Eurofins Toys & Hardlines Monthly Bulletin (January 2022)
EUROPE
New update of Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)
On 17 January 2022, the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) has released the new Candidate List of SVHCs. With the addition of 4 new substances, the current list of SVHCs contains 223 substances.
Below is a table with the last substances included:
Click here for the official List from ECHA’s website.
Smart toys and new regulations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing quickly and is continuing to grow in popularity. It has many applications in our everyday lives, such as smart appliances, toys, autonomous cars, robotics, healthcare, etc.
However, AI poses a number of potential risks, including regarding decision-making, discrimination, intrusion into our private lives or being used for criminal purposes.
This past Christmas, smart AI toys, with machine-learning and data collection capabilities, were a popular present for kids. AI toy concerns vary based on toy type and the data capabilities of the toy.
Smart toys learn from children and provide an adaptive and responsive play experience in different ways. Some adapt the way in which they interact with children and others are programmable toys designed with machine learning.
The European Commission is working to support a regulatory and investment-oriented approach with the twin objectives of promoting the uptake of AI and addressing the risks associated with certain uses of this new technology.
The European strategy for data aims to enable Europe to become an attractive, secure and dynamic data-agile economy and therefore to improve decisions and better the lives of all of its citizens.
The European Commission published its AI package in April 2021, proposing new rules and actions to turn Europe into the global hub for trustworthy AI. This package consisted of:
- a Communication on Fostering a European Approach to Artificial Intelligence;
- the Coordinated Plan with Member States: 2021 update;
- a proposal for an AI Regulationlaying down harmonised rules for the EU (Artificial Intelligence Act).
Further documents of interest which were also published by the European Commission relating to this matter include:
- White Paper on Artificial Intelligence: a European approach to excellence and trust.
- European Parliament resolution of 20 May 2021on shaping the digital future of Europe: removing barriers to the functioning of the digital single market and improving the use of AI for European consumers.
In the near future, manufacturers of products that use AI software should be prepared and ensure compliance with emerging Artificial Intelligence regulations.
Guidance publication related to the consumer rights Directive
On 29 December 2021, the European Commission published the Commission notice Guidance on the interpretation and application of Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on consumer rights.
The purpose of Directive 2011/83/EU is to achieve a higher level of consumer protection across the EU and contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market by approximating certain aspects of Member States’ laws, regulations and administrative provisions concerning contracts concluded between consumers and traders.
With this Guidance Notice, the European Commission want to facilitate the effective application of the Directive. The Notice also aims at increasing awareness of the Directive amongst all interested parties, including consumers, businesses, the authorities of the Member States, national courts, and legal practitioners across the EU.
FRANCE
Amendment of the toy producer's extended responsibility sector
On 14 December 2021, the French authorities published the Order of December 14, 2021 amending the order of 27 October 2021 on the specifications of eco-organisations and individual systems of the toy producer's extended responsibility sector.
One of the main points of this amendment is the introduction of provisions relating to the repair of toys and provides for the creation of a dedicated fund and action plan to develop toy repair.
The provisions of this decree came into force on 1 January 2022.
Bisphenol A as a substance of very high concern
On 21 December 2021, the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed on appeal the identification of Bisphenol A as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) for its endocrine-disrupting properties on human health.
Ministère de la transition écologique has information available about this substance and the situation in France and Europe. Consult their website for more information here.
Destruction of unsold non-food items prohibited
From 1 January 2022, unsold non-food items can no longer be destroyed by incineration. The objective for 2022 is to reuse or recycle unsold non-food products and therefore prevent a large part of the millions of unsold non-food items from being destroyed and causing more greenhouse gas emissions.
The particular products concerned by the application of this provision provided for by the law on the fight against waste and the circular economy (Law AGEC) are:
- Textiles (clothing, shoes, etc.)
- Furniture
- Ink cartridges
- Hygiene and childcare products
- Food storage and cooking equipment
- Leisure products
- Books and school supplies
- Electrical and electronic products
Note: Some of these products, which do not yet benefit from an extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling channel, have until 31 December 2023 to comply. From then, all products will be affected.
