SGS Consumer Testing Services

On 11 June 2014, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) (1) for a safety standard for sling carriers, designated 16 CFR 1228, in compliance with the direction under Section 104(b) of the CPSIA.

In June 2014 the European Commission issued a decision (2014/357/EU) (1) confirming conformity to the General Product Safety Directive by the use of European harmonized standards applicable to stationary training equipment and gymnastic equipment.

During Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) annual meeting, attended by 170 countries, the European Union and 30 international governmental and non-governmental organizations had set a maximum standard for arsenic in rice.

China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) has published revised technical requirements regarding the environmental labeling of water-based coatings (HJ 2537-2014).

In 2000 the European Commission published the original ‘Blue Guide’ as guidance to the implementation of directives based on the New Approach and Global Approach.

The US state of Maine has proposed to designate 4 phthalates as Priority Chemicals for reporting requirements in children’s products. The reporting dates begin 12 months after the effective date, and are dependent on the size of the manufacturer.

The US Congress has recently introduced a proposal to - among others - prohibit the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food and beverage containers. Waivers to the BPA prohibition, subject to technological feasibility, may be granted by the Secretary.

Denmark recently announced that it cannot maintain its national restriction on phthalates. The repeal was the result of the Lapin Judgment and can be considered as immediate.

On 26 June 2014 two Representatives from the US congress announced the introduction of a Bill being titled “The Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act of 2014”. (1)

The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC has recently been amended to include the permitted use of nickel in toy components intended to conduct an electric current. The new Directive will take effect on 1 July 2015.