Insight Bulletins: 2017
The below Intertek Insight technical bulletins are from 2017.
U.S. – CPSC Issues Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Clothing Storage Units Tip-overs
As part of the rulemaking process under the Consumer Product Safety Act, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to initiate the rulemaking process and address the risks of death and injury associated with clothing storage units tipping over. More…
Canada Proposes Amendments to the Toys Regulations
On November 4, 2017, Health Canada published proposed amendments to the Canadian Toys Regulations to address the magnetic toys and magnetic components of toys. The proposed amendments formalize Health Canada’s guidance on strong magnets in toys and also align the Canadian Toys Regulations with US and EU requirements for magnets in toys. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in November 2017
In November, the Zhejiang QTS, Anhui OTS and Shanxi AIC announced the results of special product quality supervision for bedding articles. This spot check was conducted according to GB 18401-2010 “National general safety technical code for textile products,” GB/T 29862-2013 “Textiles-Identification of fiber content;” GB/T 22796-2009 “Quilts and quilt cover,” More…
Australia – Consumer Goods (Baby Bath Aids) Safety Standard 2017 Published
The Commonwealth of Australia published Consumer Goods (Baby Bath Aids) Safety Standard 2017. From 27 Oct 2018, baby bath aids shall comply with the standard. Below are highlights of the standard: The baby bath aid shall have a warning statement in the following form More…
U.S. – California: PFOA and PFOS added to the Proposition 65 List
On November 10, 2017, the California EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 More…
Australia Publishes Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard 2017
The Commonwealth of Australia has published Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard 2017. From 1 Jul 2019, sunglasses and fashion spectacles shall comply with Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard 2017, which differs from the voluntary Australian/New Zealand standard More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in October 2017
In October, the Beijing QTS, Fujian OTS, Hubei QTS, Chongqing QTS, Shanxi QTS, Hu’nan QTS and Gansu QTS announced the results of special product quality supervision for bedding articles. This spot check was conducted according to GB 18401-2010 “National general safety technical code for textile products More…
U.S. – CPSC Issues Final Rule to Modify and Expand the Ban on Phthalates in Toys and Child Care Articles
On October 18, 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to approve a Final Rule modifying and expanding the existing CPSC regulation limiting certain phthalates (plastic softeners) in toys and child care articles. The new Rule will go into effect in approximately six months’ time More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes to Exempt Certain Engineered Wood Products from CPSIA Chemical Testing Requirements
On October 13, 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) to exempt certain untreated and unfinished engineered wood products (EWP) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) section 101 total lead content, CPSIA section 108 phthalate More…
Argentina – Publishes Authorization Requirements for Food Contact Materials and Articles
On 21 September 2017, the National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices (ANMAT) of Argentina published Disposition 10088-E/2017 on the authorization requirements for food contact materials and articles. It entered into force on 9 October 2017. The highlights for the importers are as follows More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in September 2017
In September, the Guangxi QTS, Shandong QTS and Shanghai QTS launched the special product quality supervision for bedding articles. This spot check was conducted according to GB/T 2910-2009 "Textiles - Quantitative Chemical Analysis - Part 1: General Principles of Testing, More…
U.S. – Washington Department of Ecology Amends Reporting Rule of the Children’s Safe Products Act
On September 29, 2017, the State of Washington Department of Ecology adopted amendments to the Children’s Safe Products Reporting Rule, chapter 173-334 of the Washington Administrative Code. This amendment removed the phased-in reporting requirement and made reporting an annual requirement More…
EU Publishes Toy Safety Standard EN 71 Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements Amendment
On 9 August 2017, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published an amended version of European standard EN 71-3:2013+A2:2017, Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements. The amendments are primarily related to the analysis method of organic tin and are highlighted as follows: More…
U.S. – EPA Extends Compliance Deadlines for Formaldehyde Emission Standards in Composite Wood Products
On September 25, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final rule extending the compliance dates for the formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products final rule, issued pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI, and published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2016 More…
U.S. CPSC Approves 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) recently voted 3-2 to approve the new rule 16 CFR 1229 Safety Standard for Infant Bouncer Seats. More…
U.S. – Maine Passes Act Prohibiting Use of Flame-retardant Chemicals in Residential Upholstered Furniture
On August 2, 2017, the Maine state legislature voted to override the Governor’s veto and pass House Bill LD182 prohibiting the sale and distribution of residential upholstered furniture containing flame retardants. By enacting this bill, Maine becomes first state to categorically ban the use of More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in August 2017
