Insight Bulletins: 2014
The below Intertek Insight technical bulletins are from 2014.
Canada Approves SOR/2014-254 Products Containing Mercury Regulations
As part of Environment Canada’s initiative to protect the environment and human health, the Governor General approved SOR/2014-254 Products Containing Mercury Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The effective date of this regulation is November 8, 2015. More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of New SVHCs to Candidate List
On 17 December 2014, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of six new substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List. This brings the total number of substances on the Candidate List to 161. More…
Germany – New PAHs Requirement for Products with German GS Mark
In August 2014, the German Committee for Technical Equipment and Consumer Products (AtAV) published a requirement on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) limits in products that are subject to the GS Certification, which will become effective on July 1, 2015. More…
EU – REACH: Restriction of PAHs Extends to Consumer Products
The European Commission has published the Regulation (EU) No.1272/2013 to amend Entry 50 of Annex XVII to REACH Regulation (EC) No.1907/2006 on the restrictions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The new requirements shall apply from 27 December 2015. More…
EU – CEN Makes Available EN 14682:2014 Safety of Children’s Clothing – Cords & Drawstrings on Children’s Clothing
On 17th December 2014, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) made available EN 14682:2014, which supersedes EN 14682:2007. More…
US – CPSC Proposes New Phthalates Requirements for Toys and Child Care Articles
On December 17, 2014, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 3-2 to approve for publication and public comment a proposed new regulation that would lift the existing ban of some phthalates, while imposing a new ban on other phthalates in toys and child care articles. More…
EU – CEN Makes Available CEN/TR 16792:2014 Safety of Children’s Clothing – Recommendations for the Design and Manufacture of Children’s Clothing
On 17th December 2014, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) made available CEN/TR 16792:2014 – Recommendations for the Design and Manufacture of Children’s Clothing; as a result conflicting ‘National Standards’ such as BS 7907 should be subsequently withdrawn. More…
Turkey - New Phthalate Requirement for Footwear
Announcement No. 28431 concerning the auditing of certain consumer products was published by the Turkish Ministry of Economy on October 4, 2012. This announcement became obligatory on November 5, 2012; and the limit for the 6 phthalates listed below was set as 0.1% in total. More…
EU – New Revised Version of EN 71-1
A revised version of the European toy standard, EN 71-1:2014, has recently been published.The main purpose of this revision is to align the standard with new European Committee for Standardization (CEN) rules that govern the way in which standards are written. More…
EU – ECHA Proposes Definition of “Prolonged Contact with the Skin” for Nickel Restriction (Annex XVII to REACH)
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) released a document via its website in order to provide a proposal for a definition for “prolonged contact with the skin” in relation to nickel (Ni) restriction (Entry 27 of Annex XVII to REACH) with justification based on the available scientific evidence. More…
EU – Trampolines Now Classified as Toys
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) recently approved EN71 – Part 14: Trampolines for domestic use. As a result, trampolines are considered toys if they are intended for domestic use and to be used by children under 14 years of age. They should meet the essential requirements of EU Directive 2009/48/EC. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in November 2014
The General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for apparel, footwear and handbags, which were sold in network platform. More…
U.S.- California – Prop 65 DINP Warning Label Requirement
Starting December 20, 2014, under California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Prop 65, companies with 10 or more employees manufacturing, distributing or selling the product(s) containing diisononyl phthalate (DINP) More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in October 2014
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for silk quilts. The spot check inspected 38 batches of samples; 18 batches were found unqualified. More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves Safety Standard for Magnet Sets
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal safety standard for high-powered magnet sets and individual magnets marketed or intended for use as part of a magnet set. More…
China – Quality Performance of Imported Clothing in the First Half of 2014
In August, General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) announced Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) inspection results on apparels for the first half of 2014 More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in September 2014
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for handbags and knapsacks. The spot check inspected 30 batches of samples; 15 batches were found unqualified. More…
U.S./California – DTSC Publishes Draft Priority Product Work Plan
As part of the California Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Regulation rollout, on September 12, 2014 the California-Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) published draft Priority Product Work Plan ('Work Plan'). More…
U.S./California Passes Bill SB1019 – Upholstered Furniture: Flame Retardant Chemicals
California Legislature passed Bill SB 1019 that requires labeling of upholstered furniture for presence or absence of flame retardants. Bill is awaiting Governor Brown's signature. If signed, the requirements of this bill will become effective January 1, 2015 More…
U.S. CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1228 Safety Standard for Sling Carriers
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation 16 CFR 1228 Safety Standard for Sling Carriers. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in August 2014
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks for August 2014. Spotchecks for swimwear, children's and infant apparel, leather shoes and athletic footwear, knitted t-shirts, women's and men's trousers, shirts and blouses, apparel and more. More…
EN71-13:2014 Safety of Toys - Olfactory Board Games, Cosmetic Kits and Gustative Games has been Harmonized
The European standard EN71-13:2014 focusing on toys involving DIY kits for cosmetic and food as well as game set for learning smell and taste has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 13.06.2014 as harmonized standard of the Toys Directive 2009/48/EC. More…
EU – New Requirements for Chemicals under the Toys Safety Directive
The European Union (EU) has published three Directives 2014/79/EU, 2014/81/EU and 2014/84/EU in the Official Journal, amending the Toys Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, to introduce new restrictions on three flame retardants (TCEP, TCPP and TDCP) along with bisphenol A (BPA), and permit the use of nickel in certain toy materials. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in July 2014
