Insight Bulletins: 2015
The below Intertek Insight technical bulletins are from 2015.
EU – Publication of Updated List of Standards Harmonised under Personal Protective Equipment Directive
The updated list of standards harmonised under the Personal Protective Equipment Directive (89/686/EEC) has been published in the EU’s Official Journal. The harmonised standards can demonstrate presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Directive. More…
EU REACH – Revised Guidance Document Published by ECHA following European Court of Justice Ruling on SVHCs in Articles
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated the guidance document on requirements for substances in articles. The document has been edited following the judgement of the Court of Justice of 10 September 2015. More…
EU REACH - ECHA Announces Addition of 5 SVHCs to Candidate List
On 17th December, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 5 new substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List. The substances are detailed below for reference More…
Vietnam Approves Technical Regulation on Glass, Ceramic and Enameled Food Contact Articles and Packaging
The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has published Circular No. 35/2015/TT-BYT mandating Technical Regulation QCVN 12-4:2015/BYT for domestic and imported food contact articles and packaging made of glass, ceramic (including porcelain), glass-ceramic and enamel. The circular will be effective from 1 May 2016. More…
U.S. – Vermont Approves Reporting Rule for Chemicals of High Concern in Children’s Products
On November 19, 2015, the U.S. state of Vermont Legislative Council approved the Chemicals of High Concern in Children’s Products Rulei, under Act No. 188ii relating to the regulation of toxic substances. This rule went into effect December 10, 2015 More…
China Publishes New Recall Regulations for Defective Consumer Products
The China General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) recently published “Regulations of Administration of Recall of Defective Consumer Products,” which will become effective January 1, 2016. There are currently recall regulations in place for... More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in November 2015
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 bedding, leather footwear, garments, travelling cases and trolley bags. More…
EU – New Amendments to Appendix C of the EU Toys Safety Directive 2009-48-EC
Appendix C of Annex II of 2009/48/EC lists specific limit values for chemicals used in toys intended for children under 36 months or in other toys intended to be placed in the mouth. Recently the EU have has published 3 Directives which that amend Appendix C by including within it formamide (Directive 2015/2115) More…
EU – Commission Regulation (EU) 2015-2030 Amends Regulation (EC) No 850-2004 Regarding Persistent Organic Pollutants
The EU recently published Regulation 2015/2030, which amends Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), regarding the prohibition of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, C10-C13 chloroalkanes). More…
Brazil Proposes Quality Technical Regulation for Gas Lighters
The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) of Brazil has recently published Ordinance No.525/2015, a draft of the Quality Technical Regulation for gas lighters, for public consultation. It is applicable to gas lighters (rechargeable or disposable), with bodies manufactured of polymer (plastic resins). More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1231 Safety Standard for High Chairs
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1231 Safety Standard for High Chairs. More…
China Proposes GB Standard for Sunglasses and Sunglare Filters
The draft GB standard on general requirements for sunglasses and sunglare filters was recently released for public consultation. It is applicable to all plano power sunglasses, sun glare filters, and clip-ons for general use, including road use and driving, intended for protection against solar radiation. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in October 2015
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for undergarments. The spot check inspected 40 batches of samples; 3 batches were found unqualified. More…
Indonesia Revises Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for Melamine Food and Drink Utensils
The Ministry of Industry of Indonesia has published Regulation No.77/M-IND/PER/9/2015 to revise the application of Indonesia National Standard (SNI) for melamine food and drink utensils. This Regulation enters into force immediately and revokes Regulation No.20/M-IND/PER/2/2012. More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1232 Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs and Stools
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1232 Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs and Stools. More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1229 Safety Standard for Infant Bouncer Seats
As part of the rulemaking process required by the Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1229 Safety Standard for Infant Bouncer Seats. More…
U.S. – CPSC Publishes Direct Final Rule Clarifying Applicability of Component Part Testing and Lead Content Exemption for Textile Prints
On October 14, 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a direct final rule amending the Component Part Testing Rule, 16 CFR 1109, clarifying when it may be used, and Lead Content Material Exemptions Rule, 16 CFR 1500.91, clarifying which printed textiles have been determined not to exceed the allowable lead content limits. More…