More sources of recent information about the guidance surrounding other goods and the circular economy can be found below:
- Single-use plastic products: Cotton swabs, cups, fruit and vegetable packaging…: what disposable plastic products are prohibited?
- Repairability index: something new in the fight against waste
- End of plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables: what timetable?
For more information about the Changes effective 1 January 2022, consult the Ministry of Ecological Transition website here.
Last publication related to circular economy and consumer goods
The Ministry of Ecological Transition is in charge of matters related to the circular economy and waste in France and has a lot of changes planned for the French market in 2022. Below is a summary of the latest publications (non-exhaustive list):
- Order of December 14, 2021 amending the order of October 27, 2021 on the specifications of eco-organisations and individual systems in the extended responsibility sector of producers of DIY and garden items.
- Order of December 14, 2021 amending the order of October 27, 2021 on the specifications of eco-organisations and individual systems in the extended responsibility sector of producers of sporting and leisure articles.
- Decree No. 2021-1674 of December 16, 2021 relating to the environmental declaration of construction and decoration products as well as electrical, electronic and HVAC equipment.
- Decree No. 2021-1610 of December 9, 2021 relating to the incorporation of recycled plastic in beverage bottles.
- Decree No. 2022-2 of January 4, 2022 relating to situations allowing derogation from the ban on the acquisition by the State of single-use plastic products.
- LAW no. 2015-992 of August 17, 2015 relating to the energy transition for green growth (1).
Recent public consultation:
- Draft decree specifying the substances contained in mineral oils whose use is prohibited on packaging and for printing intended for the public (From 03/01/2022 to 25/01/2022).
Alignment with the European Directive on consumer rights
On 23 December 2021, the Minister of Economy, Finance and Recovery issued the Ordinance No. 2021-1734 of December 22, 2021 transposing Directive 2019/2161 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 and relating to the better application and modernisation of EU rules on consumer protection.
This Ordinance was issued for adaptation to European Union law in economic and financial matters. It proposes the adoption of the measures in the field of law necessary for the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/2161 regarding better application and modernisation of EU consumer protection rules.
The transposition of this directive responds to a desire to modernise the legal framework for consumer protection, taking into account the dual need to reinforce the effectiveness of the existing rules in the face of the growing risk of infringements on a European scale and to adapt these to digital transformation.
For more information, consult the Légifrance website here.
UK
Please find below a table summarising recent technical publications (non-exhaustive):
|
Date |
Entity |
Title |
|
01/02/2022 |
GOV.UK |
Using the UKNI marking
|
US
Request for a consumer product safety standard for button batteries
On 30 November 2021, the US Senate introduced a bill (S.3278 – Reese’s Law) to protect children and other consumers against hazards associated with the accidental ingestion of button cell or coin batteries. It requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a consumer product safety standard to require child-resistant closures on consumer products that use such batteries.
Comments for Safety Standard for Magnets
On 10 January 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) proposed a rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act, to apply to consumer products that are designed, marketed, or intended to be used such as jewelry that contain one or more loose or separable magnets.
The proposal would require that each loose or separable magnet in a product that fits entirely within CPSC's small parts cylinder would be required to have a flux index of less than 50 kG2 mm2.
Toys that are subject to CPSC's mandatory toy standard are exempt from the proposed rule.
The Commission is requesting comments until 28 March 2022.
For more information, consult the federal register website here.
Proposed rule for Window Covering Cords
On 7 January 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a proposed rule for Safety Standard for Operating Cords on Custom Window Coverings and Substantial Product Hazard List: Window Covering Cords.
The rule proposes that operating cords on custom window coverings must be cordless, inaccessible, or 8 inches or shorter in length in any use position, as accessible operating cords that are longer than 8 inches pose a risk of strangulation to children 8 years old and younger.
Moreover, if the product meets the definition of a “children's product” they would require third party testing by a CPSC-accredited third-party conformity assessment body.
