Consumer Products | Monthly bulletin | May 2024

Eurofins newsflash Consumer Products

Chemical | Cosmetics & Personal Care | Softlines & Leather |
Toys, Childcare & Hardlines | Personal Protective Equipment

Chemical

Europe

Amendment in the HBCDD limits in POP Regulation

On the 21^st of March 2024, the delegated Regulation which amends Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) entered into the adoption step of the public European initiative.

The main changes are:

New limit of HBCDD concentration for substances, mixtures, articles or as constituents of the flame-retarded articles. It is equal to or below 75 mg/kg (0,0075 % by weight).
New requirement for recycled polystyrene in the production of EPS and XPS insulation material for use in buildings or civil engineering works. The HBCDD limit is equal to or below 100 mg/kg (0,01 % by weight).
New date for review and assessment of exemptions for HBCDD by the European Commission by the 1^st of January 2026.

The next step is the official publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

For more information, consult the public European initiative website here.

Forum enforcement projects 2025

On the 25^th of March 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the next Forum enforcement projects for 2025. Forum enforcement projects have the aim of protecting human health and the environment while checking the work of European legislations for companies across the EU market.

One of them is REF-13- Online Sales Project. It consists of checking products sold online. Products must comply with European chemical requirements as RoHS, REACH and POPs restrictions and mixtures must be classified, labelled and packaged according to CLP. On the other hand, the provided information that is available online will be also checked.

The other project, in preparation, is to check if suppliers have notified hazardous chemical mixtures to the poison centres. The inspectors will check that the notification has been submitted and verify labels of mixtures and, where needed, Safety Data Sheets.

For more information, consult the ECHA website here.

Recent publications on REACH Regulation

The following table provides a non-exhaustive summary of some recent updates regarding REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006:

Summary of the most recent updates
Date	Subject
15/03/2024	SEAC’S RECOMMENDATION ON REVIEW PERIOD ECHA Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has updated its approach for recommending review periods in its opinions on applications for authorisation. The new approach incorporates developments in opinion and decision-making processes over recent years. For example, substitution plans are now factored into the evaluation of review periods.	For more information, consult the ECHA’s website here.
03/04/2024	ECHA published the latest updates to the EU Chemicals legislation finder (EUCLEF)	For more information, consult the ECHA’s website here.
06/04/2024	The following document was published: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) …/… of XXX amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances	For more information, consult European Commission website here.
15/04/2024	Publication of Role and activities of dossier submitters in the current phase of the PFAS restriction process. This publication explains how the authorities (Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) use the information from the comments submitted in the six-month consultation with the aim to update their initial restriction proposal.	For more information, consult the German Helpdesk website here. (Only in German)
17/04/2024	Publication of the finding of a first, joint Europe-wide first assessment of drivers and impact chemical pollution. The conclusion is that it is necessary to work more to reduce this impact on human health and environment.	For more information, consult the ECHA’s website here.

Other interesting resources on REACH on the ECHA’s website

Other interesting resources on CLP on the ECHA’s website

Technical publications related to chemical and endocrine disruptors substances

The below table outlines recent publications related to microplastics and chemical substances:

Date

Entity

Publication

15/03/2024

ANSES (French National Health Security Agency for food, environment and work)

Proposed hazard classification for two diphenylamines

Reaction products of diphenylamine with nonene, branched (BNPA) and Benzenamine, N-phenyl-, reaction products with 2,4,4-trimethylpentene are UVCB-type substituted diphenylamines.

They are found in a wide range of products, including washing liquids, vehicle care products, paints, perfumes and air fresheners, as well as lubricants in engine oils and brake fluids. These substances are not currently covered by harmonised European classifications under the CLP Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of products.

10/04/2024

ANSES (French National Health Security Agency for food, environment and work)

Triphenyl phosphate, an endocrine disruptor for species in the environment

ANSES opinion on the identification of triphenyl phosphate as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) for its endocrine-disrupting propierties.

4^th edition of the GB mandatory classification and labelling list

On the 2^nd of March 2024, the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published the new version of the GB mandatory classification and labeling list (GB MCL List).