China Proposes New GB Standards for Certain Food Contact Materials and Articles
Recently, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHFPC) released six new draft GB standards for food contact materials and articles of plastic, rubber, metal and paper, as well as food contact coatings, for public consultation. More…
Colombia – Amendment to Labeling of Garments and Textile Products
On 18 Sept 2015, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism published Resolution No. 3023 to amend Article 5.2 of Resolution No. 1950, which was published 17 July 2009, on labeling of garments. This resolution will enter into force 18 Dec 2015. The major amendments are highlighted as follows: More…
Colombia – Amendment to Labeling on Footwear and Some Leathergoods
On 22 Sept 2015, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism published Resolution No. 3024 to amend Article 5.1 of Resolution No. 933, published in 2008 on labeling of footwear and some leathergoods. This resolution will enter into force on 22 Dec 2015. The major amendments are highlighted as follows: More…
France – Ceramic Food Contact Articles Recently Recalled for Aluminium, Cobalt and Arsenic Content
In France, there are no specific regulatory texts governing migration of the elements in ceramic food contact articles other than lead and cadmium, which are currently regulated by the French arrété of 7 November 1985 (transposed from the EU Directive 84/500/EEC) on the limitation of extractable quantities of lead and cadmium. More…
EU – Publication of Updated List of Standards Harmonised under General Product Safety Directive
The updated list of standards harmonised under the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) has been published in the EU’s Official Journal. The harmonised standards can give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the General Product Safety Directive. More…
Vietnam Proposes New Rules for Formaldehyde and Azo Dyes Requirements in Textile Products
A new draft circular has been put in place by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) that calls for specific requirements to limit the content of formaldehyde and Azo dyes in textile products manufactured, imported and traded in Vietnam. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in September 2015
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for products with filling materials (pillows and quilts). The spot check inspected 40 batches of samples; No no batches were found unqualified. More…
Taiwan Issues Clarification, and Proposes Changes, Regarding Labelling of Food Contact Articles
According to Article 26 of the Act Governing Food Sanitation, designated food utensils, containers and packaging shall clearly indicate in Chinese and common symbols the following information... More…
France – EN 14682: 2014 Safety of Children’s Clothing – Cords and Drawstrings on Children’s Clothing Harmonized
The EU Commission has approved that EN 14682:2014 should be adopted as a harmonized standard and will be published with the list of standards that are harmonized under the General Product Safety Directive. More…
U.S. – CPSC Withdraws Direct Final Rule Regarding Heavy Elements Limits for Unfinished and Untreated Wood used in Toys
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has withdrawn the direct final rule issued on July 17, 2015, exempting unfinished and untreated wood from tree trunks used in toys from the third party testing requirements for heavy elements per ASTM F963-11. More…
EU REACH – European Court of Justice Rules on SVHCs in Articles
The EU Court of Justice passed a ruling on the 10th September on the interpretation of the requirement to notify the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) about the presence of a substance of very high concern (SVHC) in an 'article'. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in August 2015
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for schoolbags. The spot check inspected 30 batches of samples; 10 batches were found unqualified. More…
U.S. – Law Labeling Requirements Updates for Filled Bedding and Furniture Products
The International Association of Bedding and Furniture Law Officials (IABFLO) recently updated its guidance document outlining the law labeling information requirements set forth by various States for filled bedding and furniture products sold in the U.S. More…
EU – Amendment to Nickel Release Standard Published – EN 1811:2011 + A1:2015
An amendment to EN 1811:2011 has been published to clarify the compliance/non-compliance criteria for release of nickel from jewellery and other metal components that may be in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. More…
U.S. CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1234 Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1234 Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs. More…
U.S. – Deadline Approaching for the Washington State Children’s Safe Products Act Reporting Rule
The state of Washington, as part of the Children’s Safe Products Act (CSPA) Reporting rRule, requires reporting for the 66 chemicals, that are designated as the chemicals of high concern (CHCC), for an accessible component(s) of certain children’s products (for ages under 12 years). More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in July 2015