The public consultation is open until 23 March 2022.
New flame retardants requirements in New York
The bill S4630B - Family and Fighter Protection Act was signed by the New York Governor. It bans the use of certain flame retardant chemicals in furniture and mattresses and also bans the use of certain flame retardant chemicals in electronic casings.
Beginning January 1 2024, the bill prohibits the sale of mattresses, or upholstered furniture that contain intentionally added identified flame retardant chemicals. As of January 1 2024, no person may offer for sale an electronic display that contains intentionally added organohalogen flame retardants.
For more information, consult the official publication here.
Bills proposal for Clothing storage units
In 2021, both the House and Senate of the US Congress have proposed bills related to ensuring furniture stability. The proposed bills- the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act H.R.1314 and S. 3232 aim to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a consumer product safety rule for free-standing clothing storage units to protect children from tip-over related death or injury. The most current industry standard is ASTM F2057-19 which intends to reduce injuries and deaths of children from hazards associated with tip-over of clothing storage units. In case this rule becomes final, this type of furniture will have to comply with its requirements.
CANADA
Quebec repeals the label requirements for upholstered and stuffed articles
On 9 December 2021, The Bill 103 was published which repeal the Act regarding Stuffing and Upholstered and Stuffed Articles with immediate effect in Quebec.
From now on, businesses, manufacturers, craftspeople, and repairers of upholstered and stuffed articles will no longer be obliged to:
- Possess a stuffing permit;
- Pay annual fees to obtain permits;
- Place a label on their products.
In the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba this has not been necessary since 2019 and 2020 respectively.
New prohibition for single use plastic is coming
On 25 December 2021, a single-use plastic (SUP) proposal was published with the aim of prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of six categories of disposable plastic items (Shopping bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws).
The proposed Regulations would come into force one year after their registration, with the exception of prohibitions on the sale of shopping bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from problematic plastics, ring carriers, and stir sticks, which would come into force two years after registration.
For more information, consult the Government of Canada’s website here.
CHINA
China publishes updated GB Standards
On 11 October 2021, the announcement Nº 12 of 2021 was published on approving the Release of 602 National Standards by China National Standardization (SAC). Below is a table summarising the main standards (non-exhaustive):
|
No. |
Standard No. |
Standard Name |
Superseded Standard |
Implementation Date |
|
589 |
GB/T 40904-2021 |
|
01-05-2022 |
|
|
591 |
GB/T 40906-2021 |
|
01-05-2022 |
|
|
592 |
GB/T 40907-2021 |
|
01-05-2022 |
|
|
593 |
GB/T 40908-2021 |
|
01-05-2022 |
|
|
602 |
GB/T 40971-2021 |
|
01-05-2022 |
INTERNATIONAL
Regulatory proposals notified to WTO
The table below summarises the most recent notifications made to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (non-exhaustive):
|
Notification number |
Countries |
Title |
|
Ukraine |
Draft of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Amending Annex 2 of the Technical Regulation on the safety of toys". |
Below you will find a monthly table summarising product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source “RAPEX” and “RASFF”) and the U.S. (Source “CPSC”).
Europe
RAPEX (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following 90 alerts regarding Childcare articles, equipment and toys were reported, between week 51 and week 52 of 2021 and between week 1 and week 3 of 2022.
