European paper and board manufacturers have released an updated guidance document on how to meet safety standards for paper and board products used in food contact applications. Originally published in 2010 and updated in 2012, “Food Contact Guidelines for the Compliance of Paper and Board Materials and Articles,” provides a methodology for demonstrating the suitability […]
Guidance on Phthalates for Manufacturers Accessing EU Markets
Ortho-phthalates, commonly known as phthalates, are a ubiquitous family of synthetic chemicals that are found in a diverse range of products. They have, however, been linked to various health issues, including interference with endocrine (hormone) systems, male fertility matters, obesity and diabetes. The EU, as in other jurisdictions, has sought to regulate their use through […]
EU Member State authorities notify a large number of ROHS and POPs violations
Since late 2018, the EU Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) has issued multiple notifications of non-conformities against the Directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) and the Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) in electrical and electronic equipment. Many types of electrical and electronic product have been found to exceed RoHS […]
Potentially dangerous Microplastics rain down on remote French Mountains
Microplastics can accumulate heavy metals like mercury and persistent organic pollutants. These materials have known health impacts. Scientists reported that worryingly high amounts of microplastic particles are raining down on a remote area in France’s Pyrenees Mountains, according to National Geographic. The study is the first of its kind ever conducted. Only two other studies […]
The old PPE Directive has been replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on PPE
The main changes to be aware of The old PPE Directive has been replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on PPE since April 2018 A number of types of protection has moved from category II (intermediate) to category III (complex) such as hearing protection and life jackets There is now a requirement for manufacturers to supply […]
European Union introduces new energy labels and an obligation to register products in the European product database for energy labelling (EPREL)
On January 1, 2019 the European Union revised its energy labels for household appliances, lamps and luminaries, to make them easier to understand and more clearly reflect current market conditions. Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 setting a framework for energy labelling Passed in July 2017, this regulation repealed the previous energy labeling regulation, Directive 2010/30/EU. From January […]
How little things turn big and deadly
Forty years ago, Ross Hume Hall, then a professor of biochemistry at McMaster University, and Donald Chant, a University of Toronto professor of zoology and one of the founders of Pollution Probe, co-authored an important report on ecotoxicity for the Canadian Environmental Advisory. Council “The whole environment, including humans, is being contaminated in a sea of […]
Companies reported to Swedish prosecutor for chemicals non-compliance
Lead, phthalates, SCCPs detected in articles The Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemi) has reported 18 companies to the prosecutor for suspected environmental offenses following inspections on hazardous substances in goods. During 2018, the agency checked 80 companies under its supervisory project aimed at controlling substances on the REACH candidate list present in goods sold on the […]
EU updates harmonised Toy Safety Standards
Five new standards for presumption of conformity with the Toy Safety Directive, and amendments to two entries in the standard for finger paints, have become effective on February 28, 2019. These new standards will completely supersede their corresponding standards. EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 Safety of toys – Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties EN 71-3:2013+A3:2018 Safety of […]