goods placed on the EU market, only exempting food, feed, medicine and veterinary products and motor vehicles.
As regards textiles, the proposal introduces a ban on the destruction of textiles, footwear and apparel, with a four-year exemption for medium-sized companies, and a general exemption for small and micro companies.
Now the next step will be negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council, which will begin when the Parliament adopts its position.
For more information, consult the official publication here.
The below table summarises 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.
|
CEN |
|||
|
Reference |
Title |
Date of withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
|
Leather - Chemicals - Quality control |
2023-10-31 |
|
|
China publishes updated GB Standards
On 23th May 2023, The State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China, SAC) published the announcement Nº2 of 2023 in which approved 535 recommended national standards and 2 national standard amendments.
On 21st April 2023, The Ministry of industry and information technology of the People ‘s Republic of China (MIIT) published the announcement Nº7 of 2023 in which approved 586 industry standards.
Below, a table with more relevant standards (non exhaustive list):
|
Textiles and leather |
|||
|
No |
Standard Code |
Standard name |
Into force |
|
1 |
GB/T 8878-2023 |
Knitted underwear |
2023-12-01 |
|
2 |
QB/T 1193-2023 |
Down & Feather quilt |
2023-11-01 |
|
3 |
QB/T 1194-2023 |
Down and feather mattresses |
2023-11-01 |
|
4 |
QB/T 1195-2023 |
Down and feather sleeping bags |
2023-11-01 |
|
5 |
QB/T 1196-2023 |
Down and feather pillows and cushion |
2023-11-01 |
|
6 |
FZ/T 44009-2023 |
Tussah sleeping mat |
2023-11-01 |
|
7 |
GB/T 28189-2023 |
Textiles - Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
2023-12-01 |
|
8 |
GB/T 42694-2023 |
Textiles—Testing and evaluation for surface wetting resistance—Contact angle and rolling angle method |
2023-12-01 |
|
9 |
GB/T 42695-2023 |
Textiles—Quantitative chemical analysis—Mixtures of kapok with certain other fibers |
2023-12-01 |
|
10 |
GB/T 42696-2023 |
Textiles—Determination of phosphate compounds |
2023-12-01 |
|
11 |
GB/T 42697-2023 |
Nonwovens—Test method for porosity |
2023-12-01 |
|
12 |
GB/T 42698-2023 |
Textiles—Testing and evaluation for anti-seeing-through property |
2023-12-01 |
|
13 |
GB/T 42699.1-2023 |
Textiles—Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analysis of some animal hair fibres—Part 1：Peptide detection using LC-ESI-MS with protein reduction |
2023-12-01 |
|
14 |
GB/T 42700-2023 |
Textiles—Determination of total content of boron |
2024-03-01 |
|
15 |
GB/T 42701-2023 |
Textiles—Identification of naturally colored cottons— Chemical staining method |
2023-12-01 |
|
16 |
GB/T 42704-2023 |
Textile trim materials in automotive interior applications—Determination of the emissions of volatile organic compounds—Chamber method |
2024-03-01 |
|
17 |
QB/T 1653-2023 |
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) injection molded sandals and slipper |
2023-11-01 |
|
18 |
QB/T 2925-2023 |
Fur-Test methods for colour fastness to light |
2023-11-01 |
Toys, Childcare & Hardlines
New European regulation for consumer products
On 23rd May 2023, the European Commission published the general product safety regulation (GPSR):
The aim of this new regulation is to reinforce the safety rules for products sold both offline and online, market surveillance for unsafe products and consumer rights.
With today’s digital and technological advances and the increase in online shopping, it was necessary to update the rules regarding product safety. The GPSR transforms the general product safety directive of 2001 into a regulation, which leaves no scope for member states to transpose the rules with divergent legislation. It also repeals the Directive 87/357/EEC concerning products which endanger the health or safety of consumers by appearing to be other than they are, as the requirements of this Directive are incorporated into GPSR are incorporated into GPSR.
In addition, the GPSR modernises the rules for all economic operators (manufacturers, importers and distributers) and updates the rules for online businesses and marketplaces.
This new regulation will enter into force on the 20th day after its publication and member states will have 18 months to apply the new rules on general product safety.
