E-ssentials 1 | 2016
US: CPSC has published a direct final rule clarifying two existing rule on component part testing and lead in textiles.
CPSC published a direct final rule amending two existing rules on component part testing (16 CFR 1109) and textile products to be considered not to exceed the lead content limits (16 CFR 1500.91(d)(7)). This rule comes into effect from 13 Jan 2016.
EU: EU adopts new chemical restrictions in certain toys
On 24 December 2015, The European Commission (EC) published the directives to amend the Appendix C to Annex II of the Toy Safety Directive, the inclusion of specific limit values for 5 chemicals used in toys intended for children under 3 years old and in other toys that can be placed in the mouth. The new requirements will apply in 2017 respectively. A summary of the new requirements are given in Table 1.
EU: REACH Candidate List now expands to 168 SVHCs
On 17 December 2015, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the 14th update of the REACH Candidate List. Five new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) were added. Hence, the total number of SVHCs on the Candidate List increases from 163 to 168.
EU: EU POPs regulation updates SCCPs requirements
On 14 November 2015, the European Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) Regulation (EU) 2015/2030 which amends the conditions of the prohibition on short-chain chlorinated paraffins, SCCPs, under Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)
With interest in the social cost of manufacturing on the rise, it is important for retailers, manufacturers, importers and trading companies to implement a process for managing risks related to supply chain social compliance. The discovery of unethical or unlawful working practices in supply chains can lead to tarnished brand reputations and poor financial results.