On October 16, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that the Member State Committee (MSC) of the European Union had officially agreed during its October meeting to identify Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP) as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine-disrupting properties, which may have adverse effects on the environment. ECHA plans to formally include this substance in the SVHC list in early November, bringing the total number of substances on the list from 241 to 242.
The detailed information of the substance is as follows:
| Substance name | EC No. | CAS No. | Reason | Usage |
| Triphenyl phosphate | 204-112-2 | 115-86-6 | Endocrine-disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – environment) | Adhesives and sealants, coating products and cosmetics and personal care products |
Source: https://echa.europa.eu/-/highlights-from-october-msc-meeting
1. Maryland’s restrictions on lead and PFAS in playground surface materials take effect on October 1, 2024
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 ā¤ 90ppm
- PFAS are prohibited if intentionally added
https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1147/2024
2. CPSC proposes to revise the requirements for water bead toys and toys that contain water beads
On September 9, 2024, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR). CPSC proposes to establish performance and labeling requirements to the existing mandatory toys safety standard ASTM F963-23 for water bead toys and toys containing water beads to minimize the risk of children ingesting, inserting, aspirating, and choking on water beads. The provisions of this part are intended to eliminate or adequately reduce the risk of injury and death to children from water bead toy hazards. The public comment period will be open until November 8, 2024.
This NPR would apply to any water bead objects and objects that contain water beads designed, manufactured, or marketed as a plaything for children under 14 years of age. The definition of water bead(s) is various shaped, water absorbent polymers, such as, but not limited to polyacrylamides and polyacrylates, which expand when soaked in water. Toys that contain water beads are toys that encompass water beads within the toy and the water beads are not intended to be accessed, such as toy experiment kits, toy sensory kits, toy squeeze/sensory balls filled with water beads, and toy water pellet guns designed to shoot water bead projectiles.
3. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency delays the reporting period for this rule on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a direct final rule to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulation with reporting and recordkeeping requirements for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This direct final rule changes the beginning of data submission period from November 12, 2024 to July 11, 2025. For article importers,the submission period shall begin on July 11, 2025, and last for 6 months: July 11, 2025, through January 11, 2026. For a small manufacturer, the submission period shall begin on July 11, 2025, and last for 12 months: July 11, 2025, through July 11, 2026.
4. Minnesota delays control of some chemicals
Recently, the governor of Minnesota signed HF 3911 (Chapter 116) into law. Section 31 to this environmental and natural resources supplemental budget bill authorizes the commissioner of the MPCA to postpone the enforcement of the 2023 law on the prohibition of PFAS and restriction of lead and cadmium in certain products to July 1, 2025.specifically for the following product categories:
| Products | Requirements |
| Pens and mechanical pencils | leadā¤ 90 ppm |
| Internal electronic components of key fobs | leadā¤ 90 ppm ļ¼cadmium ā¤ 75 ppm |
| Firefighting foam used in fire suppression systems installed in airport hangers | Prohibits PFAS if intentionally added |
| Electronic or other internal components of upholstered furniture | Prohibits PFAS if intentionally added |
https://legiscan.com/MN/bill/HF3911/2023
5. California bans the use of DEHP in medical devices
On September 25, 2024, the Governor of California approved Bill AB2300, which establishes strict restrictions on the use of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in medical devices, particularly in intravenous solution containers and intravenous tubing. The specific requirements are as follows:
- Commencing January 1, 2030, prohibit intravenous solution containers made with intentionally added DEHP.
- Commencing January 1, 2035, prohibit intravenous tubing made with intentionally added DEHP.
- In addition to DEHP, the bill also prohibits the use of the following substances as plasticizers: BBP, DBP, DCHP, DEP, DIBP, DIDP, DINP, DnHP, DNOP, DnPP, and DIHP.
https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB2300/id/3022639
6. California approves AB347 to strengthen PFAS restrictions on juvenile products, textiles, and food packaging
On September 25, 2024, the Governor of California approved Bill AB 347, adding comprehensive registration, certification, and enforcement provisions to Californiaās existing and forthcoming restrictions on the use of PFAS in covered products: juvenile products, textile articles, and food packaging. The main requirements of AB 347 are as follows:
- This bill would require the Department of Toxic Substances Control, on or before January 1, 2029, to adopt regulations for the enforcement of those prohibitions on the use of PFAS, and, on and after July 1, 2030, to enforce and ensure compliance with those provisions and regulations, as provided.