For more information, consult the official publication on the European Commission website here.
New restriction for lead in PVC articles
On 8th May 2023, the European Commission published an amendment to the restrictions list in Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as regards lead and its compounds in PVC (polymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride).
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/923 of 3rd May 2023 adds six points in entry 63 – lead and its compound, column 2, of Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
Lead is a toxic substance which has a negative impact on human health and the environment. It is used make PVC thermally stable during compounding and article production. It also protects PVC against photo-degradation. To comply with the proposed restriction, it is necessary to restrict all lead in PVC, regardless of its intended function. As a means of limiting the carryover of lead in new products, through recycling processes, economic operators should be granted a 24-month period to adapt to the new requirements for flexible PVC; for rigid PVC, the obligation will apply 36 after the Regulation enters into force.
The main new restrictions are:
- Items shall not be placed on the market, if the concentration of lead is equal to or greater than 0,1 % of the weight of the PVC material. This shall come into effect on 29 November 2024. Exceptions:
- PVC articles containing recovered flexible PVC until 28 May 2025;
- PVC articles containing recovered rigid PVC until 28 May 2033, if the concentration of lead is lower than 1.5 % of the weight of the recovered rigid PVC;
- From 28 May 2026, rigid PVC recovered for construction items referenced in this entry shall only be used for the production of new such construction items.
- Suppliers of PVC items containing recovered rigid PVC shall submit documentary evidence to national enforcement authorities upon request, substantiating claims about the recovered origin of the PVC in those items. Certificates issued by schemes to provide proof of traceability and recycled content, such as those developed according to EN 15343:2007 or equivalent recognised standards, may be used to substantiate such claims for PVC items produced in the European Union. Claims made as to the recovered origin of the PVC in imported articles shall be accompanied by a certificate that provides equivalent proof of traceability and recycled content, issued by an independent third party.
This amendment shall not apply to:
- PVC-silica separators in lead acid batteries, until 28 May 2033;
- Jewellery items and items supplied to the general public, with accessible parts, with a concentration of lead equal to or greater than 0.05 % by weight, which can be placed in the mouth by children;
- Items within the scope of:
- Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 - food contact materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with food
- Directive 2011/65/EU - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
- Directive 94/62/EC - packaging and packaging waste
- Directive 2009/48/EC - safety of toys
- PVC articles placed on the market before 28th November 2024.
This Regulation shall enter into force on 28th May 2023.
For more information, consult the official publication in European Commission website here
The below table summarises 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 announcement: the latest date by which the existence of an EN (and HD for CENELEC), a TS or a CWA has to be announced at national level.
|
CEN |
|||
|
Reference |
Title |
Date of withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
|
Furniture - Assessment of the surface reflectance |
2023-10-31 |
|
|
|
Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching |
2023-10-31 |
|
|
|
Reference |
Title |
Date of Availability (**) |
Supersedes
|
|
Paints and varnishes - Coating materials and coating systems for exterior wood - Part 12: Ultraviolet and visible radiation transmittance |
2023-05-03 |
|
|
Technical publications relating to food contact materials
The latest publications in relation to food contact materials are summarised in the table below:
|
Date |
Entity |
Publication |
|
13/04/2023 |
BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation) |
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) published news related to the lack of information for consumers regarding risks associated with food containers and kitchenware. |
|
13/04/2023 |
BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation) |
Unwrapped: What consumers say about safe and sustainable food packaging. Publication of results of survey carried out by BEUC with consumers across 11 European countries, to investigate attitudes towards and knowledge of food-related packaging risks. |
New decrees for reparability of consumer products
On 22nd April 2023, the French Authorities published the following three decrees related to the availability of spare parts for motorised DIY and garden tools, sporting and recreational equipment, and motorised personal transportation vehicles.
- Decree Nº 2023-293 establishes a list of categories of affected products and their spare parts that must be available on the market; the terms under which the spare parts must be available during the commercialisation of the product; and, the additional minimum periods after the date of commissioning the market for the last unit of the model in question. It affects manufacturers and importers of these types of products.