The main updates are:

25 substances have been added from the second GB CLP Agency recommendation (February 2024).
Corrections in several entries. The corrected entries are:
- Index no:615-046-00-2 1,3-bis(1-isocyanato-1-methylethyl)benzene, EC 220-474-4,CAS 2778-42-9, (EUH204 deleted)
- Index no: 615-047-00-8 Bis(isocyanatomethyl)benzene, EC 222-852-4,CAS 3634-83-1, (EUH204 deleted)
- Index no: 615-048-00-3 2,4,6-triisopropyl-m-phenylene diisocyanate, EC 218-485-4, CAS 2162-73-4, (EUH204 deleted)
- Index no: 615-049-00-9 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate [containing < 0.1 % (w/w) of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of below 50 µm], EC 221-641-4, CAS 3173-72-6, (EUH204 deleted)
- Index no: 615-050-00-4 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate [containing ≥ 0.1 % (w/w) of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of below 50 µm], EC 221-641-4, CAS 3173-72-6, (EUH204 deleted)

The requirements for these new substances will apply from the 2^nd of September 2025.

Regulatory proposals notified to the WTO

The table below summarises the most recent notifications made to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (non-exhaustive):

Notification number

Countries

Title

G/TBT/N/GBR/78

Proposed Great Britain (GB) mandatory classification and labelling of 48 hazardous chemical substances.

The purpose of this proposal is to amend the GB mandatory classification and labelling list (the GB MCL list), following review, by introducing new and revised entries for the mandatory classification and labelling of 48 hazardous chemical substances.

PFAS restriction proposal for firefighting foams

On the 5^th of March 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received a request, from UK REACH from the Defra Secretary of State, to prepare an Annex 15 restriction dossier assessing the risks to the environment and human health from PFAS in firefighting foams.

This Annex 15 dossier, to be prepared by the HSE in collaboration with the Environment Agency, will examine whether a restriction should be introduced into Great Britain (GB; England, Scotland and Wales) covering the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.

The HSE opened a call for evidence on PFAS in firefighting foams on the 4^th of April 2024 and remains open until the 3^rd of June 2024.

For more information, consult the HSE website here.

Washington state regulates lead in cookware

On the 28^th of March 2024, the State of Washington passed HB 1551 into law to regulate lead in cookware products. Effective the 1^st of January 2026, cookware or cookware components containing lead or lead compounds at a level of more than 5 parts per million (ppm) will be prohibited.

After December 2034, the State may lower the 5ppm limit if it determines that the lower limit is (a) feasible for cookware and cookware component manufacturers to achieve; and (b) necessary to protect human health, including the health of vulnerable populations.

“Cookware” is defined as any metal pots, pans, bakeware, rice cookers, pressure cookers, and other containers and devices intended for the preparation or storage of food.

“Component” includes separate or distinct parts of the cookware, including, but not limited to, accessories such as lids, knobs, handles and handle assemblies, rivets, fasteners, valves and vent pipes.

Maine amends PFAS reporting and prohibition rule

On the 16^th of April 2024, the State of Maine approved an amendment to the “Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances pollution” for the second time.

Under the new amendment, the following significant changes were made to the existing rule:

Reporting rule:
- Scope: now only required for products that contain intentionally added PFAS and for which the Department is made aware that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use, effective the 1^st of January 2032.

Exemptions that were added:
- Manufacturers that employ 100 or fewer people
- Used products/components
- FDA regulated products
- Certain veterinary products
- Products for public health, environmental or water quality testing
- Motor vehicles, watercrafts, and other transportation products
- Semi-conductors
- Non-consumer electronics and lab equipment
- Equipment directly used to manufacture certain exempted products

Information to be reported:
- Changes: If the manufacturer is unable to provide information regarding the amount of PFAS in the product, then it may report the total weight of the product.
- Added: The identification of the applicable determination adopted by the Department that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use.

Prohibition (packaging of the products are subject to the prohibition)
- Effective the 1^st of January 2026, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
  - Cleaning products
  - Cookware
  - Cosmetics
  - Dental floss
  - Juvenile products
  - Menstruation products
  - Textile articles
  - Ski wax
  - Upholstered furniture

Effective the 1^st of January 2029, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
- Artificial turf
- Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions (unless labeled “Made with PFAS chemicals”)

Effective the 1^st of January 2032 (previously the 1^st of January 2030), any product with intentionally added PFAS is prohibited:
- Except used products, products that for which the use of PFAS in the product is determined to be a currently unavoidable use, cooling, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment, and EPA approved refrigerants, foams and aerosol propellants.

Effective the 1^st of January 2040, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
- Cooling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration equipment that contains intentionally added PFAS.
- Refrigerants, foams or aerosol propellants.

