Hardlines

Standards authorities in Australia and New Zealand have published a new joint standard that specifies the maximum acceptable limits for the migration of eight elements from toy materials and components. The standard – AS/NZS ISO 8124.3:2021 – also includes methods for sampling, extraction and determination. Published in February 2021, the new standard supersedes both previous […]

Several countries in the European Union (EU) have announced bans on the importation of food contact products made from bamboo-melamine. In some cases, these countries also require the removal of these products from the market. Country responses include: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux countries) – requires operators to withdraw food contact ‘bamboo-melamine’ plastics immediately

The US state of Washington has banned perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in four types of food packaging derived from plant fibers. Introduced in February 2021, the ban’s scope covers food packaging made, in substantial part, from paper, paperboard or other materials derived from plant fibers. It will initially affect: Food boats Pizza boxes Plates

Hong Kong has amended its list of standards that demonstrate conformity with the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance. ‘Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2021’, announced in a press release of February 19, 2021, covers two standards for toys and three standards for children’s products. The new

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

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

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

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

BIFMA has released an updated version of its occasional use seating standard – ANSI/BIFMA X6.4 – to account for the increasing size of seating users. Occasional- seating is used in a variety if indoor spaces, including: Medical centers – waiting rooms, reception areas and for visitors in patient rooms Hospitality – restaurants, dining, cafeterias Office