- Decree Nº 2023-294 establishes a list of categories of motorised DIY and gardening tools, sports and leisure items, electric assisted bicycles and motorised personal transport vehicles and the parts affected by the obligation to offer circular economy parts as part of the marketing of maintenance services and repair services; and defines the parts of the circular economy and the conditions under which the professional is not obliged to offer these parts. It affects professionals who offer maintenance and repair services.
- Decree Nº 2023-295 specifies the methods of informing consumers about the conditions in which the professional can offer to choose circular economy parts instead of new parts, during repair or maintenance of these types of products. It affects professionals who sell maintenance and repair services for this type of products.
These decrees enter into force the day after their publication in the Official Gazette.
CPSC publishes direct final rule for the marking of toy, look-alike, and imitation firearms
On 11 May 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published in the Federal Register a direct final rule (DFR) that would create a new 16 CFR part 1272 that adopts the existing Department of Commerce rule for the marking of toys, look-alike, and imitation firearms with non-substantive and conforming changes.
The DFR will become effective on 26 June 2023, unless the CPSC receives significantly adverse comments by 12 June 2023.
Scope:
With the adoption of 16 CFR part 1272, the scope of the requirements will be “toy, look-alike, and imitation firearms (‘devices’) having the appearance, shape, and/or configuration of a firearm.
The scope excludes:
- non-firing collector replica antique firearms, which are not intended as toys modelled on real firearms designed, manufactured, and produced prior to 1898;
- traditional B-B, paintball, or pellet-firing air guns that expel a projectile through the force of compressed air, compressed gas or mechanical spring action, or any combination thereof, as described in ASTM F589-85; and
- decorative, ornamental, and miniature objects having the appearance, shape and/or configuration of a firearm, that measure no more than 38 millimetres in height by 70 millimetres in length (the length measurement excluding any gun stock length measurement).
Requirements:
Under 16 CFR part 1272, no person shall manufacture, enter into commerce, ship, transport, or receive any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm unless it is marked with one of the following:
- a blaze orange (AMS STD 595A-17 colour 12199) or orange colour brighter than that specified by the AMS standard colour number, solid plug permanently affixed to the muzzle end of the barrel as an integral part of the entire device and recessed no more than 6 millimetres from the muzzle end of the barrel;
- a blaze orange (AMS STD 595A-17 colour 12199) or orange colour brighter than that specified by the AMS standard colour number, marking permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the barrel, covering the circumference of the barrel from the muzzle end for a depth of at least 6 millimetres;
- construction of the device entirely of transparent or translucent materials which permits unmistakable observation of the device's complete contents; or
- colouration of the entire exterior surface of the device in white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant colour in combination with other colours in any pattern.
Waiver:
The marking requirement may be waived by request in writing to the CPSC for any toy, look-alike or imitation firearm that will be used only in the theatrical, movie, or television industry.
The direct final rule will become effective on 5 August 2023 unless the CPSC receives significant adverse comments by 8 June 2023. In addition, the Certification, per 16 CFR 1110, of the infant swings manufactured on and after 1 January 2023, shall be based on testing to the ASTM F2906-23 standard.
CPSC Updates Safety Standard for Beside Sleepers
On May 9, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a direct final rule 16 CFR 1222 to update the mandatory Safety Standard for the Bedside Sleepers. The final rule incorporates the latest version of ASTM F2906-23, Standard Consumer Safety Specifications for Bedside Sleepers.
A bedside sleeper is defined as ‘‘a rigid frame assembly that may be combined with a fabric or mesh assembly, or both, used to function as sides, ends, or floor or a combination thereof, and that is intended to provide a sleeping environment for infants and is secured to an adult bed.’’
ASTM F2906-23 revises the height requirements for side rails adjacent to an adult bed, to clarify requirements for newer designs of bedside sleepers that convert from a bassinet into a bedside sleeper.
Under the direct final rule, all references to ‘‘F2194 Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles’’ and ‘‘Consumer Specification F2194’’ in sections 2.1, 5.1, 5.6, 7.1, and 8.1 of ASTM F2906-23 will be replaced with ‘‘16 CFR part 1218 Safety Standard for Bassinets and Cradles.’’
The direct final rule will become effective on August 5, 2023 unless the CPSC receives significant adverse comments by June 8, 2023. In addition, the Certification, per 16 CFR 1110, of the infant swings manufactured on and after January 1, 2023, shall be based on testing to the ASTM F2906-23 standard.