Sustainability, circular economy and environment

Miscellaneous technical publications relating to environmental, plastics, packaging and waste

The below table summarises the most recent publications regarding the environment, circular economy, and sustainability (non-exhaustive):

Entity	Date	Publication
Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de Chile, MMA (Ministry of the Environment) of Chile	21/03/2024	Preliminary draft Regulation implementing Law No. 21.368 governing the distribution of single-use plastics and plastic bottles and amending the legal texts indicated. The notified Regulation governs the requirements and procedures for granting the certificates provided for in Law No. 21.368 and clarifies the other obligations established therein.
European Agency	21/03/2024	Accelerating the circular economy in Europe: State and outlook 2024 This report analyses how recent policies in the European Union support the transition toward a circular economy and offers options and prospects to further promote this transition in the future.
UK Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs	26/03/2024	The Packaging Waste (Data Reporting) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (S.I. 2024 No. 80) It revises the following points: the definition of “household packaging”, clarify the division of responsibilities between brand owners, packers/fillers, importers and distributors. the definition of “scheme article” in relation to the Scottish Deposit and Return Scheme, requires the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs to publish a list of large producers and to make other amendments.
The general congress of the united Mexican states	01/04/2024	Last reform published for the general law of sustainable forest development Its aim is to regulate and promote the comprehensive and sustainable management of forest territories, conservation, protection, restoration, production, planning, cultivation, management and use of the country's forest ecosystems and their resources.
The general congress of the united Mexican states	01/04/2024	General law of climate change this new law establishes provisions to confront the adverse effects of climate change and provisions on environmental protection, sustainable development, preservation and restoration of ecological balance.
European Council	12/04/2024	Industrial emissions: Council signs off on updated rules to better protect the environment The Council adopted the revised directive on industrial emissions (IED) and the regulation on the establishment of an industrial emissions portal (IEP), two complementary pieces of legislation aimed at regulating and monitoring the environmental impact of industrial activities.
European Commission	19/04/2024	Nitrates – updated rules on the use of certain fertilising materials from livestock manure (RENURE) The feedback period for the draft act is open until the 17^th of May 2024.

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Cosmetics & Personal Care

Navigating Aesthetic Procedures: Ensuring Compliance and Clinical Trials

The aesthetic industry is experiencing robust global growth, with projections indicating further expansion driven by rising interest in innovative approaches to dermatological aesthetics. Emerging trends encompass a range of scientifically advanced cosmeceutical skincare products, along with both invasive and non-invasive treatment modalities spanning physical, chemical, and pharmacological interventions. Additionally, holistic solutions integrating diverse methods and therapies are gaining traction. Regulatory agencies worldwide are implementing new frameworks to define and assess safety and efficacy parameters more clearly, while also combating malpractice and unregulated utilisation of aesthetic procedures. Consequently, there is a notable uptake in demand for clinical trials within this domain.

Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care is here to support you in the management of aesthetic studies involving medical devices and pharmaceutical products, whether conducted as single-centre or multi-centre studies:

Standardised and validated imaging systems
Quantitative analysis of skin surface features on 2D images
Quantitative volume analysis on 3D images
Clinical scorings and use of well-established scales
Central quality control and scoring of images by experts or expert panels
Patient satisfaction assessments using validated and/or custom questionnaires
Biophysical measurement methods

Thanks to its network of dermatology experts and opinion leaders in the aesthetics field, Eurofins C&PC is able to identify and manage qualified sites and recruit patients in a timely manner, enabling it to deliver high-quality results.

Eurofins C&PC (EU, US, China) provides expertise in the conduct of Phase I to IV studies for pharmaceuticals, as well as compliance assessment investigations and post-marketing clinical follow-up (EU MDR) for medical devices.

Benzene in Acne Products: Guaranteeing Safety with Testing and Stability Studies

Benzene, identified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poses significant health risks through various exposure routes such as inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and contact with skin or eyes.

Recent reports have highlighted high levels of benzene found in benzoyl peroxide (BPO)-containing acne products. In addition to contamination, benzene can form in BPO acne treatments due to the drug's degradation.

Benzene formation in BPO products poses a significant risk to consumer health. Stability testing conducted at elevated temperatures can unveil substantial benzene levels in multiple BPO products.

