On 27 June 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added one new chemical to the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC), becoming the 31th SVHC substances. The Candidate List of SVHC now contains 241 entries for chemicals.
Entries added to the Candidate List on 27 June 2024 and their properties:
| Substance Name | EC No. | CAS No. | Reason for Proposing | Use |
| Bis (α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide | 201-279-3 | 80-43-3 | Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) | Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, vulcanizing agent for polyethylene resin, crosslinking agent, flame retardant |
Another substance triphenyl phosphate (CAS: 115-86-6) released by ECHA in March 2024, has not been added to the SVHC candidate list and is still under consultation.
Under REACH, companies have legal obligations when their substance is included – either on its own, in mixtures or in articles – in the Candidate List.
If an article contains a Candidate List substance above a concentration of 0.1% (weight by weight), suppliers have to give their customers and consumers information on how to use it safely. Consumers have the right to ask suppliers if the products they buy contain substances of very high concern. Importers and producers of articles have to notify ECHA if their article contains a Candidate List substance within six months from the date it has been included in the list (23 January 2024).
Under the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), beginning in January 2021, companies also have to notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain substances of very high concern in a concentration above 0.1% (weight by weight). This notification is published in ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP).
CMA Testing offers cutting-edge testing equipment along with a team of experts to deliver thorough REACH solutions and SVHC screening services.
In today’s rapidly developing market, technology innovation serves as a key driving force for the growth of enterprises. CMA+, as a professional technical service brand from CMA Testing, are dedicated to assisting the industrial and commercial sectors with upgrades and transformations, new product research and development, technology transfer, and other services aimed at boosting industrial competitiveness and fostering the diversified growth of local technology industries. Our goal is to aid SMEs in turning technological advancements into commercial products, facilitating rapid enterprise growth, and strengthening market competitiveness.
A Bridge between Innovative Technology and the Market
The agility to recognize market needs and opportunities of SMEs giving them a significant advantage in leveraging technological achievements for innovation and product commercialization success. CMA+ draws on the resources of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and collaborates closely with renowned universities in Hong Kong to enhance technology cooperation and application. This collaborative model facilitates the swift transfer of R&D findings from universities to industries, enabling industry matching and joint research endeavors. Moreover, it facilitates a seamless exchange of insights between companies and researchers on the challenges and pain points faced in the innovation and transformation process, ensuring that research aligns closely with technological advancements and market demands across various sectors. Ultimately, this approach enhances product efficiency and competitiveness for companies.
Professional Background, Global Outlook
While we focus on the local market, we also focus on the needs of the global market. Leveraging the role of Hong Kong “Super-connector” and drawing on over 45 years of experience of CMA Testing as an independent assurance body in the testing industry, we can provide enterprises with comprehensive technical support to ensure that their commercial products not only adhere to national standards, but also comply with international market requirements. Our comprehensive servicing establishes a strong foundation for company to expand into the global market and win more business opportunities, enabling enterprise’s innovative products to conform to the standards of different countries and regions and achieve the strategic goal of “going out”.
CMA+ InnoLIFE
The CMA+ technology commercialization platform mainly covers cutting-edge technology fields such as green energy, environment, healthcare, food technology, advanced materials and equipment, Internet of Things, and biotechnology. The platform launched the InnoLIFE membership system in an effort to improve people’s lives and aims to become an innovation ecosystem dedicated to advancing technology research and development (Tech) and gathering talents (Talent), allowing scientific research to turn into commercialized products and promoting the advancement of innovation and technology. CMA+ InnoLIFE welcomes different types of scientific research teams. Through the extensive industrial and commercial network of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and the technical support of CMA Testing, regular industry exchanges and matching activities facilitate connections among manufacturers of the Manufacturers’ Association, InnoLIFE members, CMA+ innovation and technology companies and partners, to realize the commercialization of science and technology.
CMA+, as an accelerator of technological innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises, will use our professional service bridges between technology and the market and our global vision to assist enterprises in realizing the transformation of scientific and technological achievements to expand a broader market reach. Choose CMA+, let’s build a better future together.