|
Type of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
Burns |
1 |
Costume beard with moustache
It poses a risk of burns due to the high flammability of the material of the beard. It does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-2. |
|
Chemical |
1 |
Plastic strings
The product contains an excessive amount of diizononyl phthalate (DINP) (measured value: 29% by weight) and diizodecyl phthalate (DIDP)It does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive or with REACH. |
|
1 |
Toy slime
The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-3. |
|
|
1 |
Bath toy
The foam in the product contains an excessive amount of tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP). It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. |
|
|
1 |
Toy robot
The plastic in the black-grey cord contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
1 |
Musical toy
The batteries could be easily accessed without the use of any tools. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Plastic straw
The plastic material of the product contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
4 |
Plastic dolls/toys
The plastic material of the doll contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
1 |
Remote control car
The plastic material of the toy contains an excessive amount of bis (2-etylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
1 |
Toy plane
The plastic material of the product contains an excessive amount of bis(2-etylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
3 |
Inflatable dolphin/Unicorn/ pineapple
The plastic contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisobutylphtalate (DIBP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
1 |
Plush toy
The foam in the product contains an excessive amount of the flame retardant tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
1 |
Children headphone
The white plastic material on the cable of the product contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). It does not comply with the requirements of REACH Regulation. |
|
|
1 |
Toy car
The product contains an excessive amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
Chemical, Choking |
1 |
Soft toy
The toy has small parts (the eyes) that can detach easily. A child can put them in the mouth and choke. The suction cup contains an excessive amount of an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP). It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, REACH and EN 71-1 and EN 71-3. |
|
1 |
Rubber toy
Small parts (hard plastics) may detach. A small child may put them in the mouth and choke. The plastic material of the toy contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
|
Chemical, Environment, Suffocation |
1 |
Skip rope
The plastic material of the rope contains an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). |
|
3 |
Plastic doll
The plastics in the hands and head of the doll and in the snowman contain an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). the plastic of the packaging is too thin. |
|
|
1 |
Remote control car
The solder contains an excessive amount of lead and cadmium. The plastic material of the protective tube contains an excessive amount of bis(2-etylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and benzyl butyl phthalata (BBP). |
|
|
1 |
Inflatable toy
The plastic material of the product contains an excessive amount of organic tin (TBT), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and Diisononyl phthalate (DINP). |
|
|
2 |
Toy bow and arrows
The plastic material of the product contains an excessive amount of organic tin (TBT). The product also contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIPB), and Diisononyl phthalate (DINP). the plastic bag of the packaging is too thin It does not comply with the REACH Regulation and EN 71-3 an EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Toy gun
The product contains an excessive amount of organic tin (TBT) (measured values up to 71 mg/kg). The product also contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and Diisononyl phthalate (DINP). |
|
|
Choking |
1 |
Toy cooking set
Small plastic parts (switches of the cooker) may easily detach from the toy. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
2 |
Toy bow and arrow set
The suction cups of the projectile can easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Toy police set
The suction cups can be easily detached. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Teething toy
The toy may break generating separated small parts. The product does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71 -1. |
|
|
1 |
Toy xylophone
Small parts (xylophone foot and ball at the top of the mallet) may easily detach from the toy. It does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Inflatable toy
Small parts detach easily from the toy. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Toy rattle
The product can easily break, resulting in small parts as well as long protruding parts. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Soother
The product breaks easily, generating small parts. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Product Safety Directive and EN 1400. |
|
|
4 |
Soft toy
Due to the weakness of certain seams, the fibrous stuffing material of the toy is easily accessible. Small parts (filings and hard plastic parts) may detach. Small parts can easily detach (filings). It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Bath toy
Small plastic parts (the wings) may easily detach from the toy. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Toy car