Oregon Prohibits PFAS in Food Containers
On May 16, 2023, the State of Oregon passed SB 543 to prohibit intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food containers. Additionally under the new law, food vendors may not use polystyrene foam containers in selling food to a consumer and the sale of polystyrene foam containers and polystyrene foam packaging peanuts is prohibited. The effective date of the prohibition is January 1, 2025.
SB 543 has the following definitions for the key terms:
A “Perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance” is defined as a substance included in a class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.
A “Food vendor” is defined as a business organization or other person that sells prepared food or offers prepared food for sale to the public, including, but not limited to, a store, shop or other sales outlet, a restaurant, a delicatessen or a cart, truck or other vehicle from which the business, organization or other person sells prepared food or offers prepared food for sale.
A “Foodware container” includes bowls, plates, cups, lids, clamshells or other containers or any other items used for serving or containing prepared food, including takeout food and leftovers from partially consumed meals prepared by food vendors.
A “Polystyrene foam container” is defined as a cooler or foodware container that is made of a polystyrene plastic foam, made for the purpose of serving, containing, preserving or consuming prepared food, ordinarily used once before being discarded.
It does not include a cooler or other container that is made of a polystyrene foam, that is intended for more than one use and that is enclosed by a solid shell, a tray or container used solely to store, ship or otherwise transport an ingredient or food product that is not prepared food, or polystyrene plastic material, other than polystyrene foam packaging peanuts, that is used solely for packing or protecting other items during storage, shipping or other transportation.
A “Polystyrene foam packaging peanuts” is defined as a loose fill material made of polystyrene foam used to protect items during shipping or other transportation.
California Adds 2 New Chemicals Proposition 65 List
Effective April 21, 2023, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added 1,1,1-trichloroethane (CAS Registry Number 71-55-6) and leucomalachite green (CAS Registry Number 129-73-7) to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer. The warning requirement for significant exposures to these chemicals will take effect on April 21, 2024.
For more information, consult Chemicals Listed Effective April 21, 2023 as Known to the State of California to Cause Cancer: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane and Leucomalachite Green - OEHHA
Limits of heavy metals and other harmful substances in packaging for express services
On 11th April, 2023, the SAMR of China, through WTO, issued a notification G/TBT/N/CHN/1720 for comments on a new mandatory standard proposed regarding express packaging.
The standard specifies the limits and test methods for heavy metals and other harmful substances in paper, plastic and textile fibre packaging for express services.
The standard applies to packaging for express services, and China post packaging with reference.
Express packaging refers to in the process of express delivery, the general term for packaging supplies, fillers and auxiliary materials used to meet the requirements of protecting the safety of internal items and facilitating storage and transportation.
The requirements for express services are as follows:
|
No |
Items |
Unit |
Limits |
||||
|
Paper |
Plastics |
Textile fibres |
|||||
|
abiotic degradation |
biodegradation |
||||||
|
1. |
Heavy metal and special elements |
Sum of Lead+Mecury+Cadmium+Chromium |
mg/kg |
≤100 |
≤100 |
≤100 |
≤100 |
|
2. |
Lead (Pb) |
≤50 |
≤50 |
≤50 |
≤50 |
||
|
3. |
Mercury (Hg) |
≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
||
|
4. |
Cadmium (Cd) |
≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
||
|
5. |
Chromium (Cr) |
≤50 |
≤50 |
≤50 |
≤50 |
||
|
6. |
Zinc (Zn) |
- |
- |
≤150 |
- |
||
|
7. |
Cooper (Cu) |
≤50 |
|||||
|
8. |
Nickel (Ni) |
≤25 |
|||||
|
9. |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
≤1 |
|||||
|
10. |
Selenium (Se) |
≤0.75 |
|||||
|
11. |
Arsenic (As) |
≤5 |
|||||
|
12. |
Fluorine (F) |
- |
- |
≤100 |
|||
|
13. |
Solution residue |
Total |
mg/m2 |
≤10 |
≤10 |
≤10 |
|
|
14. |
Benzene category |
≤3 |
≤2 |
≤2 |
|||
|
15. |
Bisphenol A (BPA) |
mg/kg |
≤200 |
- |
- |
||
|
16. |
AOX |
mg/kg |
≤5 |
- |
- |
||
|
17. |
Phthalate |
Sum of BBP, DBP,DEHP |
mg/kg |
- |
≤1000 |
||
|
18. |
Sum of DIDP, DINP, DNOP |
≤1000 |
|||||
|
Note 1: Paper express packaging includes express envelopes, packaging boxes, electronic waybills and paper fillers made of kraft cardboard, coated white cardboard, corrugated cardboard, honeycomb paperboard, thermal paper, etc. as the main raw materials. Note 2: Plastic express packaging includes express packaging bags, plastic fillers, tapes, recycling boxes/bags, etc. made of resin as the main raw material Note 3: Textile fiber express packaging includes express container bags made of natural and chemical fibers such as polyester fiber, cotton, and hemp as the main raw materials. Note 4: A Only express electronic waybill products are evaluated. Note 5: For composite express packaging products composed of multiple materials, enterprises should declare each material type of express packaging, and each material should meet the relevant requirements of above requirements. |
|||||||
The new mandatory standard will come into force 60 days after being officially issued.