Eurofins Cosmetics and Personal Care is here to help you combat benzene contamination and ensure the safety of your products. We support efforts to combat benzene formation and ensure consumer safety. As such, we offer comprehensive benzene contamination testing services and perform accelerated stability studies to assess the risk of benzene formation in your benzoyl peroxide (BPO) products.

Mastering Cosmetic Packaging: The new CosPaTox Guide for Testing and the Interpretation of results

CosPaTox, a consortium focused on the intersection of Cosmetics, Packaging, and Toxicology, has just formulated a standardised, voluntary safety evaluation guidance for the use of plastic Post-Consumer Recyclates (PCR) in cosmetic product and detergent packaging.

The CosPaTox Consortium has undertaken extensive analytical testing as well as toxicological evaluation to understand the safety profile of PCR plastic materials made from PE, PP and LDPE which are used as packaging materials for cosmetic products, detergents, and home care products. Clear guidance to enable a holistic testing strategy as well as a safety assessment approach for recycled plastics has been developed, including the definition of three distinct quality levels for plastic recyclates. The CosPaTox Consortium’s approach to enable a robust safety assessment is technology neutral and does not consider or require any specific collection, sorting, or recycling technology. The focus is solely on the quality of the recycled materials themselves. The presented safety assessment approach can therefore be applied to any polyolefin recyclate, be it from a mechanical recycling, physical recycling, or chemical recycling origin.

By providing clear recommendations for the safe use of recycled plastic materials, even in the absence of food contact approvals, the CosPaTox Consortium’s work will help to boost the uptake of recycled materials in the packaging of cosmetic products and detergents and thereby contributing to a circular economy.

Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care, with a team of experts actively involved in CosPaTox, is committed to supporting you in understanding and obtaining the new dossier by contributing to strengthen the uptake of recycled materials in the packaging of your products.

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Softlines & Leather

Europe

Amendments in the Combined Nomenclature Regulation

On the 27^th of March 2024, the European Commission published the following Implementing Regulation related to the classification of certain goods in the Combined Nomenclature which affect a textile fabrics and footwear items.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/965 of 21^st March 2024 concerning footwear.

Footwear having:

an upper made of napped crocheted textile fabric (100 % wool) with a textile lining.
laces as the fastening device. The eyelets made of metal are pressed directly into the crocheted textile fabric.
a plastic sole with a smooth, even surface. Ten straight cuts, parallel to each other, reaching from side to side are cut into the sole covering the heel part as well as the front of the sole. The sole is lower in the front than in the heel part.

These shall be considered casual leisure footwear for walking with CN-code 6404 19 90.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/966 of 21^st March 2024 concerning textile fabrics.

Textile item having:

An item in the form of a shell/inlet of very densely woven, single coloured 100 % cotton fabric, measuring approximately 80 cm × 80 cm. The edges are reinforced with woven piping and with an opening on one side measuring approximately 25 cm to allow for filling.
The textile shell/inlet is designed to be filled after importation with, for example, feathers and/or down and the opening will be permanently closed, to become a pillow.

These shall be considered as textile fabrics with CN-code 6307 90 98.

These Regulations shall enter into force on the 20^th of April 2024 with a transition period of 3 months from the date of entry into force.

Amendments in the quota period for jute and coconut-fibre products

On the 26^th of March 2024, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/904 of 25 March 2024 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 32/2000 as regards the extension of the Union’s tariff quotas for jute and coconut-fibre products.

The main amendment is the modification of Quota period in Annex III- List of Community tariff quotas for jute and coconut-fibre products as it is indicated following:

Serial Number	CN code	Description of goods	Quota period
09.0107	5310 ex 5607 90 20 ex 5702 39 00 ex 5702 49 00 ex 5702 50 90 ex 5702 99 00 ex 5703 90 20 ex 5703 90 80 ex 5806 39 00 ex 5806 40 00 5905 00 50 ex 5905 00 90	In general: Woven fabrics of jute or of other textile bast fibres of heading. Twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics. Carpets and other textile floor coverings. Narrow woven fabrics and narrow fabrics consisting of warp without weft assembled by means of an adhesive (bolducs)	From the 1^st of January to the 31^st of December each year until the 31^st of December 2027
09.0109	5702 20 00	Floor coverings of coconut fibres (coir)	From the 1^st of January to the 31^st of December each year until the 31^st of December 2027
09.0111	6305 10 90	Sacks and bags of a kind used for the packing of goods, of jute or of other textile bast fibres of heading No 5303, other than used.	From the 1^st of January to the 31^st of December each year until the 31^st of December 2027

This Regulation entered into force on the 26^th of March 2024 and shall apply from the 1^st of January 2024.

