Insight Bulletins: Housewares and Furniture
U.S. – California Passes SB 343 Prohibiting Use of Deceptive Recycling Labels
On October 5, 2021, California’s Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 343 Truth in Labeling for Recyclable Materials (the bill), prohibiting the use of misleading recycling claims on non-recyclable products and packaging. More…
U.S. – September 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In September 2021, there were a total of 249 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, down from the 335 notices served in August 2021. The majority of the notices were for lead, accounting for 46% while phthalates had a total of 93 notices... More…
U.S. – August 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In August 2021, there were a total of 335 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65. The majority of the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 45%, while lead had a total of 112 notices, about 21% of the total number of notices. More…
U.S. – July 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In July 2021, there were a total of 253 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, down from the 318 notices served in June 2021. The majority of the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 39%. There were nearly as many notices related to... More…
EU REACH – New Restriction Published for C9-C14 PFCAs under Entry 68 of Annex XVII to REACH
On 4 Aug 2021, the European Commission Published Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1297 to amend entry 68 of Annex XVII to REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 to newly restrict perfluorocarboxylic acids containing 9 to 14 carbon atoms in the chain (C9-C14 PFCAs), their salts and their related substances. More…
U.S. – June 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In June 2021, there were a total of 318 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, up from the 292 notices served in May 2021. The majority of the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 43%, while lead had a total of 107 notices More…
U.S. – Maine Passes House Bill 1503 Prohibiting Sale of Products Containing PFAS
Maine recently passed House Bill 1503, which phases in the requirements for notification and prohibition on the sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS substances. More…
U.S. – EPA Proposes TSCA Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
On June 28, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking for reporting and recordkeeping requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7). The proposed rule will require... More…
Canada – Final Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations Published
On July 7, 2021, Health Canada, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, published the final Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations: SOR/2021-148 (Regulations) in Canada Gazette Part II. The regulations place limits on the formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products and More…
U.S. – FTC Publishes 16 CFR 323 ‘Made in USA’ Labeling
On July 14, 2021, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published the final rule for ‘Made in USA’ Labeling, 16 CFR 323. The FTC adopted the rule proposed last year with limited modifications. The final rule is effective August 13, 2021. More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of 8 SVHCs to Candidate List
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 8 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. The substances are detailed in the insight bulletin for reference. More…
U.S. – May 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In May 2021, there were a total of 292 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, up from the 156 notices served in April 2021. The majority of the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 43%, while lead had a total of 49 notices More…
U.S. – Nevada Approves Regulations Restricting PFAS and OFRs in Certain Consumer Products
On May 27, 2021, Nevada Governor Sisolak signed amendments to Assembly Bill, AB97, restricting the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) in a variety of consumer products. The Nevada bill seeks to reduce the exposure to both these classes of chemicals by... More…
U.S. – Vermont Approves Bill S20 to Restrict Sale of PFAS Chemicals
On May 18, 2021, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed bill S. 20 into law, which impacts chemicals in a wide range of products and amends the list of chemicals of high concern to children (CHCCs). The bill (S 20) restricts the sale of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in More…
U.S. – April 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In April 2021, there were a total of 156 60-day notices for alleged violation of Prop 65, down from the 300 notices served in March 2021. A total of 62 of the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 40% of all notices. Of the rest, 30% were More…
U.S. – March 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In March 2021, there were a total of 300 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, up from the 296 notices served in February 2021. Majority of the notices were for lead and phthalates, accounting for 34% and 40% of the total notices, respectively More…
U.S. – CPSC Approves Direct Final Rule to Adopt California Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013) for Indoor Upholstered Furniture
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a direct final rule to codify the requirements for the flammability of upholstered furniture for indoor use under the COVID-19 Regulatory Relief and Work From Home Safety Act (the Act) into the Code of Federal Regulations More…
U.S. – February 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest. More…
U.S. – New York Approves PFAS Ban in Food Packaging
In December 2020, New York Governor Cuomo signed into law bill S8817/A4739 prohibiting sale of food packaging products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Perfluoroalkyl substances have a unique property of grease resistance, stain resistance, and oil and water repellency, properties that More…
Belgium – Royal Decree on Metal and Alloy Food Contact Materials Approved
The Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment of Belgium has approved a Royal Decree on food contact materials made of metals and alloys. This Decree is already effective. More…
U.S. – January 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest. More…
U.S. – The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse Approves Changes to Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation
In February 2021, the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) approved significant revisions to the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation including; restriction of sale of packaging and packaging materials containing phthalates greater than 100 parts per million or 0.01% by weight... More…
U.S. – ASTM International Publishes F3502 Safety Specifications for Barrier Face Coverings
ASTM International (ASTM) has approved new standard F3502 Safety Specifications for Barrier Face Coverings (BCF). The first of its kind, this standard is intended to cover general consumer face coverings and explicitly excludes face masks (medical masks) for use in healthcare settings regulated by... More…
Benelux – Statement Issued about Market Withdrawal of Bamboo-Melamine Food Contact Articles
