Insight Bulletins: Housewares and Furniture
ISO Has Published an Updated Version of ISO 4531 for Food Contact Vitreous and Porcelain Enamels
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 4531:2022 for food contact enameled articles. This updated version replaces the 2018 version and is effective immediately. ISO 4531 defines test methods and specifies limits for the release of metal-ions from enameled articles which are More…
U.S. – April 2022 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In April 2022, there were a total of 185 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65. The majority of the notices were for Lead (44 %) and Phthalates (36%). The remaining 20% were notices for the presence of other chemicals. More…
U.S. – March 2022 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In March 2022, there were a total of 243 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65. The majority of the notices were for Phthalates (41 %) and lead (39%). The remaining 20% were for the presence of other chemicals. More…
US – California: OEHHA Proposes Second Modification to Proposed Rule for Proposition 65 (Prop 65) Short-Form Warnings
On April 5, 2022, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) issued a notice proposing additional modifications to its proposal to modify Prop 65 Article 6 Clear and Reasonable Warnings - Short Form. The latest proposal removes the limitation on... More…
U.S. – February 2022 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In February 2022, there were a total of 226 60-day Notices of Violation under Prop 65, a 20% increase from January 2022. 42% of notices were for lead, and 38% for phthalates. Of the reported notices, products under the categories of food accounted for... More…
U.S. – CPSC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Clothing Storage Units
On February 3, 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) for clothing storage units (CSUs) to address the risks of death and injury, particularly for children, associated with clothing storage units tipping over. More…
China: New substances for Use in Food Contact Materials
On March 1, 2022, The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) published Notice No.1 of 2022 to approve 19 kinds of substances for food contact materials and articles. This notice has already come into force. More…
U.S. – January 2022 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In January 2022, there were a total of 188 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65. The majority of notices were for lead, accounting for 43 % while phthalates had a total of 54 notices, about 29% of the total number of notices. The remaining 28% were... More…
U.S. – December 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In December 2021, there were a total of 221 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, down from the 257 notices served in November 2021. Most of the notices were for Phthalates, accounting for 37%. More…
U.S. – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Window Covering Cords Issued by CPSC
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued two notices of proposed rulemaking (NPR) on January 7, 2022. One Proposed rule would amend 16 CFR 1120, the substantial product hazard list, to designate stock window coverings a substantial product hazard (SPH) that fail to meet certain readily observable requirements More…
EU REACH – ECHA Announces Addition of 4 SVHCs to Candidate List
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of four new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. This brings the total number of SVHCs to 223. More…
U.S./California – OEHHA Adds PFNA and Its Salts to Proposition 65 List
December 31, 2021, the California EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and its salts to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause male reproductive toxicity under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Proposition 65 (Prop 65). More…
U.S. – November 2021 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis
In November 2021, there were a total of 257 60-day violation notices served for Prop 65, similar to 254 notices served in October 2021. Many of the notices were for Phthalates, which accounts for 51.4 % of notices issued. Lead, registering at nearly 25%... More…
U.S. – California: OEHHA Proposes Further Modification to Proposition 65 (Prop65) Short Form Warnings
California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) issued proposed amendments to Article 6 Clear and Reasonable Warnings - Short Form. After reviewing a total of 160 written comments and 21 oral comments, during the 60-day public comment period, from January 8 through March 29, 2021... More…
Canada – Minister of Environment Issues Survey on 188 BPA and its Alternative Substances
On November 13, 2021, the Canada Minister of Environment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act) issued notice in the Canada Gazette Part I to collect information on 188 substances, including Bisphenol A (BPA), BPA structural analogues, and.... More…
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…