August 2019
North America News
On June 19, 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mandatory standard for High Chairs, codified under 16 CFR part 1231, entered into force. The standard incorporates ASTM F404-18 with no changes.
The voluntary standard, ASTM F404-18, defines High Chairs as a “a free-standing chair for a child up to 3 years of age which has a seating surface more than 15 inches above the floor and elevates the child normally for the purposes of feeding or eating.” This standard lists the requirements for high chairs as well as the corresponding test methods to check the following:
threaded fasteners;
sharp edges and points;
small parts;
wood parts;
latching or locking mechanisms;
permanency of labels;
openings;
lead in paint;
forward, sideways, and rearward stability;
exposed coil springs;
scissoring, shearing, and pinching;
restraint systems;
structural integrity;
tray latch release mechanisms;
side containment;
protrusions;
protective components;
tray or front torso support;
static loads on the seat, step, footrest, and tray;
bounded openings;
warnings and labels; and
instructional literature
Compared with the previous version, ASTM F404-15, the current standard incorporates more stringent requirements in Stability Requirements, Warning Label Requirements and Instructional Literature Requirements.
On July 23, 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a direct final rule to revise the CPSC’s mandatory standard for full-size baby cribs, codified under 16 CFR part 1219. If no adverse comments are received by the Commission, the rule will become effective on October 28, 2019.
The purpose of this rule is to update the reference in the Code of Federal Regulations to accurately reflect the latest version of ASTM standard F1169-19 for Full-Size Baby Cribs. According to the standard, a revision was done to clarify that all warnings, including lower-priority warnings, must be affixed somewhere on the crib, and not merely referenced in a manual or instructions.
In July of 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed to amend the standards for gates and enclosures, codified under 16 CFR part 1239. This amendment will incorporate by reference, ASTM F1004-19, with no changes.
Gates may serve as barriers that are intended to be erected in an opening to prevent the passage of young children. Enclosures may serve as barriers intended to completely surround an area or play-space to confine young children. The voluntary standard, ASTM F1004-19, consists of general requirements addressing different safety issues related to the following:
wood parts;
screws;
sharp edges or points;
small parts;
exposed coil springs;
scissoring, shearing, and pinching;
lead in paint; and
protective components
The standard also references performance requirements and test methods specific to gates and enclosures. The requirements relate to:
completely bounded openings;
height of sides;
vertical strength;
bottom spacing;
configuration of uppermost edge;
latching/locking and hinge mechanisms;
automatic closing system;
push-out force strength;
ocking devices;
toys;
slat strength; and
label testing
The Commission has proposed that 6 months after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register, the standard will become effective.
On July 23, 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a direct final rule to revise the CPSC’s mandatory standard for Stationary Activity Centers (SACs), codified under 16 CFR part 1238. This amendment will incorporate by reference, ASTM F2012-18, without change. The rule will be effective on December 18, 2019.
The voluntary standard, ASTM F2012-18, defines Stationary Activity Centers (SACs) as a “freestanding product intended to remain stationary that enables a sitting or standing occupant whose torso is completely surrounded by the product to walk, rock, play, spin or bounce, or all of these, within a limited range of motion.’’ It addresses the risk of injuries and deaths associated with Stationary Activity Centers. It also contains testing and requirements related to:
sharp edges and points;
small parts;
latching or locking mechanisms to prevent unintentional folding;
openings;
scissoring, shearing, and pinching;
exposed coil springs;
toy accessories sold with SACs;
protective components;
spring failures on spring-supported SACs;
structural integrity;
leg openings;
stability (including tip overs and seat tilt);
motion resistance
warnings and labels; and
instructional literature
On May 22, 2019, Minnesota enacted House Bill 359 (Chapter 47, 2019-2020) expanding the restrictions on flame retardants related to residential textiles and mattresses. The effective date will be July 1, 2021 for manufacturers or wholesalers of residential textiles and mattresses, and July 1, 2022 for retailers.
Previously, only specific flame retardants were banned. With this new bill, all organo-halogenated flame retardants will be prohibited. There are some exemptions to this requirement, which are listed below:
A children’s product, mattress, upholstered residential furniture, or residential textile for which a federal flammability standard exists;
An electronic component that is part of a children’s product, mattress, upholstered residential furniture, or residential textile; and
Components of an adult mattress other than foam.