Small parts (light bar) can easily detach. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
3 |
Children’s bath thermometer
The thermometer has a protruding part. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive. |
|
|
1 |
Toy mini cars
The toy cars are too small. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Plastic doll
The arms of the doll can easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN71-1. |
|
|
Choking, Cuts, Injuries |
1 |
Child bicycle seat
Small parts (metal rivets, plastic belt adjusters and stickers) may easily detach from the seat. The seat has unprotected edges which may cause cuts. It does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and EN 14344. |
|
Choking, Damage to hearing, Suffocation |
4 |
Bath toy
The sound pressure level is too high. Some parts of the toy protrude. The instruments can easily break, resulting in small parts. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and the European standard EN 71-1. |
|
Choking, Damage to hearing, Strangulation |
1 |
Toy musical instruments
The various instruments have detachable small parts and protruding parts, and can easily break creating further small parts. If the toy is used improperly, it may cause damage to hearing. One of the instruments (toy drum) has a long cord that should be placed around the neck. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
Choking, Injuries |
1 |
Toy set
Small parts (frog shirt, mounting bracket bolt, plastic box ring for music box) may easily detach. the crates of the music box and the frog can easily crack. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and the European standard EN 71-1. |
|
2 |
Toy rattle
The small beads in the plastic tubes of the toy can easily come out of the tubes. The small beads, once swallowed. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
Choking, Strangulation |
1 |
Pull-along toy
Small parts (knob) may detach from the toy. The cord of the toy is too long. |
|
Choking, Suffocation |
1 |
Children's cutlery set
The fork can break and small parts (e.g. prongs) may detach from it. It does not comply with the European standard EN 14372. |
|
1 |
Soother holder
The product breaks easily, generating small parts. The inadequate holes in the garment fastening (lion clip). The product does not comply with EN 12586. |
|
|
1 |
Toy rattle
The product can easily break, resulting in small parts. the product's packaging is too thin. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Bath toy set
Small plastic parts (squeaking element). The geometric shapes of the toys protrude too much. the plastic bag of the packaging is too thin. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
1 |
Bath toy
Some parts of the toy protrude. The plastic bag of the packaging is too thin. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
Damage to hearing |
2 |
Baby Rattles
The sound pressure level produced by the toy is too high. The product does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
Entrapment, Injuries, Strangulation |
1 |
Children's high chair
The product has only a crotch restraint on the belt, not between the seat and the bar. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and with the European standard EN 14988. |
|
Entrapment, Suffocation |
1 |
Child sleeping bag
The neck opening is too large in relation to the child height/age. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and EN 16781. |
|
Environment |
10 |
Electrical toy
A solder in the toy contains an excessive amount of lead. It does not comply with the requirements of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2 Directive). |
|
Injuries |
1 |
Children's car seat
In the event of an accident, the car seat may not properly restrain the child to minimise the displacement of the body. It does not comply with Regulation UN/ECE No 44-04 . |
|
1 |
Magnetic balls
The toy is made of small parts (balls) with a high magnetic flux. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
|
|
Microbiological |
1 |
Children’s bath thermometer
Water remains in the thermometer and is not drained away. It does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and EN 62115 and 71-3. |
|
Strangulation |
1 |
Wooden toy
The product has a long cord. This cord can become trapped in the neck area during various activities of a child. It does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and the European standard EN 71-1. |
|
Suffocation |
6 |
Plastic toys
The plastic bag of the packaging is too thin. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and with EN 71-1. |
|
1 |
Toy bow with sucker
The plastic bag of the packaging is too thin. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-1. |
The following 5 alerts regarding furniture were reported between week 51 and week 52 of 2021 and between week 1 and week 3 of 2022.
|
Types of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
Injuries |
1 |
Baby cot
The construction of the child’s bed is not stable enough during normal play (e.g. when jumping). It does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and EN 1725. |
|
3 |
Wooden bed
The construction of the bed is not stable enough and during normal use it can fall. It does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive and EN 1725. |
|
|
1 |
Stool
The stool has no locking device. It does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor EN 12520. |
The following 29 alerts regarding hard goods/ miscellaneous goods were reported between week 51 and week 52 of 2021 and between week 1 and week 3 of 2022.