On 21 June 2024, a training session titled “Rallying the Strength of Yulin to Aid in Yulin’s Products to Overseas” for Hong Kong’s High-quality Genuine Certification took place in Yulin City, China. The training aimed at enhancing the service effectiveness of certified enterprises in Yulin and strengthening their commitment and understanding with the market compliance requirements of Hong Kong and the international market. Also facilitating the entry of Yulin’s characteristic products into overseas markets, realizing the two-way channel for products between Yulin and Hong Kong, and effectively assisting certified enterprises in improving product quality, establishing brands, and expanding market reach.
At the training session, Mr. Joseph Chiu Ka-yu, the Senior Manager of Inspection, Certification, and Project Division of CMA Testing, acted as the representative for Wings Future Prosperity Limited, along with representatives from Yulin Zhizheng Food Company Limited, Yulin Sujin Food Company Limited, Guangxi Banana Valley Technology Company Limited, and Guangxi Hongbang Food Company Limited, signed technical service contract for the supply of products to Hong Kong. He also offered special training, providing valuable information on how Yulin enterprise products can truly enter Hong Kong supermarkets.
Read the report (Chinese version only):
https://www.gxylnews.com/ylapp/ylrb-app/appmoban/shouye/tuijian/202406/t20240622_746664.html
1. USA Issues a Ban on Methylene Chloride
On April 30 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized prohibitions and workplace protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for methylene chloride to protect human health. The ban takes effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane and DCM, is a volatile chemical used in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and consumer applications like adhesives, sealants, degreasers, cleaners, and automobile products. Methylene chloride known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death.
EPA’s final rule:
- Prohibits manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses;
- Prohibits most industrial and commercial uses of methylene chloride, including paint and coating removers. Consumer paint and coating removal was prohibited in 2019;
- Creates strict workplace protections through a Workplace Chemical Protection Program to ensure that for the remaining uses, workers will not be harmed by methylene chloride use;
- Requires manufacturers (including importers), processors, and distributors to notify companies to whom methylene chloride is shipped of the prohibitions and to maintain records;
- Most prohibited uses will be fully phased out within 2 years. Alternative products with similar costs and efficacy to methylene chloride products are generally available for most prohibited uses.
Uses that will continue under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program are highly industrialized and important to national security and the economy and are uses for which EPA received data and other information showing that the workplace safety measures could be achieved. These uses include:
- Use in the production of other chemicals, including chemicals that are important in efforts to reduce global warming outlined in the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act;
- Production of battery separators for electric vehicles;
- Use as a processing aid in a closed system;
- Use as a laboratory chemical;
- Use in plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production;
- Use in solvent welding.
More details: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-methylene-chloride
2. Maryland Restricts the Use of Lead and PFAS in Playground Surface Materials
On May 9, 2024, the governor of Maryland signed HB 1147(Chapter 488) into law to regulate lead and PFAS chemicals in playground surfacing materials. The restrictions will become effective on October 1, 2024.
The restriction requirements are as follows:
- Lead content ≤ 90ppm;
- PFAS are prohibited if intentionally added.
More details: https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1147/2024
3. Colorado Revises Law on PFAS in Consumer Goods
On May 1, 2024, the governor of Colorado approved law SB 24-081 to revise the control PFAS requirements in consumer goods. The specific requirements are as follows:
| Product Scope | Requirements | Effective Date |
| Outdoor apparel intended for extreme or extended use in severe wet conditions. | Prohibited if intentionally added unless the product is accompanied by a disclosure that states that the product contains PFAS chemicals. | 1 January 2025 |
| Cookware; Cleaning products, except for cleaning products that are floor maintenance products used in hospital or medical settings; Dental floss; Menstruation products; Ski wax; Artificial turf. | Prohibited if intentionally added. | 1 January 2026 |
| Cleaning products that are floor maintenance products used in hospital or medical settings; Textile articles; Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions; Food equipment intended primarily for use in commercial settings that comes into direct contact with food. | Prohibited if intentionally added. | 1 January 2028 |
Download the PDF: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2024a_081_signed.pdf
4. California Plans to Set Control Limits in Proposition 65 to Reduce Compliance Difficulties
According to CHEMICAL WATCH NEWS, officials from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) recently stated at a meeting of the Home and Business Products Association (HCPA) that OEHHA hopes to have the opportunity to create health protection concentration values to support compliance with California’s 65 warning requirements for products and reduce compliance difficulties.