There is also a prohibition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals) in Class B firefighting foams with an effective date of July 1, 2020.
On July 12, 2019, the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) sent a notice that they intend to add the following chemicals, which are known to pose carcinogenic risk to the chemical list of Proposition 65.
2-Amino-4-chlorophenol (CAS No. 95-85-2),
2-Chloronitrobenzene (CAS No. 88-73-3),
1,4-Dichloro-2-nitrobenzene (CAS No. 89-61-2),
2,4-Dichloro-1-nitrobenzene (CAS No. 611-06-3),
N,N-Dimethylacetamide (CAS No. 127-19-5), and
Para-Nitroanisole (CAS No. 100-17-4)
The chemicals in the proposal are commonly applied as intermediates or solvents in chemical synthesis. The public comment period for OEHHA closed on August 12, 2019.
On June 28, 2019, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) issued a notice to add p-chloro-α,α,α-trifluorotoluene (para-Chlorobenzotrifluoride, PCBTF) to the list of chemicals under Proposition 65.
PCBTF has been found to cause cancer in humans, and is a common solvent used in the printing industry to dissolve ink.
In 1986, California voters approved an initiative titled California Proposition 65 to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. Since its origin, there have been many lawsuits that have resulted in reformulations of consumer products containing carcinogenic and reproductively harmful chemicals on the Cal Prop 65 list.
Recent 60-day notices from January of 2019 to June of 2019 include the following:
| Chemical | Product / Source | Number of Notices |
| 1,4-Dioxane, Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Benzene, Bromoform, Cumene, Diethanolamine, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene Glycol, Methanol, Naphthalene, Nickel, Nitrilotriacetic acid, trisodium salt monohydrate, Radionuclides, Residual (heavy) fuel oils | Food | 1 |
| Acrylamide | Food | 35 |
| Acrylamide, Lead | Food | 4 |
| Alcoholic beverages, when associated with alcohol abuse, Ethanol in alcoholic beverages | Food | 32 |
| Alcoholic beverages, when associated with alcohol abuse, Ethanol in alcoholic beverages, Ethyl alcohol in alcoholic beverages | Food | 1 |
| Alcoholic beverages, when associated with alcohol abuse, Ethyl alcohol in alcoholic beverages | Food | 32 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Arsenic (inorganic oxides) | Food | 4 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Benzene, Benzofuran, Cadmium, Carbon monoxide, Ethylbenzene, Lead, Nickel, Quinoline and its strong acid salts, styrene | Candles & Burning Items and Accessories | 5 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Arsenic (inorganic oxides), Lead and lead | Food | 1 |
| Arsenic (inorganic arsenic compounds), Lead and lead compounds | Food | 1 |
| Asbestos, Talc containing asbestiform fibers | Cosmetics / Bodycare | 1 |
| Bisphenol A | Thermal Paper | 1 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Food / Jewelry / Jewelry Organizer / Keychains | 2 |
| Cadmium and cadmium compounds | Food | 6 |
| Cadmium and cadmium compounds, Lead and lead compounds | Food | 1 |
| Cadmium, Lead | Food | 3 |
| Cadmium, Lead and lead compounds | Food Supplements | 18 |
| Carbon monoxide | Smoke | 1 |
| Coconut oil diethanolamine condensate (cocamide diethanolamine) | Cosmetics / Body care | 1 |
| Demeclocycline hydrochloride (internal use), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories | 1 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / Flashlights / HDMI Cables / Wire Strippers Backpack / Bags / Wallet / Badge Holder and Accessories Bathroom Supplies / Kitchen Supplies Bedding Cases / Travel Cases Cloth / Pant / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves / Eye pillow / Facial Mitts / Masks / Belt / Gloves Cold Compress Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories Cosmetics / Bodycare Flags Footwear / Roller Food Contact Materials Furniture Hair band / Hair extensions Hangers Headphones Jewelry / Jewelry Organizer / Keychains Kits Lighting Equipment Lock / Hook Organizers Panel / Tier / Covering / Bath curtain / Mat / Net Plastic wrapping / Bagging / Packaging / Case Personal Protective Equipment Pet Supplies Rain Slickers / Rain Suit Sporting Goods / Equipment Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker / Tag Stethoscope Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools Umbrellas | 424 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Backpack / Bags / Wallet / Badge Holder and Accessories Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories Cosmetics / Bodycare Kits Knob Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker / Tag Sporting Goods / Equipment Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 19 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) | Backpack / Bags / Wallet / Badge Holder and Accessories Food Contact Materials Footwear / Roller Kits Organizers | 6 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), Lead | Backpack / Bags / Wallet and Accessories Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker / Tag | 4 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Lead | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools Organizers | 3 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories | 1 |
| Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Lead, Nickel | Cloth / Pant / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves / Eye pillow / Facial Mitts / Masks / Belt / Gloves | 1 |
| Diethanolamine | Cosmetics / Bodycare | 2 |
| Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Toys | 1 |
| Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / Flashlights / HDMI Cables / Wire Strippers Artcraft / Home Accents / Plant Backpack / Bags / Wallet / Badge Holder and Accessories Bedding Cases / Travel Cases Cloth / Pants / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves / Eye pillow / Facial Mitts / Masks / Belt / Gloves Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories Cosmetics / Bodycare Food Food Contact Materials Footwear / Roller Harness Ice Bucket Kits Mirrors Pouches / Sleeves / Eye pillow / Facial Mitts / Masks / Belt / Gloves Lighting Equipment Panel / Tier / Covering / Bath curtain / Mat / Net Plastic wrapping / Bagging / Packaging / Case Pods Sporting Goods / Equipment Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker / Tag Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools Toys Umbrellas | 126 |
| Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) | Backpack / Bags / Wallet / Badge Holder and Accessories Cases / Travel Cases Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories Footwear / Roller Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 7 |
| Furfuryl Alcohol | Food | 6 |
| Lead | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / HDMI Cables / Wire Strippers Cloth / Pants / Cap / Hat / Eyewear Pouches / Sleeves / Eye pillow / Facial Mitts / Masks / Belt / Gloves Food Food Contact Materials Pet Supplies Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 30 |
| Lead and lead compounds | Adapters / Electrical Wires / Extension Cords / HDMI Cables / Wire Strippers Artcraft / Home Accents / Plant Food Stationary / Stickers / Non-slip Sticker / Tag Supplements Tool Pouches / Tool Grips / Brass Tools / Garden Tools / Cutting Tools / Fittings and Valves / Other Tools | 35 |
| Lead and lead compounds, Wood dust | Fabric / Textile / Garment / Home Textile | 1 |
| Styrene | Plastics Processing | 1 |
| Wood dust | Wood pellet | 1 |
Europe News
On June 20, 2019, the European Commission published a recast persistent organic pollutions (POPs) regulation, namely Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 to replace Regulation (EU) 850/2004. The updated regulation became effective on July 15, 2019. In addition to the revision of certain definitions and terminologies in the regulatory text, the other major changes are summarized below:
| SUBSTANCE | REGULATION (EU) 2019/1021 - REQUIREMENT | SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENT CHANGES |
| Tetrabromodiphenyl ether, Tetra BDE | Substances - 10 mg/kg Mixtures/Articles - 500 mg/kg for sum of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and decaBDE | Inclusion of decaBDE in group limit for Mixtures/Articles requirement as SUM of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and decaBDE |
| Pentabromodiphenyl ether, Penta BDE | Substances - 10 mg/kg Mixtures/Articles - 500 mg/kg for sum of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and decaBDE | |
| Hexabromodiphenyl ether, Hexa BDE | Substances - 10 mg/kg Mixtures/Articles - 500 mg/kg for sum of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and decaBDE | |
| Heptabromodiphenyl ether, Hepta BDE | Substances - 10 mg/kg Mixtures/Articles - 500 mg/kg for sum of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and decaBDE | |
| Bis(pentabromophenyl) ether (decabromodiphenyl ether), DecaBDE | Substances - 10 mg/kg Articles - 500 mg/kg for sum of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- and decaBDE | New Addition to POP |
| SUBSTANCE | REGULATION (EU) 2019/1021 - REQUIREMENT | SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENT CHANGES |
| Pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters | Not permitted | New Addition to POP |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (PFOS) | Substances/Mixtures - 10 mg/kg Articles - 1 μg/m2 | New CAS number of PFOS substances are included in scope 1763-23-1 2795-39-3 29457-72-5 29081-56-9, and others |
On July 16, 2019, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added 4 new substances of very high concern (SVHC) to the SVHC Candidate List under Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The added chemicals can be reproductive toxins as well as have endocrine disrupting properties. Their addition brings the SVHC Candidate List total to 201 substances.