In August, the Shanghai QTS, Hunan QTS and Chongqing Fiber Association launched a special product quality supervision for fiber products, cotton material and bedding articles. The Shanghai QTS checked 40 batches product and found 4 batches that failed, resulting in a failure rate of 10% More…
India – Toy Import Requirements Amended
On 1 September 2017, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of India issued DGFT Notification No.26/2015-2020 to amend the import policy for toys under Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC(HS)], 2017. The notification shall be effective immediately. More…
U.S. – ASTM Publishes Revised Toy Safety Standard – F963-17
On August 24, 2017, ASTM International published revised toy safety standard F963-17. The majority of the revisions were editorial to provide clarification of the requirements. There was a substantive revision to the requirements for projectile toys, clarifying that for the stored energy projectiles the More…
U.S. – CPSC Exempts Seven Plastics from CPSIA Section 108 Phthalate Content Testing Requirements
On August 30, 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published the final rule, 16 CFR 1308 – Prohibition of Children’s Toys and Child Care Articles Containing Specified Phthalates: Determinations Regarding Certain Plastics. This rule exempts seven plastics with specified additives from More…
Turkey – Footwear Import Controls Announced
The Turkey Ministry of Economy Product Safety and Surveillance Audit Department has announced that it will start controlling footwear products at the customs stage on June 29, 2017. The Import Controls will commence on July 10, 2017, and will be carried out within the framework of Regulation No. 2017/18 on the UGD announcement. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in July 2017
In July, the Shanghai Administration of Quality supervision, Ningxia Administration of Quality supervision and Qinghai Administration of Quality supervision launched a special product quality supervision for bedding articles. The spot checks were conducted according to GB 18401 "National general safety technical code for textile products," GB/T 5296.4-2012 More…
Turkey Announces Additional Import Inspection Requirements for Toys
On 30 June 2017, Turkey Ministry of Economy has issued a notice about the Communiqué of Import Inspection for Toys (Product Safety and Inspection No 2017/10) to impose more import inspection requirements for toys that are subject to the Risk-Based Trade Control System (TAREKS). More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of new substances as SVHC to Candidate List
On 10th July 2017, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of a new a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List. The addition is perfluorohexane-1-sulfonic acid and its salts (PFHxS). These substances may be used as a surfactant and wetting agent. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in June 2017
In June, the Shanxi Administration of Quality supervision launched the special product quality supervision for towels, bath towels, pillowcases and sheets. As a result of the inspection for towels the failure rate was 36.4%; for bath towels the failure rate was 45.8%; for pillowcases the failure rate was 33.8% and More…
Health Canada Revises the Policy for the Sleepwear Designed for Infants
The Canada Children’s Sleepwear Regulations, SOR/2011-15, defines a tight-fitting sleepwear as: “tight-fitting sleepwear” means any children’s sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X other than loose-fitting sleepwear. The tight-fitting sleepwear is subjected to the CAN/CGSB 4.2 No. 27.5 standard, the 45-degree angle flammability test, which is less stringent compared to More…
EU – European Commission Publishes Regulation (EU) 2017-1000 Amending REACH Annex XVII to Introduce Restrictions on PFOA
The European Commission has introduced a regulation adding an extra entry in Annex XVII of REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for restriction on Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), salts and PFOA-related substances. Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1000 as regards perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related substances amends Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of More…
China –Textile, Footwear and Hardgoods Standards Abolished
According to The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, the review work for 28,726 recommended standards is now complete. The following listed recommended standards concerning consumer products will be abolished as of the day of the announcement: More…
Algeria – Decree on Food Contact Materials and Articles Published
On 6 December 2017, Algeria published Executive Decree No. 16-299 to regulate food contact materials and articles, repealing Executive Decree No. 04-91. The Decree entered into force on 7 June 2017. Here are the highlights: More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in May 2017
In May, the Guangdong Administration of Quality supervision, Guizhou Administration of Quality supervision, Fujiang Administration of Quality supervision, Ningxia Administration of Quality supervision, Shanghai Administration of Quality supervision, Weifang Administration of Quality supervision, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Zhengjiang AIC, Shanghai CIQ and Qingpu (Shanghai) Marketing supervision Administration launched a More…
Australia Publishes Babies’ Dummies and Dummy Chains Safety Standard
On 8 May 2017, the Commonwealth of Australia published the Consumer Goods (Babies’ Dummies and Dummy Chains) Safety Standard 2017, which shall be enforced immediately. This mandatory standard applies to dummies designed specifically for babies and dummy chains and similar products intended to attach a baby’s dummy to his/her clothing. More…
China – 2017 Updated Textile and Footwear Standards List
The standardization administration of the People’s Republic of China recently released announcement No.11 of 2017 and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China released announcement No. 14 of 2017 to publish standards updates. These updates include some important apparel product standards, such as GB/T 2660-2017 More…