CFSA modified GB 4806.1 General safety requirements of food contact materials and articles
On 19th April 2023, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) opened a public consultation about the mandatory general safety requirements of food contact material and articles. The GB 4806.1 is the most fundamental general standard regarding food contact materials in China, applying to all kinds of food contact materials and articles.
The public comments could be sending until May 15, 2023, the major changes to the draft standard are as follows:
Terms and Definitions:
Revised Section 2.14, the effective barrier layer. The requirement “unapproved substance shall not exceed 0.01 mg/kg migrated to food” has been changed to specify that the migration of substances should be compliant with realted safety requirements for food contact materials and items.
Add new section 2.15, complete barrier layer. The complete barrier layer must be able to stop all migrated substances, and outside of this layer no substance should migrate to the food or food simulant.
Reorder section 3.6 in accordance with GB 4806.1-2016 section 3.7 food contact material and articles production. The section should be compliant with GB 31603 and related national food safety standard requirements.
Rewritten section 3.7 to correspond with section 2.15. Within the service life, the manufacturer shall ensure that non-food contact materials and items from the outside the complete barrier layer do not pass through this layer into the food.
Integrate the section 4.2 and section 5 of GB 4806.1-2016 into a single section, 4.2 Limit requirements (framework).
Separate product information into two sections: 8.2 labeling requirement and 8.3 declaration of conformity (DoC). Both labeling requirements and DoC have been clarified, and an individual section has been added: 7.2.3.1 on food contact material and article description, in order to reflect the true properties of the product and the requirement to follow national standards, industrial standards or related announcement descriptions once available; otherwise, a description that is not susceptible to misunderstanding or confusion should be used.
China publishes updated GB Standards
On 23th May 2023, The State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China, SAC) published the announcement Nº2 of 2023 in which approved 535 recommended national standards and 2 national standard amendments.
On 21st April 2023, The Ministry of industry and information technology of the People ‘s Republic of China (MIIT) published the announcement Nº7 of 2023 in which approved 586 industry standards.
