SafeGuardS

Hong Kong Revises Standards for Certain Toys and Children’s Products

03 Mar 2021 Toys and Juvenile Products

Hong Kong has amended its list of standards for demonstrating compliance with up-to-date safety requirements for toys and children’s products. The new standards will become effective on October 1, 2021.

Update: Sweden Proposes Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear in 2022

03 Mar 2021 Softlines

The Swedish government announced its plans to introduce the chemical tax on clothing and footwear in April 2021, but due to the pandemic, the rollout will be postponed to 2022.

EU Sets Limit for PCP Under Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants

02 Mar 2021 Hardgoods, Toys and Juvenile Products, Softlines, Food, Electrical and Electronics

The EU has set a limit for pentachlorophenol (PCP), its salts and esters under the POP Recast Regulation. The amendment will become effective on March 15, 2021.

Maine, USA, Publishes Draft List of Food Contact Chemicals of High Concern

01 Mar 2021 Hardgoods, Food

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published its draft list of food contact chemicals of high concern. Comments are accepted until March 10, 2021.

China Releases an Updated Product Standard GB/T 22864-2020 Towels

23 Feb 2021 Softlines

China issued an updated version of its national product standard GB/T 22864-2020 Towels. The revised standard became effective on September 1, 2020.

China Releases an Updated National Standard GB/T 4146 1-2020 Textiles-Man-made Fibres Part 1: Generic Names

23 Feb 2021 Softlines

China issued an updated version of its national standard GB/T 4146.1-2020 Textiles-Man-made fibres-Part 1: Generic names. The revised standard will become effective on May 1, 2021.

US TPCH Strengthens Model Legislation on Toxics in Packaging

23 Feb 2021 Hardgoods

The US TPCH has added PFAS and phthalates to its model legislation on packaging. The revised model legislation became effective on February 16, 2021.

New Specification for Barrier Face Coverings in the US

23 Feb 2021 Personal and Protective Equipment

ASTM Publishes F3502 – Standard Specification for Barrier Face Coverings

US EPA Issues Final Rules for Five Hazardous Substances Under TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act)

10 Feb 2021 Toys and Juvenile Products, Softlines, Hardgoods, Electrical Medical Devices, Food, Cosmetics, Personal Care and Household, Electrical and Electronics

Final rules for five hazardous chemicals have been published by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). These became effective on February 5, 2021.

France requires higher filtration efficiency for face covering masks

10 Feb 2021 Personal and Protective Equipment

On Jan 27, the French government published a decree to clarify that Face covering masks with a filtration efficiency lower than 90% are not recommended due to Covid-19 virus mutation.