Standard updates

The below table summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):

(*) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.

CEN
Reference	Title	*Date of withdrawal ()**	Supersedes
EN ISO 105-B04:2024	Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B04: Colour fastness to artificial weathering: Xenon arc fading lamp test (ISO 105‑B04:2024)	2024-09-30	EN ISO 105-B04:1997

Request about new global rules for exporting textile waste

On the 25^th of March 2024, Government Offices of Sweden published an article which talks about exporting textile waste. The article outlines its position together with France and Denmark on the exportation of textile waste and their request to Europe for a new global rule under the Basel convention for this type of waste.

The proposal suggests to subject textile waste to the control mechanisms of the Basel Convention. This would mean:

Requiring prior informed consent to be obtained for the import and export of textile waste.
Banning the export of hazardous textile waste altogether.

For more information. consult the news in the Swedish Government website here.

Maine amends PFAS reporting and prohibition rule

On the 16^th of April 2024, the State of Maine approved an amendment to the “Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances pollution” for the second time.

Under the new amendment, the following significant changes were made to the existing rule:

Reporting rule
- Scope: now only required for products that contain intentionally added PFAS and for which the Department is made aware that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use, effective the 1^st of January 2032.

- Exemptions that were added:
  - Manufacturers that employ 100 or fewer people
  - Used products/components
  - FDA regulated products
  - Certain veterinary products
  - Products for public health, environmental or water quality testing
  - Motor vehicles, watercrafts, and other transportation products
  - Semi-conductors
  - Non-consumer electronics and lab equipment
  - Equipment directly used to manufacture certain exempted products

- Information to be reported:
  - Changes: If the manufacturer is unable to provide information regarding the amount of PFAS in the product, then it may report the total weight of the product
  - Added: the identification of the applicable determination adopted by the Department that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use.

- Prohibition (packaging of the products are subject to the prohibition)
  - Effective the 1^st January 2026, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
    - Cleaning products
    - Cookware
    - Cosmetics
    - Dental floss
    - Juvenile products
    - Menstruation products
    - Textile articles
    - Ski wax
    - Upholstered furniture

- Effective the 1^st of January 2029, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
  - Artificial turf
  - Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions (unless labeled “Made with PFAS chemicals”)

- Effective the 1^st of January 2032 (previously the 1^st of January 2030), any product with intentionally added PFAS is prohibited
  - Except used products, products that for which the use of PFAS in the product is determined to be a currently unavoidable use, cooling, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment, and EPA approved refrigerants, foams and aerosol propellants

- Effective the 1^st of January 2040, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
  - Cooling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration equipment that contains intentionally added PFAS
  - Refrigerants, foams or aerosol propellants.

Mexico

Initiative to include textile waste in the General Law for the Prevention and Comprehensive Management of Waste

On the 2^nd of March 2024, Deputy Juan Luis Carrillo Soberanis (Green Ecologist Party of Mexico) proposed including the mandatory and comprehensive treatment of textile waste in the General Law for the Prevention and Comprehensive Management of Waste.

It is intended to force manufacturers, importers, distributors, managers, and generators of textiles to favour the use of durable and quality materials.

The intention of this initiative is to stop the excessive production and consumption of clothing, as well as significantly reduce waste and pollution, which will limit the pressure on the natural resources which are necessary to produce more textiles.

For more information, consult the proposal here (only in Spanish).

International

Regulatory proposals notified to WTO

The table below summarises the most recent notifications made to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (non-exhaustive):

Notification number

Countries

Title

G/TBT/N/CHE/286

Switzerland

Ordinance on import, transit and export trade of animals and animal products with third countries/ Ordinance on import, transit and export trade of animals and animal products with EU Member States, Iceland and Norway and Northern Ireland /Ordinance on the list of countries related to the import of furs and fur products.

The draft ordinance foresees to prohibit the import of fur and fur products produced using methods cruel to animals.

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Toys, Childcare & Hardlines

Europe

Standard updates

The below table summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):

(*) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.

