Hardlines

The US state of Minnesota has banned intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from food packaging. Minnesota becomes the latest US jurisdiction to regulate PFAS in food contact materials and articles, joining Connecticut, Maine, New York, San Francisco, Vermont and Washington. SF 20 was signed into law by the governor in June 2021, amending […]

Canada implements formaldehyde emission regulation for composite wood panels, laminated products, and finished goods containing these products. The ‘Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations’ were published on July 7, 2021. The provisions in this law mirror many of the elements of the US Toxic Substances Control Act Title VI ‘Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood

Thailand’s Ministry of Industry has mandated the use of TIS 1025-2562 (2019) as the standard for pacifiers. Largely based on EN 1400:2013+A1:2014, this industry standard contains requirements relating to: Materials Construction Performance Packaging Product information [if !supportLists] The standard requires specific pacifier materials/components to conform to certain chemicals/tests concerning: Migration of 17 elements Release of

The US state of Connecticut has prohibited perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials and articles. Substitute for Raised Senate Bill No. 837 (Act No. 21-191) became law on June 28, 2021, repealing Section 22a-255i ‘Section 22a-255i ‘Sale of packaging components or packaging composed of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium’. The new

SGS, the world’s leading testing and certification company, has announced the opening of a dedicated and fully accredited testing laboratory for face masks in Helsinki. Consumer demand for face masks has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protection they afford both wearers and those near them, means many countries have mandated the

On June 9, 2021, Ukraine announced a change in the law to prohibit the distribution of some types of plastic bag for retail and catering use. Law No. 1489-IX of June 1, 2021, bans the use of three types of plastic bag: ‘Lightweight plastic bags’ – wall thickness of 15 to 50 micrometers (microns) ‘Very

South Korea is holding a consultation over proposed changes to its food contact material standards. Comments will be accepted until July 27, 2021. Proposed changes include: Polyketones added as a new material under synthetic resins: Lead: no more than 1.0 mg/L Potassium permanganate consumption: no more than 10.0 mg/L Overall migration: no more than 30

China will enforce its ban on the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) from December 26, 2021. HBCDD has a variety of uses: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) for insulation and construction Back-coatings for upholstery and other interior textiles Automotive applications. [if !supportLists] The ban prohibited the manufacture, use, import and export of HBCDD. China

SGS publishes overview of the changes proposed in the new federal safety rule for infant sleep products – 16 CFR 1236. Approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 16 CFR 1236 affects products intended for use by infants aged under five months. The proposed standard states that the sleep surface angle should be