The authorities of Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg issued a joint communication on February 15, 2021, announcing that business operators will have to withdraw “Bamboo-Melamine” materials and articles from the market immediately, as the use of bamboo (or other natural constituents) in combination with... More…
U.S. – December 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In December 2020, there were a total of 293 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, down from the 314 notices served in November 2020. Nearly half the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 41%. Of the rest, 32% were More…
U.S. – November 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In November 2020, there were a total of 314 60-day notices for alleged violation of Prop 65, compared to 333 notices served in October 2020. Majority of the notices were for phthalates, accounting for 51% of the total notices. More…
U.S. – October 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of 2 SVHCs to Candidate List
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced the addition of 2 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. The substances have identified uses in products, such as inks or toners, and in the production of plastics and tyres. More…
U.S. – OEHHA Proposed Amendments to Prop 65 Short-form Warnings
On January 8, 2021, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) proposed amending Article 6 Clear and Reasonable Warnings. The safe harbor warning methods and content in Article 6 are deemed by OEHHA to be clear and reasonable for More…
U.S. – September 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest. More…
EU – Restricted Azo Dyes Test Methods Harmonised in Annex XVII of REACH
The European Union issued an amendment to REACH in the official journal on 16th December 2020. Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2096 of 15 December 2020 amends Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes Amendment to the 16 CFR 1632 Safety Standard for Mattresses and Mattress Pads
Under the U.S. Flammable Fabrics Act, 16 CFR 1632 is the federal standard for flammability of mattresses and mattress pads. 16 CFR 1632 evaluates the ignition resistance of a mattress or mattress pad when exposed to a lighted cigarette using pass/fail criteria More…
U.S. – July 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest More…
U.S. – August 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest More…
U.S. – June 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest More…
U.S. – FTC Finalizes Amendment to the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (16 CFR 303)
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has amended the Rules & Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act to incorporate the latest ISO 2076 standard: ISO 2076:2013(E), “Textiles—Man-made fibres—Generic names.” This incorporation by reference will... More…
EU – Amendment to Plastic Food Contact Regulation (EU) 10/2011 Approved
The European Commission has published Regulation (EU) 2020/1245 to amend Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials and articles. The amendment will enter into force on 23 September 2020. The most significant changes are More…
U.S. – The EPA Finalizes Amendments to SNUR for Long-chain Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylate and Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonate Chemical Substances
On July 27, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the significant new use rule (SNUR) for long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate (LCPFAC) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonate chemical substances, and an amendment to make inapplicable the exemption for persons who import a subset of More…
France – Replacement of Rubber Food Contact Regulation Approved
The Ministry of Economy, Finance and Recovery of France has published Order of 5 August 2020, on rubber food contact materials and articles and pacifiers for infants and young children, which shall replace and repeal Order of 9 November 1994, on 1 July 2021. More…
U.S. – Hong Kong’s U.S. Exports to be Labeled “Made in China”
On July 14, 2020, U.S. President Trump issued Executive Order 13936 on Hong Kong Normalization, in accordance with the suspension of the Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, requiring imported goods produced in Hong Kong to indicate “China” as their origin. More…
Mercosur –Updates on Technical Regulations for Plastic Food Contact Articles Proposed
The Southern Common Market (Mercosur), comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, Venezuela and Bolivia, has published two draft resolutions to amend the Technical Regulations for plastic food contact articles. The key points of these two resolutions are summarized as follows... More…
U.S. – Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse Proposes Updated Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) was established by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) in 1992 to assist with the adoption of the CONEG-developed Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation, which aims to reduce the presence of heavy metals and other harmful substances in More…
U.S. – FTC Proposes 16 CFR 323 Made in USA Labeling
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with protecting consumers from deceptive acts and practices under FTC Act. Section 5(a) of the FTC Act authorizes the FTC is to ensure that a ‘Made in USA’ claim, like any other claim, be truthful, non-deceptive and substantiated More…
EU REACH – Explanatory Guide on REACH Annex XVII Entry 72 Published
The European Commission has published an explanatory guide to clarify the scope of articles intended to be covered and list the analytical methods for CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) substances under entry 72 to Annex XVII of REACH. More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of SVHCs to Candidate List
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of 4 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. Producers and importers of articles containing a substance included in the Candidate List have six months from addition to the candidate list to More…
EU – CEN Publishes Workshop Agreement on Community Face Coverings
The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has published a workshop agreement document on face coverings. The CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) document - CWA 17553 Community Face Coverings - Gude to Minimum Requirements, Methods of Testing and Use – has been made freely available to More…
U.S. – May 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest. More…
U.S. – Federal Drug Administration Updates Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators
The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued additional guidance to allow an expanded availability of face masks for the general public and respirators for health care personnel (HCP). This guidance has an indefinite timeframe based upon the length of the COVID-19 situation. More…
U.S. – April 2020 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
he Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office or any district attorney or certain city attorneys or by any individual acting in the public interest More…
U.S. – Maryland Approves Bill to Restrict Flame Retardants in Certain Consumer Products
On May 8, 2020, Senate bill SB447 was enacted as Maryland Governor Hogan did not veto the bill within 30 days after it was presented after passing both chambers. The bill prohibits a person from importing, selling, or offering for sale certain products containing flame retardants More…