- The bill would require manufacturers of these products, on or before July 1, 2029, to register with the department, to pay a registration fee to the department, and to provide a statement of compliance certifying compliance with the applicable prohibitions on the use of PFAS to the department, as specified.
- The bill would authorize the department to test products and to rely on third-party testing to determine compliance with prohibitions on the use of PFAS, as specified. The bill would require the department to issue a notice of violation for a product in violation of the prohibitions on the use of PFAS, as provided.
The bill would authorize the department to assess an administrative penalty for a violation of these prohibitions and would authorize the department to seek an injunction to restrain a person or entity from violating these prohibitions, as specified. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2033, to submit a report to the Legislature regarding its compliance and enforcement activities performed pursuant to these provisions, as specified.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB347#85CHP
7. ASTM releases a new standard consumer safety specification for soft infant and toddler carrier
On August 13, 2024, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released a new version standard ASTM F2236-24, which establishes performance requirements, teesting methods, labeling, and usage instructions for soft infant and toddler carriers. Compared to the previous version, the biggest change in ASTM F2236-24 is the update of the labeling and instructions content, and the addition of a format requirement for warning statements. Other changes include updated definitions, flammability testing clauses, and requirements for non-toy accessories.
https://www.astm.org/f2236-24.html
8. ASTM releases a new standard consumer safety specification for infant and infant/toddler rockers
On July 31, 2024, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released a new version standard ASTM F3084-24, which establishes performance requirements, testing methods, labeling, and usage instructions for infant and infant/toddler rockers. Compared to the previous version, the biggest change in ASTM F3084-24 is additional assessment of tethered strap or cord entrapment or entanglement for non-occupants. This assessment includes tethered strap(s) or cord(s), alone or in conjunction with the product.
https://www.astm.org/f3084-24.html
9. ECHA proposes consultations on six substances to identify substances of high concern
On August 30, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) conducted a public review of six potential substances of high concern (SVHC) and the deadline was on October 14, 2024. If publicly evaluated, these 6 substances will be added to the SVHC list as the 32nd batch of SVHC substances.
Substances and their hazardous properties included in the SVHC candidate list as below:
| No. | Substances | EC No. | CAS No. | Use to |
| 1 | 6-[(C10-C13)-alkyl-(branched, unsaturated)-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl]hexanoic acid | 701-118-1 | 2156592-54-8 | Hydraulic oil, lubricating oil and grease, and metalworking fluid. |
| 2 | O,O,O-triphenyl phosphorothioate | 209-909-9 | 597-82-0 | Lubricants and greases |
| 3 | Octamethyltrisiloxane | 203-497-4 | 107-51-7 | Cosmetics and personal care products, as well as washing and cleaning products. |
| 4 | Perfluamine | 206-420-2 | 338-83-0 | Electrical, electronic, optical equipment and machinery, vehicles. |
| 5 | Reaction mass of: triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives | 421-820-9 | 192268-65-8 | Hydraulic oil, lubricating oil, and grease. |
| 6 | Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched) phosphite | 701-028-2 | / | Adhesives and sealants, coating products, and polymers. |
https://www.echa.europa.eu/substances-of-very-high-concern-identification
10. EU Regulation (EU) 2024/2462: New restrictions on PFHxA, its salts and PFHxA-related substances
On September 20, 2024, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation to include a new entry (79) concerning the restriction of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances. This regulation will automatically become law in member states 20 days after its publication and will be enforced, having universal binding force and directly applicable to all EU member states. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has compiled a non-exhaustive list of PFHxA and its salts and related substances.
