California approves restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in juvenile products for infants and children
under the age of twelve years.
The State Governor signed AB 652 into law on October
5, 2021, adding a new Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 108945) to the
state’s Health and Safety Code under Part 3 of Division 104.
Under the terms of the law, PFAS are restricted to less
than 100 ppm (as total organic fluorine). The new restrictions come into effect
on July 1, 2023. Stakeholders should be aware there are exemptions for:
- Second hand juvenile
products - Internal components
of juvenile products that do not come into direct contact with a child’s skin
or mouth during reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of the product - Children’s electronic
products, including, but not limited to, personal computers, audio and video
equipment, wireless phones and handheld devices incorporating a video screen or
any associated peripherals - Medical devices
- Adult mattresses
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The law has the following definitions:
- PFAS – a family of
fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon
atom - Juvenile products – product
for use by infants and children under 12 years of age, includes:- Baby and toddler foam pillows, nursing pillow, polyurethane foam pillows
- Bassinets, crib mattress, infant sleep positioners, nap cot, travel bed,
bedside sleepers, toddler mattress - Booster seats, highchair and pad, infant seats, portable hook-on chairs
- Changing pad, portable foam nap mat
- Child-restraint system for use in motor vehicles and aircraft
- Floor playmats, bouncers, infant
swings, infant walkers, playmat, playpen and play yard
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Stakeholders are advised to
now ensure their products conform to the last requirements for PFAS.
SGS Childcare Product Services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with
relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They
provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and
inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations
worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being
brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Childcare Product
Services.
SGS
SafeGuardS
keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods
industry. Read the full California, USA, Regulates
PFAS in Juvenile Products SafeGuardS.
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For
further information contact:
Dr.
Hingwo Tsang
Global
Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:
(+852) 2774 7420
Email:
crs.media@sgs.com
Website:
www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn:
sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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