The added chemicals are as follows:
| Substance | CAS Number | EC Number | Reason for inclusion |
| 2-methoxyethyl acetate | 110-496 | 203-772-9 | Toxic for reproduction |
| Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite (TNPP) with ≥ 0.1% w/w of 4-nonylphenol, branched and linear (4-NP) | --- | --- | Endocrine disrupting |
| 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propionic acid, its salts and its acyl halides (covering any of their individual isomers and combinations thereof) | --- | --- | Probable serious effects to the environment and human health |
| 4-tert-butylphenol | 98-54-4 | 202-679-0 | Endocrine disrupting |
The deadline for notification about the presence of the new SVHCs in articles is January 16, 2020, six months after their inclusion on the list.
On July 23, 2019, the European Commission issued Decision (EU) 2019/1254 to list EN 71-14:2018 Safety of Toys - Trampolines for domestic use as a harmonized standard.
With immediate effect, manufacturers of trampolines are now able to use EN 71-14:2018 to demonstrate their product complies with all the necessary requirements in accordance to the EU Toys Safety Directive.
With a view to providing sufficient time for manufacturers to adapt to the latest version of the standard, the previous version EN 71-14:2014+A1:2017, will remain valid until January 22, 2020.
SASO News
On August 1, 2019, Saudi Standard, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) announced that for paper and cardboards products imported into Saudi Arabia, testing must be done according to the specified standards below:
SASO 2829: Ribbed Board Containers - Requirements
SASO 2827: Millboard, greyboard and strawboard
SASO ISO 536: Paper and board - Determination of grammage
SASO ISO 186: Paper and board - Sampling to determine average quality
SASO ISO TS 17958: Paper and board - Determination of fracture toughness - Constant rate of elongation method
On July 1, 2019, Saudi Standard, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) announced that for cement products imported into Saudi Arabia, the SASO Quality Mark will be required as of September 9, 2019.
For cement products, including white cement and ready-mixed concrete, under M.A. 161-17-07-02 Technical regulation for building materials - part III, the SASO Quality Mark is required starting from September 9, 2019. In the definition of building materials, the regulation includes products such as cement, building lime, gypsum and premixed concrete products.
Saudi Standard, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) recently announced the full technical regulation implementation schedule on SABER.
The following technical regulations will be implemented on SABER at the specified day. Products falling under their scope will have to be registered through SABER for importing into Saudi Arabia after implementation. This schedule covers all currently existing product based on technical regulations, and some of those that are to be issued in the future. Please refer to previous regulatory updates for details on the SABER system. (test)
| Implementation date | Example of Products processed by SABER | Relevant Technical Regulation |
| Jan 2019 | Leakage alarm system, LPG metal cylinder, gas supply hose, valves for gas cylinder, cooking stoves, and LPG powered heater notes: Saudi quality mark required. Intervention from CB is not required after acquisition of Saudi quality mark. | M.A.-156-16-04-04 Technical Regulation for Gas Appliances and their Accessories |
| Apr 2019 | Products designed for use in play by children under 14 years of age | BD-131704-01 GCC Technical Regulation on Children Toys |
| Electrical and electronic devices and appliances that contain electrical and/or electronic component with a voltage rating of 50-1000 V for AC and 75-1500 V for DC | BD-142004-01 GCC Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances | |
| Lubricating oil, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, and hydraulic oil | S.V.-155-16-03-01 Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils | |
| Jun 2019 | Elevator intended for public use in buildings and facilities, and certain elevator safety components | M.A. 161-17-07-05 Technical Regulation for Lifts Used in Buildings and Installations |
| Metals and their alloys for building and civil engineering works e.g. steel sheet, steel wire, aluminium and its alloys for building purpose | M.A. 156-16-03-01 Technical Regulation of Building Materials Part 1: Metals and their Alloys for Constructions and Buildings | |