Main Limit Requirements: in a concentration less than 25 ppb for the sum of PFHxA and its salts, 1000 ppb for the sum of PFHxA-related substances, measured in homogeneous material.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=OJ:L_202402462
11. EU amends POPs Regulation to lower the limit value for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD)
On September 27, 2024, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2024/2555, amending POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, officially lowering the limit value for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) from 100mg/kg to 75mg/kg. This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202402555
12. EU amends POPs Regulation to add restriction of Methoxychlor
On September 27, 2024, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2024/2570, amending POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 , officially adding the restriction on methoxychlor to Annex I of the POPs Regulation.. The list of POPs Annex I prohibited substances will be increased from 29 to 30.The concentrations of methoxychlor equal to or below 0,01 mg/kg (0,000001 % by weight) where they are present in substances, mixtures or article.This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202402555
13. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) updated its recommendations on food contact materials involve natural and synthetic rubber
On September 1, 2024, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) updated its recommendations on food contact materials, involve natural and synthetic rubber, which is effective from the date of publication.
| Recommendations No. | Commendation Recommendations |
| XXI | Commodities based on natural and synthetic rubber |
| XXI/1 | Commodities based on natural and synthetic rubber in contact with food |
| XXI/2 | Special consumer goods made of natural and synthetic rubber and of latices made of natural and synthetic rubber (formerly special category) |
https://empfehlungen.bfr.bund.de/recommendations?locale=en
14. Canada announces new reporting rules for PFAS
In order to strengthen the regulation of PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and ensure that relevant enterprises and individuals can report in detail the production, import, and use of these substances, so that the government can better assess their environmental risks and take corresponding management measures, the Canadian government has issued a new measure in accordance with Section 71 (1) (b) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) of 1999. This measure requires responsible parties within Canada to submit PFAS data information produced, imported, or used as individual substances, mixtures, or items within 2023 by January 29, 2025. This requirement covers 312 known or expected PFAS for commercial use, with a list divided into three parts: Part 1 (273 items), Part 2 (26 items), and Part 3 (13 items).
https://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2024/2024-07-27/html/sup-eng.html
15. EU amends the list of harmonized standards under the General Product Safety Directive
On 13 September 2024, the Official Journal of the European Union published Decision (EU) 2024/2426, amending Annex I of Decision (EU) 2019/1698. Decision (EU) 2019/1698 is a list of harmonized safety standards developed to support the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) .The amendment mainly involves certain children’s care products, children’s furniture, gymnastic equipment, and laser products. This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Points (1), (3) and (5) of Annex I shall apply from 13 March 2026.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202402406
16. New South Wales in Australia will include E-bike, skateboards and other products in mandatory certification scope
On August 2, 2024, the New South Wales in Australia announced that E-bike, electric scooter, electric skateboards, and related batteries will be included in the mandatory certification scope.
February 1, 2025: Mandatory compliance with GAZETTE standard requirements;
August 1, 2025: Mandatory Australian safety certification;
February 1, 2026: Mandatory marking of certification number on products.
The specific products list is as follows:
| Products | Standards |
| E-bike | AS 15194 :2016;or EN 15194:2017 + A1:2023;or UL 2849 |
| Electric Scooter | AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2018 (until 30/11/2026); or AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023; or EN 17128; or UL 2272 |
| Self-balancing Scooter | AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2018 (until 30/11/2026); or AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023; or EN 17128; or UL 2272 |
| Electric skateboard | AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2018 (until 30/11/2026); or AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023: or EN 17128; or UL 2272 |
| E-bike battery | EN 50604-1:2016 +A1:2021; or IEC 62133-2:2017; or UL 2271 |
| E-micromobility battery | AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2018 (until 30/11/2026); or AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023: or UL 2271 |
17. Japan proposes to ban 138 PFOA-related compounds
On September 9, 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ministry of the Environment jointly released a draft, proposing to ban 138 perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-related compounds by designating them as class I specified chemical substances. This will fall under under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture. The government is seeking comments on the draft through Oct. 9, 2024. After public comments are considered, the final version of the ministerial order is planned to be published in November 2024, and come into effect Jan. 10, 2025.