CEN
Reference	Title	*Date of withdrawal ()**	Supersedes
EN 15348:2024	Plastics - Recycled plastics - Characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) recyclates	2024-10-31	EN 15348:2014
EN ISO 16000-9:2024	Indoor air - Part 9: Determination of the emission of volatile organic compounds from samples of building products and furnishing - Emission test chamber method (ISO 16000-9:2024)	2024-09-30	EN ISO 16000-9:2006/AC:2007 EN ISO 16000-9:2006
EN ISO 4628-10:2024	Paints and varnishes - Evaluation of quantity and size of defects, and of intensity of uniform changes in appearance - Part 10: Assessment of degree of filiform corrosion (ISO 4628-10:2024)	2024-09-30	EN ISO 4628-10:2016
EN 15186:2024	Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to scratching	2024-09-30	EN 15186:2012
EN ISO 11427:2024	Jewellery and precious metals - Determination of silver - Potentiometry using potassium bromide (ISO 11427:2024)	2024-10-31	EN ISO 11427:2016
EN ISO 7965-1:2024	Packaging - Drop test - Part 1: Paper sacks (ISO 7965-1:2024)	2024-10-31	EN 27965-1:1992
EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019/A2:2024	Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current < 16 A per phase)	2027-04-08

France

Publications relevant to the sustainability and durability index and AGEC Law

According to the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR), waste management must be ensured by the producers of said products. To fulfill their obligations, they must join an approved eco-organisation or set up an approved individual system. The following texts indicate recent legislatives publications and guides on requirements related to circular economy.

Entity	Date	Publication
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion	07/04/2024	Decree No. 2024-316 of April 5, 2024 relating to the sustainability index of electrical and electronic equipment (Text No. 21)
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion	07/04/2024	Order of April 5, 2024 relating to display methods, signage and general parameters for calculating the durability index of electrical and electronic equipment (Text no. 33)
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion	07/04/2024	Order of April 5, 2024 relating to the criteria, sub-criteria and the rating system for the calculation and display of the durability index for televisions (Text no. 34)
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion	07/04/2024	Order of April 5, 2024 relating to the criteria, sub-criteria and the rating system for the calculation and display of the sustainability index for household washing machines (Text no. 35)
The Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion	19/04/2024	Order of April 15, 2024 approving a coordinating body for the extended responsibility sector of the producer of packaging, printed paper and paper for graphic use whose final holders produce household and similar waste in application of article L. 541-10 of the environmental code (Text no. 34)

Technical publications

The latest publications by Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) related to consumer products and toys:

Update Product Safety and Metrology Regulations

On the 17^th of April 2024, the Statutory Instrument amending the Product Safety and Metrology Regulations was published.

The main points in relation to statutory guidance for The Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment) Regulations 2024 are:

To remove the associated transitional provisions of certain European Union (EU) requirements relating to goods.
The removal of the expiry of recognition of EU product requirements will apply to the 21 product regulations covered within this SI.
The provision recognizing EU conformity assessment procedures applies to the 19 product regulations where there are requirements to undertake conformity assessment procedures.

For more information, consult the UK Government website here.

Washington State Regulates Lead in Cookware

As of March 28, 2024, the State of Washington passed HB 1551 into law to regulate lead in cookware products. Effective January 1, 2026, cookware or cookware components containing lead or lead compounds at a level of more than 5 parts per million (ppm) will be prohibited.

After December 2034, the State may lower the 5 ppm limit if it determines that the lower limit is (a) feasible for cookware and cookware component manufacturers to achieve; and (b) necessary to protect human health, including the health of vulnerable populations.

“Cookware” is defined as any metal pots, pans, bakeware, rice cookers, pressure cookers, and other containers and devices intended for the preparation or storage of food.

Maine amends PFAS reporting and prohibition rule

On April 16, 2024, the State of Maine approved an amendment to the “Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances pollution” for the second time.

Under the new amendment, the following significant changes were made to the existing rule:

Reporting rule
- Scope: Now only required for products that contain intentionally added PFAS and for which the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use (effective January 1, 2032).

- Exemptions that were added:
  - Manufacturers that employ 100 or fewer people
  - Used products/components
  - FDA regulated products
  - Certain veterinary products
  - Products for public health, environmental or water quality testing
  - Motor vehicles, watercrafts, and other transportation products
  - Semi-conductors
  - Non-consumer electronics and lab equipment
  - Equipment directly used to manufacture certain exempted products

- Information to be reported:
  - Changes: If the manufacturer is unable to provide information regarding the amount of PFAS in the product, then it may report the total weight of the product.
  - Added: the identification of the applicable determination, adopted by the Department, that the use of PFAS, in the product, is a currently unavoidable use.