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for knitted T-shirts. The spot check inspected 40 batches of samples; no batches were found unqualified. More…
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EU Proposes to Amend Regulation on Plastic Food Contact Materials and Articles
A draft Regulation was issued by the European Commission to propose amendments and corrections to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (hereinafter Regulation) on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. It is proposed to be published at the end of this year. Below are highlights of the major proposed amendments More…
EU - New Amendment A12 to EN 62115 is now Harmonised under the EU Toys Safety Directive
The new amendment A12 to EN 62115 is now harmonised under the EU Toys Safety Directive 2009/48/EC per the reference published in EU Official Journal in June 12, 2015. This new version will be effective from June 3, 2017, but until that time the existing standard can still be used. More…
EU – EN 14682:2014 Safety of Children’s Clothing – Cords & Drawstrings on Children’s Clothing Harmonised
The EU Commission has approved that EN 14682:2014 should be adopted as a harmonised standard and will be published with the list of standards which are harmonised under the General Product Safety Directive. The Commission decision is effective from 24 August 2015. More…
Canada Proposes to Revise Regulations for Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets
Health Canada has proposed to revise the Cribs, Cradles and Bassinet Regulations, SOR/2010-261. The proposed requirements are intended to improve the safety of these products as well as to bridge the gap between the Health Canada requirements, the ASTM standards and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rules More…
U.S. – Oregon Toxic Free Kids Act Signed into Law
On July 28, 2015, Oregon’s Toxic Free Kids Act (Senate bill 478) was signed into law by Governor Kate Brown; it will go into effect January 1, 2016. This bill is similar to the laws in the states of Vermont and Washington; and establishes a list of high priority chemicals... More…
UAE Proposes Control Scheme for Child Use and Care Articles
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proposed a draft Control Scheme for child use and care articles. It applies to child use and care articles intended to use for infants and children, which are imported, made, manufactured or distributed within the UAE. More…
U.S. – CPSC Publishes Direct Final Rule Exempting Unfinished and Untreated Trunk Wood from Heavy Elements Testing Requirements
On July 17, 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a direct final rule along with a proposed rule exempting unfinished and untreated wood from tree trunks from ASTM F963-11 Section 4.3.5: Heavy Elements testing requirements. More…
EU REACH – ECHA Proposal to Add 15 Substances to the Authorisation List
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the proposals to add 15 new substances to the Authorisation List of Annex XIV on 2 July 2015. Seven of the substances listed are phthalates, which have uses as plasticisers for polymer material. More…
U.S. CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1233 Safety Standard for Portable Hook-On Chairs
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation 16 CFR 1233 Safety Standard for Portable Hook-On Chairs. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in June 2015
The Guangzhou Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for children’s and infant apparel. The spot check inspected 74 batches of samples; 21 batches were found unqualified. More…
Turkey – Update to Shoe Labeling Regulation No. 29337 Published
On April 25, 2015, Turkey’s Ministry of Customs and Trade published Regulation No. 29337 concerning labeling of shoes. The shoes included in the scope of this regulation should contain the labeling of the materials used to produce the following components More…
Turkey – Update to Textile Labeling and Fiber Composition of Textile Products Published
On April 25, 2015, Turkey’s Ministry of Customs and Trade updated the Textile Labeling and Fiber Composition of Textile Products regulation. With this update, the regulation is now aligned with the European Regulation 1007/2011. More…
EU – New Information Requirement for EU PPE Certification of Penetration-Resistant Footwear Technical Files
‘Recommended for Use’ Guidance from the Notified Bodies for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Vertical Group 10 dated 5th February 2015, states that by the 1st July 2015 at the latest, Notified Bodies should require that manufacturer’s User Information includes the following points: More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of 2 SVHCs to Candidate List
On 15th June 2015, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 2 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 163. More…
China – GB 31701-2015 Covering Infant and Children’s Textile Products Effective June 2016
The Standardization Administration of China announced that GB 31701-2015 “Safety technical code for infants and children textile products” will come into effect on June 1, 2016. The transition period of implementation is 2 years. Any product what was manufactured before June 1, 2016 More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in May 2015
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical supervision launched a special product quality supervision and inspection for children’s footwear. The spot check inspected 45 batches of samples; 8 batches were found unqualified. More…