PFOA, also known as C8, are perfluorinated compounds that are used as synthetic surfactants in a number of products including lubricants, paints, cosmetics, food packaging, nonstick pans and fire-fighting foam. PFOA has been classified as ‘carcinogenic to humans’ by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/pcm/download?seqNo=0000279412
18. The first national standard for pet products GB/T 43839-2024 will be officially implemented in October
On March 15, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Standardization
Administration issued the first national standard for pet products GB/T 43839-2024 ” Safety technical requirements for products used for companion animals (pets)”, which will be officially implemented on October 1, 2024. The standard covers a wide range of product categories and specifies requirements for physical and mechanical properties, chemical safety, electrical safety, microbiological indicators, toxicological safety, and product identification.
https://openstd.samr.gov.cn/bzgk/gb/newGbInfo?hcno=10E4B1D17788D0E7F8F24D87C7278619
19. Five national standards of the GB/T 39560 series for electrical and electronic products have been officially released
On August 23, 2024, Chinaās State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standardization Administration) published Announcement (No. 17 of 2024) approving release of 335 national standards. These include five national standards of the GB/T 39560 series for electrical and electronic products, namely: GB/T 39560.10-2024 “Determination of certain substances in electrical and electronic products-Part 10: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in polymers and electronics by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) “, GB/T 39560.2-2024″ Determination of certain substances in electrical and electronic productsāPart 2: Disassembly, disjointment and mechanical sample preparation” , GB/T 39560.302-2024 “Determination of certain substances in electrical and electronic productsāPart 3-2: Screening fluorine, chlorine and bromine in polymer and electronics by combustion-ion chromatography (C-IC)” , GB/T 39560.303-2024 “Determination of certain substances in electrical and electronic productsāPart 3-3: Screening polybrominated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and phthalates in polymers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using a pyrolyser/thermal desorption accessory (Py/TD-GC-MS) “, GB/T 39560.9-2024 “Determination of certain substances in electrical and electronic productsāPart 9: Hexabromocyclododecane in polymers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) “.All five standards will be implemented on December 1, 2024.
https://std.sacinfo.org.cn/gnoc/queryInfo?id=3CC5773350EB0D026D2DC2B
Recall
EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (Rapex) (Report-2024-36āReport-2024-39) :
https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport#weeklyReports
Canada Recallļ¼https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/search/site
Australian Recallļ¼https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls
US CPSC Recallļ¼https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
Recall caseļ¼
| Product category | Sample images | Notification submitted by | Reason for recall |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Chairs |  | US | The recalled high chairs violate the regulations for high chairs, as the leg openings on the high chair are too wide, posing an entrapment hazard to infants. Additionally, the high chairs pose a fall hazard because the tray can become disengaged from the product. |
| Childrenās Ring Sets |  | US | The rings contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban and levels of cadmium that are prohibited in childrenās products by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Lead and cadmium are toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. |
| Desk lamps |  | US | The desk lampās battery compartment can overheat while using the USB charging cord, posing a fire hazard. |
| Climbing harnesses |  | US Canada | The recalled harness can be put on backwards and the rope or carabiner can be attached to a non-weight-bearing leg loop elastic band, placing the user at risk of falling from height and sustaining serious injury, including paraplegia or death. |
| Glow in Dark Party Supplies Toy Sets |  | US | The recalled Glow in Dark Supplies Toy Sets violate the mandatory federal battery-operated toy regulation because the Bunny Ears Headbands found in the sets contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed without requiring the use of a common household tool. When button cell batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns and death, posing an ingestion hazard to children. |
| Plastic shoes A12/02557/24 |  | Sweden | The plastic material of the product has an excessive concentration of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (measured value: 29% by weight). This phthalate may harm the health by causing possible damage to the reproductive system. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
| Slippers A12/02674/24 |  | Sweden | The plastic material of the shoes contains excessive concentrations of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (measured values up to 1.2% and 20% by weight, respectively). These phthalates may harm the health of children by causing possible damage to their reproductive system. Moreover, it contains cadmium and lead (measured values up to 0.026% and 0.084% by weight, respectively). Lead is harmful to human health, accumulates in the body, can cause developmental neurotoxicity and may also affect breast-fed or unborn children. Cadmium is harmful to human health because it accumulates in the body, can damage the kidneys and bones, and it may cause cancer. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation |
| Earrings A12/02554/24 |  | France | The product has an excessive concentration of cadmium and lead (measured values up to: 47% and 31% by weight, respectively). Cadmium is harmful to human health because it accumulates in the body, can damage the kidneys and bones and it may cause cancer. Lead is harmful to human health, accumulates in the body, can cause developmental neurotoxicity and may affect breast-fed or unborn children. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation |
| LED lamp box A12/02513/24 |  | Sweden | The solders in the product have an excessive concentration of lead in solders (measured value up to 45.6% by weight). Lead poses a risk to the environment. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2 Directive). |
| Head lamp A12/02507/24 |  | Sweden | The solders in the product have an excessive concentration of lead (measured value up to 85%). It also contains DBP and DEHP in plastic parts (measured value up to 1,4 and 2,1% respectively). The product contains excessive concentrations of SCCP in plastic (measured value up to 3,4%). Lead poses a risk to the environment. Phthalates poses a risk to human health and the environment. 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 requirements of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2 Directive) nor with the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) Regulation. |
| Handheld fan A12/02647/24 |  | Sweden | The solders of the product have excessive concentrations of lead (measured value up to 50.5% by weight). Lead poses a risk to the environment. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2 Directive). |
| č½Æä½ē©å · A12/02546/24 |  | France | The toy contains small parts (eye and suction cup) which can easily detach. A small child may put them in the mouth and choke. Moreover, the fibrous stuffing material of the toy is easily accessible due to the weakness of certain seams. A small child may put the filling material 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. |
| Toy gun set A12/02645/24 |  | Cyprus | The suction cups of the projectiles can easily detach. If a child puts them in the mouth, it may block the airways and the child can choke. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-1. |
| Puzzle mat A12/02642/24 |  | Spain | The puzzle mat can easily break, resulting in small parts. Small children 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. |
| Fancy-dress costume A12/02543/24 |  | Hungary | The product is highly flammable and may catch fire if worn close to an ignition source, resulting in burns. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-2. |
| Childrenās short pants A12/02570/24 |  | Cyprus | The functional cords on the lower hems of the pants can become trapped during various activities of a child, leading to injuries. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 14682. |
| Childrenās fancy dress A12/02585/24 |  | Hungary | The vest of the costume is highly flammable and may catch fire if worn close to an ignition source, resulting in burns. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-2. |
| Childrenās clothing set A12/02631/24 |  | Cyprus | The product has long functional cords with free ends in the neck area which can become trapped during various activities of a child, leading to injuries and strangulation. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 14682 |
| Childrenās bikini A12/02633/24 |  | Cyprus | The product has functional cords with free ends to be tied around the back area. The cords may become trapped during various activities of a child, leading to injuries. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 14682. |
| Hoodie A12/02648/24 |  | Belgium | The product bears functional cords with free ends and toggles in the waist area. These elastic cords can become trapped during various activities of a child, leading to injuries. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 14682. |
| Toy slime A12/02569/24 |  | Germany | The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high (measured value: 786 mg/kg). Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health of children by damaging their reproductive system. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-3 |
| Toy slime A12/02566/24 |  | Germany | The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high (measured value: 801 mg/kg). Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health of children by damaging their reproductive system. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-3. |
| Toy slime A12/02565/24 |  | Germany | The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high (measured value: 827 mg/kg). Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health of children by damaging their reproductive system. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-3 |
| Toy slime A12/02590/24 |  | Germany | The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high (measured value: 1350 mg/kg). Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health of children by damaging the reproductive system. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-3 |
| Novelty lighter A12/02688/24 |  | Cyprus | The lighter is appealing to children due to its shape and colour. Children may play with it and suffer burns or cause a fire. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor the European standard EN 13869 |
| Tablecloth A12/02680/24 |  | Norway | The plastic material of the product has an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (measured value up to 25.9% by weight). This phthalate may harm the health of children by causing possible damage to the reproductive system. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
| Tablecloth A12/02687/24 |  | Norway | The plastic material of the product contains an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (measured values up to 19% by weight) and cadmium (measured values up to 460 mg/kg). This phthalate may harm the health of children by causing possible damage to the reproductive system. Moreover, cadmium is harmful to human health because it accumulates in the body, can damage the kidneys and bones and it may cause cancer. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
On September 9, 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ministry of the Environment jointly released a draft proposal to ban 138 perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-related compounds. These compounds are proposed to be designated as class I specified chemical substances under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of their Manufacture.