5. EU Revises REACH Annex XVII Entry 70 About the Restriction of Siloxanes
On May 17, 2024, the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 in the Official Journal, amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 REACH Entry 70. This Regulation restricts the use of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) in substances or mixtures. This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (i.e. 6 June 2024).
More details: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401328
6. EU Proposes a New Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste
On April 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) at first reading, which should contribute to the transition to a circular economy. Once in full effect, the PPWR will replace the Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.
The PPWR is intended to bring about significant changes in the legislative framework for packaging waste in the EU by defining ambitious targets, boosting high quality ‘closed loop’ recycling, and reducing the need for primary natural resources. This article is intended to highlight some significant changes proposed in the PPWR.
More details: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0318_EN.html#title2
7. EU Intends to Amend the REACH Regulation to Expand the Restrictions Scope on PAHs
On May 27, 2024, the European Commission submitted notice G/TBT/N/EU/1065 to the TBT Committee of the WTO, intending to update Appendix XVII of the EU REACH regulation, adding a new entry 50a regards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets. The restrictions are: Shall not be placed on the market or used, on their own or as constituents of other substances, in clay targets for shooting from [Publication Office: please fill in the date of entry falling 1 year from entry into force] if they contain more than 50 mg/kg (0.005 % by weight of dry mass of the clay target) of the sum of all listed PAHs.
8. EU Proposes to Revise POPs Regulation to Add Restriction of Methoxychlor
On May 30, 2024, the European Union released a revised draft act of the POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. This draft act amends Annex I to the Regulation to include methoxychlor as a substance subject to certain restrictions. This draft act is open for feedback from May 30, 2024 to June 27, 2024. The restriction requirement is: The concentrations of methoxychlor equal to or below 0,01 mg/kg (0,000001 % by weight) where they are present in substances, mixtures or articles.
More details: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13886-Persistent-organic-pollutants-methoxychlor_en
9. EU RoHS Updates an Exemption for Cadmium
On May 21, 2024, the European Union issued Directive (EU) 2024/1416 in Official Journal (OJ) to revise annex III of the RoHS Directive. This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. (June 10, 2024).
Annex III to Directive 2011/65/EU is revised as follows:
| Exemption | Before Revision | Revised by (EU) 2024/1416 |
| 39(a) | Cadmium selenide in downshifting cadmium-based semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots for use in display lighting applications (< 0,2 μg Cd per mm2 of display screen area). Expires for all categories on 31 October 2019 | Cadmium selenide in downshifting cadmium-based semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots for use in display lighting applications (< 0,2 μg Cd per mm2 of display screen area). Expires for all categories on 21 November 2025 |
| 39(b) | / | Cadmium in downshifting semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots directly deposited on LED semiconductor chips for use in display and projection applications (< 5 μg Cd per mm2 of LED chip surface) with a maximum amount per device of 1 mg. Expires for all categories on 31 December 2027 |
More details: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024L1416&qid=1716366868781
10. The European Union Issued the New Standard EN 14988:2017 + A2:2024 for Children’s High Chairs
On April 24, 2024, the European Commission for Standardization (CEN) approved the release of a new standard EN 14988: 2017+A2: 2024 for high chairs for children – requirements and testing methods. This standard will be officially implemented on October 31, 2024. The old version of the standard EN 14988: 2017+A1: 2020 remains valid until the implementation date of the new standard. This standard applies to free-standing high chairs, both domestic and non-domestic, used for feeding or eating by an unassisted sitting child under 3 years of age. This standard does not include special high chairs for medical purposes.
11. REACH SVHC Adds Two Intended Substances
On May 15, 2024, the European Chemicals Administration (ECHA) added perfluorotripropylamine to the SVHC intended substance, and on June 7, 2024, ECHA added O, O, O-triphenylthiophosphate to the SVHC intended substance. ECHA plans to initiate a public review of these two substances in August 2024. If approved, the substance is expected to be officially added to SVHC in January 2025.
