Insight Bulletins: 2018
The below Intertek Insight technical bulletins are from 2018.
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in November 2018
In November, the Zhejiang QTS, Guizhou AMR and Gansu AMR announced the results of the 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,” More…
EU REACH – European Union Publishes Regulation (EU) 2018/2005 Amending the Phthalates Restriction in Entry 51 of REACH Annex XVII
The European Commission has published Regulation (EU) 2018/2005 in the EU Official Journal. The regulation amends Entry 51 of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) on More…
Canada – Ontario Revokes Upholstered and Stuffed Articles Labeling Regulation
The Government of Ontario announced revocation of the upholstered and stuffed articles regulation under Technical Standards and Safety Act of 2000. The regulation will be revoked effective July 1, 2019. Due to the revocation of this regulation, starting July 1, 2019, upholstered and stuffed articles offered for sale in More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in October 2018
In October, the Shanghai QTS, Zhejiang QTS, Jiangsu AIC, Shandong QTS and Shenzhen MSA announced the results of the 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,” More…
EU – New Children’s Sleep Environment Standards Published
There have been several standards published by CEN (the European standards body) which relate to children’s sleep environment. These standards have been developed in response European Commission mandate M/497 Standardisation mandate on the safety of child-care articles. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in September 2018
In September, the Beijing QTS and Shandong QTS announced the results of the 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…
EU REACH – European Union Publishes Regulation (EU) 2018/1513 Restricting CMR Substances in Clothing
The European Commission has published Regulation (EU) 2018/1513, which introduces a restriction on certain carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) substances in apparel, footwear and other textile consumer products. The regulation amends Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes Updates to Clarify 16 CFR 1130 Consumer Registration of Durable Infant or Toddler Products Rule
As part of the rulemaking process required by Section 104(d) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a regulation in 2009 requiring manufacturers to provide a means for consumers to register “durable infant or toddler products,” so that More…
Canada Approves New Playpens Regulations SOR/2018-186
The Canadian Playpen Regulations first came into effect in September 1976 and underwent a significant revision in 1991. In order to address changes to playpen design and functionality over the years to better meet consumer needs and improve the safety of children, and to better align with the U.S. regulations More…
U.S. – Oregon Amends Toxic-Free Kids Rule
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) amended the Toxic-Free Kids Rule (TFKR), also known as the Children’s Products Reporting Rule requirements. Following are the amendments: High Priority Chemicals of Concern for Children’s Health (HPCCCH) list revision. Based on the revision to the Washington Children’s Products Reporting Rule More…
U.S. – California Passes AB-2998 Prohibiting Flame Retardants in Juvenile Products, Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses
On September 29, 2018, California Governor Brown signed bill AB-2998, which prohibits the sale of new juvenile products, mattresses and upholstered furniture that contains specified flame retardants. Effective January 1, 2020, the Act prohibits sale, offer for sale and distribution in the State of California of More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves ASTM F1235-18 for Hook-on Chairs 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 F1235-18 to be incorporated in the federal regulation: 16 CFR 1233 – Safety Standard for Portable Hook-on Chairs. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in August 2018
In August, the Shanghai QTS, Shanghai AIC, Zhejiang QTS, Jiangsu QTS, Guangdong QTS, Shaanxi QTS and Shanxi QTS announced the results of the 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,” More…
Health Canada Issues Notice Regarding Safety of Teething Necklaces Worn by Children Under Three Years of Age
On August 13, 2018, Health Canada issued a notice informing manufacturers, importers and retailers that teething necklaces worn by children under three years of age may represent strangulation, choking and aspiration hazards. These hazards could potentially lead to the death of a child. More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in July 2018
In July, the Liaoning QTS and Qinghai QTS announced the results of the 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,” More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in June 2018
In June, the Jiangsu QTS, Liaoning QTS and Jilin AIC announced the results of the 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,” More…
Canada Amends Toys Regulations Adding Requirements for Magnets and Magnetic Components of Toys
On June 25, 2018, Health Canada published amendments to the Toys Regulations to address the magnetic toys and magnetic components of toys. The amendments formalize Health Canada’s guidance on strong magnets in toys and also align the Canadian Toys Regulations with More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 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), on July 2, 2018, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved a new federal rule – 16 CFR 1237 Safety Standard for Booster Seats. More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 16 CFR 1252 to Exempt Certain Engineered Wood Products from CPSIA Chemical Testing Requirements
On June 22, 2018, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved a final rule 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 content More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 16 CFR 1235 Safety Standard for Baby Changing Products
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 a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1235 Safety Standard for Baby Changing Products. More…
EU REACH – Addition of 10 SVHCs to Candidate List Announced by ECHA
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 10 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List, bringing the total number of substances on the list to 191. The 10 substances are detailed below for reference. More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1238 Safety Standard for Stationary Activity Centers
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 1238 Safety Standard for Stationary Activity Centers. More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 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) has approved a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1231 Safety Standard for High Chairs. More…
U.S. - CPSC Approves ASTM F406-17 for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs in Direct Final Rule
On May 2, 2018, Health Canada published the amended Children’s Jewellery Regulation SOR/2018-82 in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The amended Children’s Jewellery Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act [CCPSA] adds a 130 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) total cadmium limit for More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in May 2018
In May, the Zhejiang QTS, He’nan QTS, Sichuan AIC, Hubei AIC and Hebei AIC announced the results of the 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…