- Public Comment Period: Open until October 9, 2024, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback.
- Finalization and Implementation: The final version of the ministerial order is expected to be published in November 2024 and come into effect on January 10, 2025.
- Health Risks: PFOA, also known as C8, is classified as ācarcinogenic to humansā by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
- Affected Products: PFOA-related compounds are used in various products, including lubricants, paints, cosmetics, food packaging, nonstick pans, and fire-fighting foam.
Source: https://public-comment.e-gov.go.jp/pcm/download?seqNo=0000279412
On September 27, 2024, the European Commission published two amendments to the EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 in the Official Journal: (EU) 2024/2555 and (EU) 2024/2570. The new regulations reduce the unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) limit for the existing substance hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) from 100 mg/kg to 75 mg/kg and introduce control requirements for methoxychlor, thereby expanding the list of banned substances under the EU POPs Regulation from 29 to 30 items. These regulations will officially come into effect on the 20th day following the publication in the Official Journal.
The following is the detail information:
| Substance Name | CAS No. | EC No. | Specific exemption situations (maximum allowable limit) |
| Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) | 25637-99-4 3194-55-6 134237-50-6 134237-51-7 134237-52-8 | 247-148-4 221-695-9 | For the purposes of this entry, Article 4(1), point (b), shall apply to concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane equal to or below 75 mg/kg (0,0075 % by weight) where it is present in substances, mixtures, articles or as constituents of the flame-retarded articles. For the use of recycled polystyrene in the production of EPS and XPS insulation material for use in buildings or civil engineering works, point (b) shall apply to concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane equal to or below 100 mg/kg (0,01 % by weight). The exemptions laid down in this point 1 shall be reviewed and assessed by the Commission by 1 January 2026 2. Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 4(2) apply to the following situations: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) products containing HBCDD that were already in use in buildings before February 21, 2018, in accordance with Directives (EU) 2016/293 and 2016/C12/06, and Extruded polystyrene (XPS) products containing HBCDD that were already in use in buildings before June 23, 2016, may continue to be used. 3. Without prejudice to the other relevant provisions of the EU regarding the classification, packaging, and labeling of substances and mixtures, expanded polystyrene (EPS) products containing HBCDD that are placed on the market after March 23, 2016, shall be marked by labeling or other means of identification throughout their entire life cycle. |
| Methoxychlor | 72-43-5, 30667-99-3, 76733-77-2, 255065-25-9, 255065-26-0, 59424-81-6, 1348358-72-4 | 200-779-9 | For the purposes of this entry, Article 4(1), point (b), shall apply to concentrations of methoxychlor equal to or below 0,01 mg/kg (0,000001 % by weight) where they are present in substances, mixtures or articles.ā |
Sources:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R2555&qid=1727668860752
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R2570&qid=1727669655000
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has amended 16 CFR 1110 to introduce an eFiling system for importers and their trade partners. This system requires importers of regulated consumer products to electronically submit compliance data through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Key Points:
- eFiling Initiative: Importers must submit compliance data electronically via the ACE system.
- Benefits: Real-time data capture, streamlined processes, reduced risk scores, hold times, exams, and costs for compliant importers.
- Message Sets:
- Full PGA Message Set: For limited or non-repeated importations, requiring full product certificates and broker files.
- Reference PGA Message Set: For repeated importations, using pre-entered certificate data and identifiers.
- Compliance Requirements: Seven elements needed for a Certificate of Compliance, including Product ID, Citation Codes, and more.
- Implementation Timeline: Full rollout expected around 2025.
This amendment aims to enhance efficiency and compliance in the importation process without changing existing safety requirements.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/eFiling