In October 2020, the Swedish government announced it was postponing the implementation of its new chemical tax for clothing and footwear until 2022. The decision follows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. First announced in May 2020, the tax is designed to phase out the use of hazardous chemicals in clothing and footwear. It is […]
Sweden Delays Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear Read More »
The European Union (EU) has published a new limit of no more than 5 mg/kg for pentachlorophenol (PCP), its salts and esters under the POP Recast Regulation. The limit applies to substances, mixtures and articles. Published on February 23, 2021, the new limit is contained in Regulation (EU) 2021/277. The changes have been made under
New EU Limit for PCP Under POP Recast Regulation Read More »
The US state of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a draft list of food contact chemicals of high concern. The state approved LD 1433 to reduce toxic chemicals in food packaging in June 2019. It contained various provisions, including: Prohibition on phthalates in food packaging (including plastic service gloves) Authorization to the
US State of Maine Publishes Draft List of Food Contact Chemicals of High Concern Read More »
In response to the latest changes in the COVID-19 pandemic, the French Government has recently issued a decree that recommends only face covering masks with a filtration efficiency of at least 90% be used. Issued on January 27, 2021, with the Cross Ministries Note updated on January 28, 2021, Decree No. 2021-76 takes on board
France Increases Filtration Efficiency Requirements for Face Masks Read More »
China has updated its national standard covering the generic names for man-made fibers – GB/T 4146.1-2020 Textiles-Man-made fibers – Part 1: Generic names. Issued as part of China’s No. 22 announcement on newly approved national standards in 2020, the new standard will come into effect on May 1, 2021. It covers all man-made fibers, defined
China Updates Standard for Man-made Fiber Generic Names Read More »
China’s Standardization Administration has put into effect its new, updated national product standard for towels – GB/T 22864-2020. The standard applies to all kinds of woven towel products made from textile fibers, but does not include: Microfiber towels Single-use towels [if !supportLists] The main technical contents of the standard are: General safety technical requirements shall
New Towel Standard in China Read More »
The US Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) has updated its Model Toxics Packaging Legislation (Model Legislation) to include provisions relating to (ortho) phthalates and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Under the provisions in the update, issued on February 16, 2021, PFAS are now prohibited and phthalates are restricted to no more than 100 parts per
Further Restrictions on Toxics in Packaging Under US TPCH Model Legislation Read More »
ASTM International has published a new standard that establishes the minimum design, performance, labeling, user instructions, reporting and classification, and conformity assessment criteria for single-use and reusable face coverings – ASTM F3502. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, barrier face coverings have been an important part of the strategy for reducing the spread of
ASTM Publishes New Specification Standard for Barrier Face Coverings Read More »
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is to host a live webinar on March 18 providing delegates with an ‘Introduction to the SCIP Database.’ Introduced on January 5, 2021, a new mandatory requirement from the Waste Framework Directive and REACH regulation for EU duty holders, demands any article being placed on
SGS to host complimentary webinar – an ‘Introduction to the SCIP Database’ Read More »
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, testing and certification company, has introduced a dedicated service to help furniture manufacturers demonstrate the quality and durability of their products through the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers’ Association (BIFMA’s) new Conformance Program. Launched on March 1, 2021, the ‘BIFMA Compliant’ program enables manufacturers to list those products that conform