Canada Revises Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations
As part of Health Canada’s Lead Risk Reduction Strategy for consumer products (LRRS), Health Canada aims to reduce exposure to lead content from consumer products, especially children’s products. In keeping with this, Health Canada has identified other products on the North American market containing lead More…
Health Canada Amends Children’s Jewellery Regulations, SOR/2018-82
On May 2, 2018, Health Canada published the amended Children’s Jewellery Regulation SOR/2018-82 in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The amended Children’s Jewellery Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act [CCPSA] adds a 130 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) total cadmium limit for More…
China – 2018 Updated Textile, Footwear and Light Industrial Products Standard List
Recently the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China released announcement No. 23 of 2018 published updates of standards. There are two important textile product standards that have been updated: FZ/T 43014-2018 “Silk scarf and shawl” and FZ/T 81010-2018 “Trench coats.” More…
China – Updated Standard GB/T 11951-2018 Issued
The General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the Standardization Administration Committee of the People’s Republic of China issued an updated standard GB/T 11951-2018
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in April 2018
In April, the State Administration for Market Regulation (AQSIQ and SAIC), Hunan AIC and Shanxi QTS announced the results of the 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…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in March 2018
In March, the Beijing QTS, Zhejiang QTS, Jiangsu QTS, Shandong AIC, Fujian QTS and Jilin AIC announced the results of the 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. – City of San Francisco Bans Sale of Fur and Fur Products
On April 13, 2018 the City and County of San Francisco (California) passed ordinance to ban the sale of “Fur” and “Fur Products.” The ordinance prohibits sale, offer for sale, display and manufacturing of fur from January 1, 2019. “Fur” and “Fur Products” are defined as: More…
U.S. – EPA Revises Compliance Deadlines for Formaldehyde Emission Standards in Composite Wood Products
On March 13, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order addressing the litigation over the December 12, 2018, compliance date for the formaldehyde standards for composite wood products issued pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI. More…
Turkey Proposes to Amend Safety Requirements for Certain Consumer Products
The Ministry of Customs and Trade of Turkey has proposed to amend the safety requirements for certain consumer products under the Communique published in Official Gazette No. 29701. The proposed requirements are highlighted as follows: More…
U.S. CPSC and Health Canada – DRAFT 'Guidance on the Application of Human Factors to Consumer Products'
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada have both published the draft “Guidance on the Application of Human Factors to Consumer Products” for public comment. The draft guidance document was co-developed by CPSC and Health Canada staff to provide guidance to More…
U.S. – Washington Passes HB2658 Restricting PFAS in Food Packaging
On March 21, 2018, Washington state Governor Inslee signed bill HB2658 restricting use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in food packaging. Effective January 1, 2022, the law prohibits sale, offer for sale and distribution in the State of Washington, of food packaging to which More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in February 2018
In February, the Shanghai QTS, Zhejiang QTS, Shandong AIC, He’nan AIC and Gansu QTS announced the results of the 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 More…
EU Strengthens Bisphenol A Restriction in Food Contact Materials and Articles
On 14 February 2018, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2018/213 in the Official Journal of European Union to strengthen the restriction on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic food contact materials under Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and restrict the use of BPA as varnishes More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in January 2018
In January, the Zhejiang AIC, Tianjin MSA and Ningxia QTS announced the results of the special product quality supervision for bedding articles. This spot check was conducted according to... More…
EU REACH – EU Commission Publishes Draft Restriction on Substances in Clothing and other Textile Products
The EU Commission published a draft regulation that will amend Annex XVII of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and introduce further chemical restrictions on the use of substances in apparel, footwear and other textile consumer products. More…
China – 2018 Updated Textile and Footwear Standards List
The standardization administration of the People’s Republic of China recently published announcement No. 32 of 2017 with updates to textiles and footwear standards. The 2018 list includes some important updates to product standards and test methods for apparel, such as More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves ASTM F963-17 Safety Standard for Toys in Direct Final Rule
ASTM International notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on the publication of ASTM F963-17 standard on September 1, 2017. After review of the revised standard, the CPSC published a Direct Final Rule (DFR) on December 4, 2017, amending 16 CFR 1250 and adopting ASTM F963-17 More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of SVHCs to Candidate List
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 7 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. It has also amended the entry to the substance, bisphenol-A. The amendment to BPA and the 7 substances are detailed below for reference More…
Turkey – Update to Import Inspection Requirements for Toys
On 30 December 2017, Turkey Ministry of Economy issued a notice (Product Safety and Inspection No 2018/10) in Official Gazette No. 30286 about the latest import inspection regulation for toys that are subject to the Risk-Based Trade Control System (TAREKS) More…
Results of China Market Textile and Footwear Spot Checks in December 2017
In December, the Beijing OTS and Inner Mongolia AIC announced the results of the special product quality supervision for children’s wear. This spot check was conducted according to GB 18401-2010 “National general safety technical code for textile products,” GB 31701-2015 “Safety Technical Code for Infants and More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 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) has approved a new federal regulation: 16 CFR 1232 Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs and Stools. More…
China – Updated Textile and Footwear Standard List 2017
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China recently released announcement No. 48 of 2017, which published the updates to various standards. The update includes some important product standards for apparel updated such as FZ/T 73012-2017 “Brassiere,” FZ/T 73028-2017 More…
Australia – Consumer Goods (Swimming and Flotation Aids) Safety Standard 2017 Published
The Commonwealth of Australia has published Consumer Goods (Swimming and Flotation Aids) Safety Standard 2017. From 20 Dec 2019, flotation aids shall comply with the standard. A flotation aid is defined as an article: More…