Below, a table with more relevant standards (non exhaustive list):
|
FCM |
|||
|
No |
Standard Code |
Standard name |
Into force |
|
1 |
GB/T 10815-2023 |
Domestic fine pottery |
2023-12-01 |
|
2 |
QB/T 5812-2023 |
Cast aluminium alloy pan with non-stick coating |
2023-11-01 |
|
3 |
QB/T 5820-2023 |
Glass containers－Small-mouth spice bottles |
2023-11-01 |
|
4 |
QB/T 1957-2023 |
Aluminium and aluminium alloy pots |
2023-11-01 |
|
5 |
QB/T 5798-2023 |
Glasswares－Opacified glass tablewares and drinkwares |
2023-11-01 |
|
6 |
QB/T 4946-2023 |
Glasswares－Stem glasses |
2023-11-01 |
|
7 |
QB/T 5815-2023 |
Biodegradable plastic insulation box |
2023-11-01 |
|
8 |
GB/T 42702-2023 |
Paper, board and paper products—Determination of antibacterial activity |
2024-03-01 |
|
9 |
GB/T 3301-2023 |
Test method for determination of specification allowance and size of defects of domestic ceramic ware |
2023-12-01 |
|
10 |
GB/T 5003-2023 |
Test method for measuring to the chemical corroding resistance of glazes of domestic ceramics |
2023-12-01 |
|
Furniture |
|||
|
No |
Standard Code |
Standard name |
Into force |
|
11 |
QB/T 1952.2-2023 |
Upholstered furniture-Spring mattress |
2023-11-01 |
|
12 |
QB/T 4462-2023 |
Upholstered furniture Manual operation folding sofa |
2023-11-01 |
|
13 |
QB/T 5864-2023 |
Hanging chair |
2023-11-01 |
|
14 |
QB/T 5865-2023 |
Inflatable sofa |
2023-11-01 |
|
15 |
QB/T 5866-2023 |
Bedside rails for infants |
2023-11-01 |
|
16 |
GB/Z 42692-2023 |
Courtyard gazebo |
2023-12-01 |
|
Juvenil products |
|||
|
No |
Standard Code |
Standard name |
Into force |
|
17 |
GB/T 42806-2023 |
Juvenile products—General requirements for bath washing supplies |
2024-06-01 |
|
18 |
GB/T 42802-2023 |
Juvenile products—General requirements for bath washing supplies |
2024-06-01 |
|
19 |
GB/T 42803-2023 |
Juvenile products—General requirements for accessories of the nursery room |
2024-06-01 |
|
20 |
GB/T 42804-2023 |
Juvenile products—General requirements for soothing articles bearing children |
2024-06-01 |
|
21 |
GB/T 42805-2023 |
Juvenile products—General requirements for protection products for family domestic use |
2024-06-01 |
|
22 |
GB/T 42801-2023 |
Juvenile products—General requirements for daily sports protection articles |
2024-06-01 |
|
Miscellaneous |
|||
|
No |
Standard Code |
Standard name |
Into force |
|
23 |
QB/T 4734-2023 |
Surface swimming eyewear |
2023-11-01 |
|
24 |
QB/T 5856-2023 |
Vacuum seal storage bag |
2023-11-01 |
|
25 |
QB/T 5817-2023 |
Polyvinyl chloride composite fabric membrane paddling pool |
2023-11-01 |
|
26 |
QB/T 5817-2023 |
Polyvinyl chloride composite fabric membrane paddling pool |
2023-11-01 |
|
27 |
QB/T 4160-2023 |
Watches with jewels and precious metal alloys |
2023-11-01 |
|
28 |
QB/T 4160-2023 |
Watches with jewels and precious metal alloys |
2023-11-01 |
|
29 |
GB/T 42764-2023 |
Plastics—Assessment of the intrinsic biodegradability of materials exposed to marine inocula under mesophilic aerobic laboratory conditions—Test methods and requirements |
2023-12-01 |
Korea Amends Recycling Packaging Law
On March 28, 2023, an amendment to the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources (APSRR) was promulgated. The APSRR previously required the Minister of Environment to establish criteria for evaluation of the material, structure and recyclability of packaging material. Under the amendment, which will come to effect on March 29, 2024, color and weight were added as criteria for evaluation of packaging material. The Minister of Environment therefore may soon include new color and weight standards set out in the ME Notice on Level Assessment Standards Regarding Recyclability.
PPE
Update of harmonised standards for personal protective equipment
On 11 May 2023, the European Commission published implementing Decision 2023/941 on harminised standards for personal protective equipment, drafted in support of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 from the European Parliament and Europe Council.
In Annexe I of this implementing decision, the list of references to harmonised standards for personal protective equipment is given. With this new publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, the implementing Decision (EU) 2020/668 and Communication 2018/C 209/03 is repealed.
However, it shall continue to apply the references of harmonised standards listed in Annex II to this decision, until the dates of withdrawal set out in that annex.
For more information and to see the complete list of harmonised standards, consult the Annexes of official publication here.
The below table summarises 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.
|
CEN |
|||
|
Reference |
Title |
Date of withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
|
Protective clothing - Garments for protection against cool environments |
2023-10-30 |
||
