Insight Bulletins: Toys and Children's Products
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…
U.S. – CPSC Adopts ASTM F2088-20 for Infant Swings 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 F2088-20 to be incorporated in the federal regulation 16 CFR 1223 – Safety Standard for Infant Swings 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…
EU/UK – All Four Documents Related to Security of Attachments for the Safety of Children’s Clothing Have Now Been Published
CEN (the European standardisation body) has now published the four new documents – three test methods and one specification – for the safety of children’s clothing that address the security of attached components (refer to Insight Vol. 1212 for previous announcement). More…
EU/UK – New Version of European Toy Standard EN 71-4 Published
A revised version of the European Toy Standard EN 71-4:2020 (Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities) has recently been published by CEN, and National Standards Bodies will publish or endorse this new standard by June 2021. 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…
EU/UK – New Documents Published Related to Security of Attachments for the Safety of Children’s Clothing
CEN (the European standardisation body) has recently approved four new documents – three test methods and one specification – for the safety of children’s clothing that address the security of attached components. One document regarding the security of attachment of buttons was published as More…
Australia – Mandatory Requirements on Button Batteries and Products Containing Button Batteries Approved
The Australia Government has approved the Consumer Goods (Button/Coin Batteries) Safety and Information Standard and the Consumer Goods (Products Containing Button/Coin Batteries) Safety and Information Standard. All affected products must comply with the Standards from 22 June 2022. 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 – Amendment to Allergenic Fragrance Requirements under Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC Approved
The European Commission has published Directives (EU) 2020/2088 and 2020/2089 to amend Annex II to the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, regarding allergenic fragrances in toys. Member States shall apply the amendments from 5 July 2022 More…
U.S. – CPSC Proposes 16 CFR 1241 Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses
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 1241 Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses. 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…
EU – New EN 71-2:2020 Flammability Safety of Toys Published
The primary changes are related to toy disguise costumes. There are now requirements for toy disguise costumes to be tested before and after washing, even if the manufacturer’s instructions state not to wash. In addition, the test method allows the testing of 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…
China – GB 38995-2020 for Feeding Bottles and Teats Approved
The standard will apply to infant feeding bottles, teats and drinking accessories made of plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, silicone rubber, and rubber. However, it will not apply to feeding bottles and teats for medical use, and pacifiers. More…
U.S. – CPSC Staff Guidance on COVID-19 Related Products Published
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff has published guidance for COVID-19 related products such as face coverings, gowns, gloves, and disinfectant & cleaning products. Manufacturers should note that this guidance only covers the More…
India –Toy (Quality Control) Order 2020 Approved
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India approved the Toy (Quality Control) Order 2020. It shall enter into force on 1 January 2021. Following are the highlights of the order: 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…
United Arab Emirates – Child Care Articles Control Scheme Published
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has published the Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2019 on UAE Control Scheme for Child Care Articles. This Decision applies to the products listed in the table below. This Decision is already effective. More…
U.S. – Vermont Amends the Children’s Products Reporting Rule
The Vermont Department of Health’s Chemicals of High Concern in Children’s Products Reporting Rule requires manufacturers of children’s products to disclose the presence of any intentionally added chemicals of concern above the practical quantification limit (PQL) or above 100ppm, when present as a contaminant. More…
Australia – Safety Standard for Toys Containing Magnets Approved
Australia has published the Consumer Goods (Toys Containing Magnets) Safety Standard 2020 to replace Consumer Protection Notice No. 5 of 2010 (CPN No. 5 of 2010). The new standard has already come into force. Suppliers may choose to comply with either CPN No. 5 of 2010 or 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…
U.S. – CPSC Delays adoption of ASTM F2050-19 for Hand-Held Infant Carriers 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) approved the new ASTM F2050-19 to be incorporated in the federal regulation... 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…
U.S. – CPSC Approves 16 CFR 1239 Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosures
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 1239 Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosures 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…
Brazil – Amendments on Quality Regulation for Toys and School Articles Approved
The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) has published an ordinance to amend the Quality Regulation for Toys and School Articles. The following is a summary of the amendments: More…
Denmark – EPA Issues Report on Chemicals found in Slime Toys
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published a report on chemicals in slime toys, focusing on preservatives used in the toys. Several non-compliant products were identified, due to the presence of borate and a risk due to the content of isothiazolinones. 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…
Australia – Consumer Goods (Projectile Toys) Safety Standard 2020 Approved
The Australian Government has published Consumer Goods (Projectile Toys) Safety Standard 2020, which sets out the mandatory requirements for Projectile Toys. It is effective immediately. The previous Consumer Protection Notice No. 16 of 2010, Consumer Product Safety Standard for Children’s Projectile Toys can still More…
Australia – Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard 2020 Approved
The Australian Government has published Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard 2020, which sets out the mandatory requirements of Aquatic Toys. It is effective immediately. The previous Consumer Protection Notice No 2 of 2009, Consumer Product Safety Standard for Flotation Toys and Aquatic Toys can still More…
China – Revision of China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Rules for Toys and Children’s Vehicles has been Approved
The Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) of China has published Notice No. 14 of 2020 to approve the General Implementation Rules for China Compulsory Certification (CCC) of Children’s Vehicles (CNCA-C22-01:2020) and Toys (CNCA-C22-02:2020). The Rules shall be implemented from 1 July 2020. 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. – CPSC Approves 16 CFR 1253 to Exempt Unfinished Manufactured Fibers from CPSIA Phthalates and ASTM F963 Heavy Elements Third-Party Testing Requirements
On May 5, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to exempt certain unfinished manufactured fibers from the 16 CFR 1307 phthalate content requirement and the ASTM F963 soluble elements testing requirements, to provide manufacturers relief from third-party testing requirements. More…
China – The SAMR Publishes 2020 Spot-check Plan
On May 8, 2020, the China State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published its spot-check plan for 2020. The SAMR is China’s governmental authority that undertakes a broad range of market supervision responsibilities, including registration of companies doing business in the China market More…
U.S. – CPSC Adopts ASTM F2050-19 for Hand-Held Infant Carriers 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 F2050-19 to be incorporated in the federal regulation 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…
Canada – CAN/CGSB-182.1 Flammability and Labelling Requirements for Tents Published
On April 22, 2020, Health Canada published CAN/CGSB-182.1-2020, flammability and labelling requirements for tents. However, the existing requirements in the tent regulations, SOR/2016-185, which refers to CPAI-84 for flammability testing, remain in effect for all tents manufactured, imported, advertised or sold in Canada. More…
China – Updated List of Products Requiring China Compulsory Certification Issued
The Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) of China has issued Notice No. 18 of 2020 and Notice No. 21 of 2020 to update the list of products requiring China Compulsory Certification (CCC), products’ HS code and the certification mode required More…
U.S. – New York Updates Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Product Law
On April 3, 2020, New York Governor Cuomo signed amendments to the Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Product law as part of the Senate Budget Bill S7505. A reporting rule intended to safeguard public health, the law requires manufacturers to report to the More…
U.S. – CPSC Adopts ASTM F2907-19 for Sling Carriers 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 F2907-19 to be incorporated in the federal regulation 16 CFR 1228 Safety Standard for Sling Carriers More…