12. Germany Will Remove the Restrictions on Pentachlorophenol and Formaldehyde Under the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (ChemVerbotsV)
On February 15, 2024, the German Federal Gazette published the Decree of February 13, 2024 (Verordnung vom 13), which once again amending the German Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (ChemVerbotsV). The revised content is as follows:
- Remove the restriction on formaldehyde in Item 1 of Appendix 1 of Part 3 of the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance, which will be implemented on August 7, 2026;
- Remove the restriction on pentachlorophenol, its salts and esters in Item 3 Appendix 1 of Part 3 of the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance, which was implemented on February 16, 2024.
More details: https://www.recht.bund.de/bgbl/1/2024/43/VO.html
13. UK Amends List of Standards Under Annex I of the General Product Safety Regulations
On April 18, 2024, The UK Department for Business and Trade published the notice 0100/24 regarding the update of the list of standards for complying the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1803).The list of published standards in Annex I is amended as follows:
- EN 716-1:2017+AC:2019 Furniture – Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use – Part 1: Safety requirement (Inserted)
- EN 914:2020 Gymnastic equipment – Parallel bars and combination asymmetric/parallel bars –Requirements and test methods including safety (Replace EN 914:2008)
- EN 1130:2019 Children’s furniture – Cribs – Safety requirements and test methods EN 1130:2019/AC:2020 (Replace EN 1130-1:1996 & EN 1130-2:1996)
- EN 1272:2017 Child care articles – Table mounted chairs – Safety requirements and test methods (Inserted)
- EN 1400:2013+A2:2018 Child use and care articles – Soothers for babies and young children – Safety requirements and test methods (Inserted)
- EN 1466:2014 Child use and care articles – Carry cots and stands – Safety requirements and test methods EN 1466:2014/AC:2015 (Replace EN 1466:2014)
- EN ISO 9994:2019 Lighters – Safety specification (ISO 9994:2018) (Replace EN ISO 9994:2006)
- EN 14988:2017+A1:2020 Children’s high chairs – Requirements and test methods (Inserted)
- EN 16120:2012+A2:2016 Child use and care articles – Chair mounted seat (Inserted)
- EN IEC 62368-1:2020 Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Part 1: Safety requirements EN IEC 62368-1:2020/A11:2020 (Replace EN 60065:2002 and EN 60065:2002/A12:2011, EN609501:2006 and EN60950-1:2006/A12:2011)
More details: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661f9bb63771f5b3ee757d25/ds-0100-24-gpsr-notice.pdf
14. Two Mandatory National Standards for Footwear Were Updated
2024 No. 10 National Standard Announcement was released, and the State Administration for Market Regulation (State Administration for Standardization) approved six mandatory national standards and three mandatory national standard amendment forms. Among them, two mandatory national standards for footwear, “General Safety Requirements for Footwear” and “Safety Technical Specification for Children’s Shoes”, were officially released and implemented on June 1, 2025.
More details: https://std.sacinfo.org.cn/gnoc/queryInfo?id=E1F532C6CB6F3F409FEC6ACA39E7C067
15. Draft National Standards for Juvenile Products Have Been Released for Comment
Four draft national standards for juvenile products, including “Juvenile products – General requirements for potties, toilet reducers, urinal and their accessories”, have been issued by the National Standardization Management Committee and the National Standardization Working Group for Juvenile Products. The public is now open for comment, and the comment solicitation period is June 25, 2024.