Prohibition (packaging of the products are subject to the prohibition)
- Effective January 1, 2026, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
  - Cleaning products
  - Cookware
  - Cosmetics
  - Dental floss
  - Juvenile products
  - Menstruation products
  - Textile articles
  - Ski wax
  - Upholstered furniture

- Effective January 1, 2029, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
  - Artificial turf
  - Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions (unless labeled “Made with PFAS chemicals”)

- Effective January 1, 2032 (Previously January 1, 2030), any product with intentionally added PFAS is prohibited
  - Except used products; products that for which the use of PFAS in the product is determined to be a currently unavoidable use; cooling, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment; and EPA approved refrigerants, foams and aerosol propellants

- Effective January 1, 2040, the following product categories with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited:
  - Cooling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration equipment that contains intentionally added PFAS
  - Refrigerants, foams or aerosol propellants

Brazil

Proposal requirements for certain food contact materials

On the 22^nd of March 2024, Anvisa (Brazil’s National Health Agency) published two proposals related to food contact materials and items. These two proposals will be under public consultation until the 14^th and 28^th May 2024 respectively. The ongoing consultations are as follows:

Public Consultation No. 1241: Proposal for amendments RDC nº 56, of November 16, 2012 related to the positive list of monomers, other starting substances and polymers authorised for the preparation of packaging and plastic equipment in contact with foods. The main points are:
- Adds tetramethyl bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (TMBPF-DGE, CAS 113693-69-9) with specifications to part 1 of the Annex- the authorised list of monomers and other starting substances.
- Adds polyamide-imide 2 (PAI-2) with specifications to part V of the Annex - the list of authorised polymers.

Public consultation No. 1244: Proposal for amends RDC nº 326, of December 3, 2019 related to the positive list of additives intended for the production of plastic materials and polymeric coatings in contact with food and other measures. The main points are:
- Adds two substances with specifications:
  - Silver-magnesium-sodium-boron phosphate (silver glass)
  - Diethylaminoethanol

International

Regulatory proposals notified to WTO

The table below summarises the most recent notifications made to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (non-exhaustive):

Notification number	Countries	Title
G/TBT/N/BOL/27, G/TBT/N/COL/268, G/TBT/N/ECU/524, G/TBT/N/PER/157	General Secretariat of the Andean Community	Draft decision on the "Harmonization of legislation on domestic hygiene products and absorbent personal hygiene products" This proposal contains provisions that regulate sanitary, quality control and sanitary surveillance regimes in relation to the production, processing, packaging, preparation, importation, storage, sale, "refill" retail system, and marketing of domestic hygiene products and absorbent personal hygiene products.
G/TBT/N/EU/1056	Europe	Draft Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and amending Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practice for materials andarticles intended to come into contact with food as regards recycled plastic and other matters related to quality control and the manufacturing of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
G/SPS/N/EU/741	Europe	Draft Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and amending Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food as regards recycled plastic and other matters related to quality control and the manufacturing of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Europe

Standard updates

The below table summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):

(*) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.

CEN
Reference	Title	*Date of withdrawal ()**	Supersedes
EN 134:2024	Respiratory protective devices - Nomenclature of components	2024-09-30	EN 134:1998
EN 352-6:2020 +A1:2024	Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 6: Earmuffs with safety-related audio input	2027-04-30	EN 352-6:2020/FprA1 EN 352-6:2020
EN 352-8:2020 +A1:2024	Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 8: Entertainment audio earmuffs	2027-04-30	EN 352-8:2020/FprA1 EN 352-8:2020
EN 352-9:2020 +A1:2024	Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 9: Earplugs with safety-related audio input	2027-04-30	EN 352-9:2020/FprA1 EN 352-9:2020
EN 352-10:2020 +A1:2024	Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 10: Entertainment audio earplugs	2027-04-30	EN 352-10:2020/FprA1 EN 352-10:2020
EN 813:2024	Personal fall protection equipment - Sit harnesses	2024-09-30	EN 813:2008
EN 13819-3:2019+A1:2024	Hearing protectors - Testing - Part 3: Supplementary acoustic test methods	2024-10-31	EN 13819-3:2019/FprA1 EN 13819-3:2019

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