Toys & Hardlines regulatory updates 01-2022
EUROPE
New update of Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)
On 17 January 2022, the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) has released the new Candidate List of SVHCs. With the addition of 4 new substances, the current list of SVHCs contains 223 substances.
Smart toys and new regulations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing quickly and is continuing to grow in popularity. It has many applications in our everyday lives, such as smart appliances, toys, autonomous cars, robotics, healthcare, etc.
Guidance publication related to the consumer rights Directive
On 29 December 2021, the European Commission published the Commission notice Guidance on the interpretation and application of Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on consumer rights.
FRANCE
Amendment of the toy producer's extended responsibility sector
On 14 December 2021, the French authorities published the Order of December 14, 2021 amending the order of 27 October 2021 on the specifications of eco-organisations and individual systems of the toy producer's extended responsibility sector.
Bisphenol A as a substance of very high concern
On 21 December 2021, the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed on appeal the identification of Bisphenol A as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) for its endocrine-disrupting properties on human health.
Destruction of unsold non-food items prohibited
From 1 January 2022, unsold non-food items can no longer be destroyed by incineration. The objective for 2022 is to reuse or recycle unsold non-food products and therefore prevent a large part of the millions of unsold non-food items from being destroyed and causing more greenhouse gas emissions.
Last publication related to circular economy and consumer goods
The Ministry of Ecological Transition is in charge of matters related to the circular economy and waste in France and has a lot of changes planned for the French market in 2022.
Alignment with the European Directive on consumer rights
On 23 December 2021, the Minister of Economy, Finance and Recovery issued the Ordinance No. 2021-1734 of December 22, 2021 transposing Directive 2019/2161 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 and relating to the better application and modernisation of EU rules on consumer protection.
UK
Please find a table summarising recent technical publications (non-exhaustive):
US
Request for a consumer product safety standard for button batteries
On 30 November 2021, the US Senate introduced a bill (S.3278 – Reese’s Law) to protect children and other consumers against hazards associated with the accidental ingestion of button cell or coin batteries.
Comments for Safety Standard for Magnets
On 10 January 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) proposed a rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act, to apply to consumer products that are designed, marketed, or intended to be used such as jewelry that contain one or more loose or separable magnets.
Proposed rule for Window Covering Cords
On 7 January 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a proposed rule for Safety Standard for Operating Cords on Custom Window Coverings and Substantial Product Hazard List: Window Covering Cords.
New flame retardants requirements in New York
The bill S4630B - Family and Fighter Protection Act was signed by the New York Governor. It bans the use of certain flame retardant chemicals in furniture and mattresses and also bans the use of certain flame retardant chemicals in electronic casings.
Bills proposal for Clothing storage units
In 2021, both the House and Senate of the US Congress have proposed bills related to ensuring furniture stability.
CANADA
Quebec repeals the label requirements for upholstered and stuffed articles
On 9 December 2021, The Bill 103 was published which repeal the Act regarding Stuffing and Upholstered and Stuffed Articles with immediate effect in Quebec.
New prohibition for single use plastic is coming
On 25 December 2021, a single-use plastic (SUP) proposal was published with the aim of prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of six categories of disposable plastic items (Shopping bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws).
CHINA
China publishes updated GB Standards
On 11 October 2021, the announcement Nº 12 of 2021 was published on approving the Release of 602 National Standards by China National Standardization (SAC).
INTERNATIONAL
Regulatory proposals notified to WTO
The following table summarises the most recent notifications made to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (non-exhaustive).
Find a monthly table summarising product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source “RAPEX” and “RASFF”) and the U.S. (Source “CPSC”).