| Insulation and cladding material except for tiles, ceramics, marble, stone, and paint | M.A. 156-16-03-02 Technical Regulation of Building Materials Part 2: Insulation Products and Building Cladding Materials | |
| Hydraulic connections and related products e.g. cement, building lime, gypsum, premixed concrete products and derivatives, cement bricks, chemical additions of concrete except for reinforced concrete, and concrete precast | M.A. 161-17-07-02 Technical Regulation of Building Materials Part 3: Hydraulic Connections and Related Material | |
| Bricks, tiles, marble and stone, sanitary ware, ceramic tiles and ceramic bricks except for cement tiles and bricks notes: Saudi quality mark required for ceramic ware. Intervention from CB is not required after acquisition of Saudi quality mark. | M.A. 161-17-07-03 Technical Regulation of Building Materials Part 4: Bricks, Tiles, Ceramic, Sanitary Ware and Related Materials | |
| Aug 2019 | Emulsion paints, oil paints and varnishes for use in residential and commercial buildings, and public utilities | M.A.-155.16.03.03 Technical Regulation for Paints (Dyes) and Varnishes |
| Electric self-balancing plates (Scooters) | M.A.-155-06-03-04 Technical Regulation for the Electric Self-Balancing Boards (Scooter) | |
| Disposable products manufactured from polypropylene and polyethylene plastics which are often used for a short time | M.A.-156-16-04-03 Technical Regulation for Degradable Plastic Products | |
| Front, side and rear protection barriers for trucks and trailers with a maximum weight of 3.5 tons | M.A.-161-17-07-04 Technical Regulations for Front and Rear and Side Barriers for Trucks and Trailers | |
| Car batteries, portable batteries, such as button cells, weighting less than 1kg | M.A. -166-18-04-02 Technical Regulation for Electrical Batteries | |
| Nov 2019 | New spare parts for motor vehicles except tires, vehicles batteries and safety barriers | B.D.-162-17-04-02 Technical Regulation for Auto Spare Parts |
| Personal protection products e.g. firefighting clothing, eye protection equipment, gloves, safety shoes | M.A.-165-18-04-04 Technical Regulation for Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing | |
| Dec 2019 | Textile products e.g. silk, wool, cotton, fabrics | M.A.-164-18-05-02 Technical Regulation for Textile Products |
| Trailers and Semi-Trailers | M.A.-162-17-07-04 Technical Regulations for Trailers and Semi-Trailers | |
| Detergents, surfactants, and soap e.g. liquid glass cleaner, liquid dishwashing detergent except disinfectants | M.A. 155-16-03-02 Technical Regulation for Detergents | |
| Products of solar energy generating systems and their components e.g. photovoltaic units, cables and connectors | M.A. 165-18-04-03 Technical Regulation for Photovoltaic Cells | |
| Jan 2020 | Equipment, machinery and structures that are installed permanently or temporarily in recreational cities | M.A. 165-18-04-02 Technical Regulation for Games and Devices of Amusement City |
| Adhesives and glue products e.g. structural adhesives, adhesives for leather, footwear, wood products, paper, packaging | Technical Regulation for Adhesives and Related Products | |
| Plastic metal products manufactured in the form of a costume for decoration e.g. hair, hands and neck accessories | Technical Regulation for Ornaments and Decorations | |
| Plastic and metal pipe system used in the transport of water and electrical installations in buildings and accessories | Technical Regulation of Building Materials Part 5: Plastic and Metal Pipes Used in Water and Electrical Installation Networks | |
| Wireless communication devices e.g. mobile phones, headsets, smart devices | Technical Regulation for Telecommunications Devices | |
| Packaging products: paper, cardboard, wood, plastics, textile, and any other materials used in packaging | Technical Regulation for Packaging | |
| Materials and surfaces in contact with food e.g. cooking equipment, tableware, food packaging materials and containers | Technical Regulation of Materials and Surfaces for Contact with Food | |
| Footwear made of leather, textile, plastic or a mixture of these materials | Technical Regulation for Shoes and Leather | |
| Devices operating under pressure and their accessories e.g. fire extinguishers, pressure cookers | Technical Regulation for Simple Pressure Devices | |
| Products for firefighting e.g. fire extinguisher, alarm systems, fire hoses | Technical Regulation for Fire Fighting Equipment | |
| Fireworks products e.g. firecrackers, fireworks, mine | Technical Regulation for Fireworks |
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