Canada Proposes New Playpen Regulations
Because playpens are intended to be used for unsupervised sleep for children, they need to provide a safe and secure environment. The Canadian Playpen Regulations first came into effect in September 1976, and underwent significant revision in 1991. Over the last 25 years, there has been significant progress in playpen design and function More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1237 Safety Standard for Booster Seats
As part of the rulemaking process required by the Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing a new federal regulation 16 CFR 1237 Safety Standard for Booster Seats More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in April 2017
In April, the Xiamen Marketing supervision Administration launched a special product quality supervision for bedding articles. As a result of the inspection of 30 batches during the spot check, 11 batches failed. Primary failed test item: fiber content More…
EU – New Amendment to the EU Toys Safety Directive 2009-48-EC – Lead Migration
Recently the EU published Directive 2017/738 to amend the migration limits for lead in toys. Primary Changes: From 28 October 2018, the limits for the migration of lead from toys will be reduced to the following levels: More…
Europe – New Amendments to Appendix C of the EU Toys Safety Directive 2009-48-EC
The EU recently published Directive 2017/774 that amends Appendix C of the EU Toys Safety Directive by including restrictions on phenol in specific toys. 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.. More…
China – 2017 Supervision and Inspection of Uncatalogued Imported and Exported Commodities Launched
In order to strengthen the overall quality supervision of import and export commodities, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of consumers and the interests of the state, the General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ) announced that it will organize More…
Eurasian Union – Amends Technical Regulation on Safety of Toys
On 30 March 2017, the Eurasian Economic Commission has published the decision to amend the Technical Regulation on Safety of Toys (TR CU 008/2011). The amendment will be effective from 30 March 2018. Below are the highlights of the amendments, toys and swings More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1236 Safety Standard for Infant Inclined Sleep Products
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 the new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1236 Safety Standard for Infant Inclined Sleep Products. The rule proposes to adopt More…
Australia – Updated Standard AS-NZS 1249: 2014 for Children’s Nightwear and Limited Daywear Garments Adopted
The Minister for Small Business of Australia has approved the Consumer Goods (Children’s Nightwear and limited Daywear and Paper Patterns for Children’s Nightwear) Safety Standard 2017, which shall be enforced immediately to revoke the current safety standard, More…
Malaysia Amends Food Regulations 1985
On 3 April 2017, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia approved to amend Food Regulations 1985 requirements for ceramic ware intended to be used in preparation, packaging, storage, delivery or exposure of food for human consumption. The new requirements shall be effective from 15 April 2017. More…
Turkey – Amendments to Toy Safety Regulation Approved
On 1 April 2017, the Turkey Ministry of Customs and Trade published an amendment to toy safety regulation in official Gazette No. 30025. Following are the highlights of the amendment and effective dates: More…
Algeria –Technical Regulation on Childcare Articles Approved
Algeria published a Joint Ministerial Decree to approve the technical regulation on the safety requirements of childcare articles, which will enter into force on 27 May 2017. The technical regulation applies to childcare products that are intended to secure or facilitate the relaxation, hygiene, sleep, moving, transport and physical protection More…
Japan Reviews Food Utensils, Containers and Packaging Regulation
On 17 March 2017, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) launched a consultation to review the regulations for food utensils, containers and packaging. Currently, food utensils, containers and packaging are regulated under the Food Sanitation Law. The business operators shall, on their own responsibility, More…
China – New GB Standards for Food Contact Material Entered into Force on April 19, 2017
The National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHFPC) published 53 new GB standards (GB 4806 series and GB 31604 series, etc.) for food contact material on November 18, 2016. All these standards will be entering into force in 2017. Nine products standards have been issued, More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in March 2017
In March, the Shanxi Consumer Protection Committee launched the special product quality supervision for bedding articles. This spot check was conducted according to GB 5296.4-2012 "Instruction for use of products of consumer interest," GB 18401 "National general safety technical code for textile products," More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 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) has unanimously approved the new federal regulation 16 CFR 1234 Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs. More…
Switzerland – Amendment to Toy Safety Ordinance
On 16 Dec 2016, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) of Switzerland published an amendment to Swiss Toy Safety Ordinance (SR 817.023.11). The amendment will become effective on 1 May 2017. Toys that do not comply with the amended Swiss Toy Safety Ordinance may remain on the Swiss market until 30 Apr 2018. More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves ASTM F1821-16 for Toddler Beds in Direct Final Rule
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) has approved the new ASTM F1821-16 to be incorporated in the federal regulation: 16 CFR 1217 – Safety Standard for Toddler Beds. More…