|
Types of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
Chemical |
1 |
Hammer
The product contains an excessive amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
Chemical, Environment |
1 |
Sun protection for windshield
The suction cups of the screen contain lead (measured values up to 0.097 % by weight) and short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). The product does not comply with the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation and REACH regulation. |
|
Choking |
7 |
Decorative articles/ Christmas tree decoration
Due to their characteristic appearance, form, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for foodstuff. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Food Imitating Products Directive and with the European standard EN 71-1. |
|
1 |
Candles
Due to its presentation, the product can easily be confused with a soft drink. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Food-imitating Products Directive. |
|
|
Cuts |
1 |
Flail-type cutting attachment for brush cutter
The rivets attaching the cutting knives to the blade could break. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive and Commission Decision 2012/32/EU prohibiting the placing on the market of flail-type cutting attachments for portable hand-held brush cutters. |
|
Cuts, Injuries |
1 |
Circular Saw
The mechanical strength of the product is insufficient. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive and the European Standard EN 62841-2-5. |
|
1 |
Electric chainsaw
The front handle is placed above the motor body and attached directly to the side of the body above the guide axis. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive and the relevant European Standard EN 60745-2-13. |
|
|
Environment |
1 |
Plastic ball
The plastic material of the ball contains short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). The product does not comply with the Regulation on persistent organic pollutants (POP Regulation). |
|
1 |
Plastic cover for greenhouse
The plastic material of the ball contains short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). The product does not comply with the Regulation on persistent organic pollutants (POP Regulation). |
|
|
1 |
Mini torch
The solder contains an excessive amount of lead and cadmium. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2 Directive). |
|
|
Environment, Health risk / other, Radiation |
6 |
Jewellery (Bracelet, necklace, pendant, etc.)
The product contains radioactive materials which continuously emit ionising radiation. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Directive on basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. |
|
Injuries |
3 |
Scissor/trolley Jack
The device is not sufficiently resistant to load. the jack is not durable enough for consecutive use and may jam after short use. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive and the European standard EN 1494. |
|
1 |
Vibroshaper (stationary training equipment)
When the training rope is used as intended, the carabiners may open and strike the user's head or eyes through the rubber rope, causing injuries. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive. |
|
|
3 |
Circular saw blade
The chained saw blade may be mounted on an angle grinder and may therefore, against its intended use, be used as a hand-held circular saw. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive and the European standard EN 60745-2-3. |
RASFF (European Commission Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed - Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following 5 alerts regarding Food Contact Materials related to children's tableware were reported from the 21 December 2021 to the 20 January of 2022.
|
Product |
Substance / Hazard |
|
|
Dinner set for children |
Unauthorized use of melamine and bamboo fiber in plastic plate, mug and dinner set for children |
|
|
Polar bear plates |
Polar bear plates from Hong Kong, via the United Kingdom and via Italy unfit for use as food contact material. Non - compliance of the melamine material was established due to increase migration of formaldehyde from the first to the third migration test. |
|
|
Ceramic children's mug |
Migration of lead (0.066 - 0.087 mg/dm²) from ceramic children's mug from China. Migration of lead from ceramic children's mug |
|
|
Paper straws |
Increased 3-MCPD content in paper straws |
|
|
Plate, water pitcher, cup, children´s tableware and bowl of bamboo |
Unauthorised use of bamboo in bamboo fibres and melamine children's tableware from unknown origin |
|
|
Baby tableware |
Misleading labelling for baby tableware |
|
|
Kid’s dinnerware sets |
Unauthorised use of bamboo in plastic dinnerware sets. Plastic food contact materials containing bamboo fibre and other bamboo substances are not permitted to be sold or imported into Ireland as per Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. |
|
|
Kitchen utensils and tableware |
Unauthorized use of vegetable fibers (wheat straw) in kitchen utensils and tableware. |
|
|
Tableware (children's tableware set, plate, bowl, cup and glass) |
Unauthorised use of bamboo in tableware |
|
U.S.
From the 21 December 2021 to 20 January of 2022, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) published the following 2 recalls:
2 recalls regarding Toys and childcare products
|
Hazard |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
Toxic |
1 |
Wooden wagons
Paint on the wooden wagons, the plastic handles, and the red plastic cover contain levels of lead that exceed the maximums allowed. |
|
Choking |
1 |
Silicone pacifiers
The base of the silicone nipple has a fine slit that can cause the nipple to detach from the plastic shield. |
1 recall of furniture
|
Type of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
Entrapment and strangulation hazards. |
1 |
Bunk beds
The metal hook fastening the ladder to the top bunk bed frame can move away or detach from the bed frame when the ladder is lifted, causing the gap between the ladder step and bed frame to open wider than 3.5 inches. |