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks for July 2014. More…
2013 Surveillance Summary: CIQ Inspection of Imported Imitation Jewelry at China Customs
Imitation jewelry is defined as jewelry, costume jewelry or fashion accessories (such as a brooch or chain belt), that is made of non-precious metal and other man-made materials. Jewelry is categorized as fine jewelry if it contains precious metal, diamonds or gems. More…
2013 Surveillance Summary: CIQ Inspection of Imported Apparel at China Customs
On July 4, 2014, the General Administration of Quality, supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper, 2013 Quality Performance of Imported Apparel, reporting the surveillance summary of imported apparel... More…
Denmark Withdraws Restriction on Phthalates
In an update to Intertek’s previously published Insight Vol. 727, the Danish Government has confirmed that legislation which was introduced to restrict four phthalates will be withdrawn. This removes the proposed restriction of the phthalates in a range of consumer goods. More…
2013 Surveillance Summary: CIQ Inspection of Imported Toys at China Customs
On July 4, 2014, the General Administration of Quality, supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of the People’s Republic of China published the white paper, 2013 Quality Performance of Imported Toys, reporting the surveillance summary of imported toys, conducted by the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) at China Customs. More…
New China Footwear Label Standard QB-T 2673-2013 Effective July 1, 2014
In its second announcement for 2014, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China approved the new China footwear label standard QB/T 2673-2013 Footwear-Specification of Marking. More…
China Approves New Mandatory Safety Standard for Children’s Footwear GB 30585-2014
The General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and the Standardization Administration Committee of the People’s Republic of China (P.R.C) approved a new mandatory standard, GB 30585-2014 More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in June 2014
The Market supervision Administration of Shenzhen Municipality launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for children’s apparel. The spot check inspected 65 batches of samples; 14 batches were found unqualified. More…
New China National Toy Standards GB 6675-2014 Approved and Officially Published
On May 6, 2014, the General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ) and Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC) jointly announced the approval of four new national standards for toys under GB 6675. More…
EU – ECHA Announces Addition of 4 SVHCs to REACH Candidate List
On 16th June 2014, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 4 new substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List under the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemical Substances regulation (REACH). This brings the total number of substances on the Candidate List to 155. More…
U.S. Vermont Adopts Bill S.239 – An Act Relating to the Regulation of Toxic Substances
On June 10, 2014, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin signed the bill S.239 adopting Act Relating to the Regulation of Toxic Substances, which requires manufacturers of products with toxic chemicals that can cause harmful health effects to disclose when those chemicals are present in children’s products. More…
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Amends Wool Products Labeling Rules
EU - EN 71-7 Revised to Support Toys Safety Directive 2009-48-EC
EN 71-7, the European finger paints toys safety standard EN 71-7 has now been revised in support of the new Toys Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. The many changes to EN 71-7 are as follows. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in May 2014
The Shanghai Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for towels. The spot check inspected 55 batches of samples; 5 batches were found unqualified. More…
U.S. FTC Amends Fur Products Labeling Act Regulations
The Fur Act and rules promulgated under the Fur Act establish requirements for disclosure, labeling and advertising of products made partly or entirely of fur to assist a consumer in making an informed purchasing decision. More…
U.S. CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1230 Safety Standard for Frame Child Carriers
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1230 Safety Standard for Frame Child Carriers More…
Minnesota Bans Triclosan in Cleaning Products
Minnesota Bans Triclosan in Cleaning Products More…
Indonesia Mandatory National Standard for Toys
Indonesia Mandatory National Standard for Toys More…
U.S. Maryland –Child Care Products Containing Flame-Retardant Chemicals TDCPP Prohibition
US Maryland - Child Care Products Containing Flame Retardant Chemicals TDCPP Prohibition More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in April 2014
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in April 2014 More…
Canada Passes TCEP in Polyurethane Foam Requirement for Certain Children's Products
On April 23, 2014, Canada passed the requirement prohibiting the use of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) in products intended for a child under 3 years of age, and made, in whole or in part, of polyurethane foam. More…
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Amends Textile Labeling Rule
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has amended 16 CFR 303, Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. The rule was published in Federal Register on April 4, 2014, and becomes effective May 5, 2014. The amended rule clearly identifies scope of the rule by providing product coverage and exclusions in 16 CFR Section 303.45 (a) and (b) respectively. More…
U.S. CPSC Approves 16 CFR 1226 Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently voted unanimously (3-0) to approve the new federal rule 16 CFR 1226 Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers More…
Indonesia – New Requirements for Azo Dyes, Formaldehyde and Extractable Heavy Metals Content in Infant Apparel
On Feb. 17, 2014, the Ministry of Industry of Indonesia signed regulation No.07/M-IND/PER/2/2014, which will become mandatory on May 17, 2014, or three months after the decree was signed. This regulation supersedes previous regulation that went into effect in 2012 More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in March 2014
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in March 2014 for women's undergarments, leather footwear, leather apparel, bedding, athletic footwear and home wear More…
EU Introduces Restrictions on Chromium VI in Leather
The European Commission released a Regulation on 26th March 2014 that restricts the chromium VI content in leather products. The Regulation (No. 301/2014) is an amendment to Entry 47 of Annex XVII of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations. More…
China GB-T 15107-2013 Athletic Shoes goes into effect on June 1, 2014
After QB/T 4331-2012 "Children’s Athletic Shoes" became effective, China’s General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China (SAC) jointly published NO.21 Announcement in 2013, and approved the new updated national standard GB/T 15107-2013 "Athletic Shoes" to go into effect June 1, 2014. More…