More details: https://std.samr.gov.cn/gb/gbPlanDraft
Recall
EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) (Report-2024-19- Report-2024-22): https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport#weeklyReports
Canada Recall: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/search/site
Australian Recall: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls
US CPSC Recall: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
Recall Case:
| Product Category | Sample Images | Notification Submitted By | Reason for Recall |
| Foam Pattern Rollers |  | US and Canada | The recalled foam pattern rollers are intended for children and contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban in the rollers’ handles. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. |
| Youth Sipper Bottles |  | US | The silicone cover on the sipper can detach while in use, posing a choking hazard to children. |
| Children’s Nightgowns |  | US | The children’s nightgowns violate the flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. |
| Children’s Robes |  | US | The children’s robes violate the flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. |
| Toy Pinwheels |  | US | The pinwheel’s fastener cap can come loose and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. |
| Crib Bumpers |  | US | Infants can suffocate if they roll or move on the crib bumper in a position that obstructs breathing. Padded crib bumpers are banned under federal law. |
| Baby Self-feeding Pillow A12/01146/24 |  | Ireland | Pillow in multiple colours (pink, yellow, grey, blue), which can be detached from the centre for the purpose of placing it around the infant’s neck. One end of the product has an elastic mesh net to help hold a bottle in place without the assistance of the caregiver. Product sold online, via Joom. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive. |
| Set of Mini Toy Motorcycles A12/01140/24 |  | Cyprus | The toys have small parts (wheels) which can easily detach. A small child may put them in the mouth and choke. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-1. |
| Dot Marker Set A12/01380/24 |  | Germany | The toy material contains methylisothiazolinone (MI)(measured value up to 1.56 mg/kg). MI causes severe skin burns. The product has an excessive concentration of benzisothiazolinone (measured value: 6.64 mg/kg). Benzisothiazolinone causes skin irritation and may cause an allergic skin reaction. The toy material contains methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) (measured value up to 5.22 mg/kg).MCI causes severe skin burns and may cause an allergic skin reaction. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standards EN 71-9. |
| Children’s Clothing Dress Suit A12/01448/24 |  | Hungary | The small decorative elements (rhinestones) can easily be detached from the product. A small child may put them in the mouth and choke. The product does not comply with the safety requirements of the General Product Safety. |
| Fancy-dress Accessories A12/01432/24 |  | France | The plastic of the product has an excessive concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), notably Benzo(a)anthracene (measured value up to 1.18 mg/kg). These PAHs may cause cancer. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
| Inflatable Ball A12/01382/24 |  | Sweden | The plastic material of the product has an excessive concentration of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) (measured values: up to 7.5%, 14% and 2.7% by weight, respectively). These phthalates may harm the health of children, causing possible damage to their reproductive system. SCCPs persist in the environment, are toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations and bio-accumulate in wildlife and humans, posing a risk to human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to them through the skin may cause cancer. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation nor with the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) Regulation. |
On 6 June 2024, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Guangxi , together with the Guangxi Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and other relevant departments, held a forum on “New Quality Productive Forces Empowering High-quality Development in Guangxi and Hong Kong” in Nanning. More than 350 esteemed guests from Hong Kong, Guangxi, and other cities attended activities and had in-depth communication. Prof. Yu Chang-yuan, Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Mr. Hao Wang-jun, General Manager of the China Health Industry Department of PuraPharm; Mr. Ken Chung Hung-hing, Chairman of the Chamber of Hong Kong Logistics Industry; and Mr. Dominic Lam Chun-hong, Chief Operations Officer of CMA Testing, were speakers of a keynote session on “Gathering Innovative Forces to Promote Guangxi Hong Kong’s High-quality Development”, during which they shared cases covering technological innovation, general health, supply chain management, as well as industrial upgrading.
Dr. Wingco Lo Kam-wing, President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (first from left), attended the “WINGS – CMA Testing Guangxi Hezhou Branch Inauguration Ceremony” on 3 – 4 June 2024 in Guangxi. With officiating guests, Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, former Chief Executive (third from left); Mr. Peng Dai-yuan, Mayor of Hezhou City (third from right); Mr. Xie Bing, Vice Mayor and Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee (second from right); Mr. Kuang Yong-hong, Vice Mayor (first from right); and Mr. Simon Pun Ka-yeung, Chairman of Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Guangxi (second from left), posed for a group photo at the ceremony.
WINGS provides comprehensive product testing and promotional services for Guangxi’s food and agricultural products. This new opportunities mark a significant milestone as Hong Kong’s testing and certification industry ventures into the Mainland.
Amid sustainable development, environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG) have become the focus of attention for enterprises and individuals. The “ESG Practice Course: Quick for Beginners” jointly organized by CMA+, CMA Testing, the Shanghai Indoor Environment Purification Industry Association, and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, has been successfully completed recently. This course attracted professionals from various industries who gathered together to deliberate the practice of ESG principles. Our Chief Consultant for Sustainable Development of CMA+, Mr. Joseph Chiu Ka-yu, brought in-depth and simple training to the participants with his profound experience in this field.
We look forward to launching ESG-focused courses in the future to help corporate employees acquire the necessary skills to evaluate, monitor and report ESG performance. In particular, it helps SMEs realize their own sustainable development in the entire ecological chain with more optimum resources and jointly promote the sustainable development of society.
