Eurofins Softlines & Leather Monthly Bulletin (Mar 2021)
ECHA opens public consultation on proposed SVHCs
On 9 March 2021, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) opened a public consultation on proposed substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to be included in the Candidate list in the 25th update (summer 2021). Proposals will be accepted until 23 April.
The proposed substances are:
|
Name |
EC number |
CAS number |
Consumer uses |
|
1,4-dioxane |
204-661-8 |
123-91-1 |
There are no consumer uses, but it cannot be excluded that there are uses of substances or related mixtures, where 1,4-dioxane is contained as constituent or impurity. |
|
2,2-bis(bromomethyl)propane1,3-diol (BMP) |
221-967-7 |
3296-90-0 |
Polymer production manufacture of plastics products |
|
2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde and its individual stereoisomers |
- |
- |
It is used in many different uses such as coatings and paints, thinners, paint removes; Fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay; Finger paints, ink and toners |
|
4,4'-(1-methylpropylidene)bisphenol; (bisphenol B) |
201-025-1 |
77-40-7 |
It may be used in the manufacture of phenolic and polycarbonate resins and it has a structure similar to Bisphenol A. |
|
Glutaral |
203-856-5 |
111-30-8 |
In leather tanning, finishing, impregnation and cosmetics/personal care between other uses. |
|
Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCP) [UVCB substances consisting of more than or equal to 80% linear chloroalkanes with carbon chain lengths within the range from C14 to C17] |
- |
- |
In rubber articles; Paper products; Textile (fabrics, textiles, apparel and leather articles); PVC (plastic articles); Production of cables (machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical/electronic articles). |
|
Orthoboric acid, sodium salt |
237-560-2 |
13840-56-7 |
Uses include solvent and corrosion inhibitor |
|
Phenol, alkylation products (mainly in para position) with C12-rich branched or linear alkyl chains from oligomerisation, covering any individual isomers and/ or combinations thereof (PDDP) |
- |
- |
The substance is further used in the manufacture of chemicals, rubber products and plastic products. |
For more information, the official publication on the ECHA website here.
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(*) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.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
|
|
Leather - Chemical determination of formaldehyde content - Part 1: Method using high-performance liquid chromatography (ISO 17226-1:2021) |
2021-09-30 |
|
|
|
Nonwovens - Test methods - Part 4: Determination of tear resistance by the trapezoid procedure (ISO 9073-4:2021) |
2021-08-31 |
||
|
Leather - Chemical tests - Determination of free formaldehyde in process auxiliaries (ISO 27587:2021) |
2021-09-30 |
||
Regulatory proposals notified to EC
The below table summarises the most recent notifications made to the European Commission (non-exhaustive):
|
Countries |
Notification number |
Title |
|
Denmark |
Order on the marking of footwear and the labelling and marking of textile products |
Guidance for the manufacture and selection of masks
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has added and published new documents related to hygienic masks. The following is a list of recent publications:
Guides for the manufacture of masks and protective clothing
- Medical product type masks how to legalize them; also surgical calls.
- Frequently asked questions about hygienic masks (Order CSM / 115/2021)
- Information on materials for the manufacture of hygienic masks.
New UK authorities publications and updates
UK authorities have updated the following guidance, documents and corrigendum in relation to import, export and customs for businesses (non-exhaustive list):
- Apply for authorisation for the UK Trader Scheme if you bring goods into Northern Ireland
- Agreements reached between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union
- Rules of origin for goods moving between the UK and EU
- E-Alert relating to Legislation number: 2020 No.1647 - The Hazardous Substances and Packaging (Legislative Functions and Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 SCHEDULE A1: The concentration value of Cadmium, currently given as 0.1% instead of 0.01% in Schedule A1 of SI 2020 No.1647, is a typographical error. A formal amendment to correct the error will be implemented shortly. You should, therefore, continue to work to the 0.01% threshold for Cadmium under the RoHS Regulations.
New requirements for packaging and packaging components
In February 2021, the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation was updated by the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH).
This Legislation prohibits the intentional use of lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium (VI) in any finished package or packaging component, as well as limiting, the total incidental concentration to 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%) and applies to the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode. Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
The main changes are as follows:
- The sum of the concentration levels of phthalates should not exceed 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%).
- Prohibition of sale or distribution of a package or packaging components containing PFAS.
- Criteria for the identification and prohibition of packaging chemicals of high concern
This legislation shall become effective immediately upon adoption. To read the official news, visit the TPCH’s website here.
Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source “RAPEX”) and in the U.S. (Source “CPSC”)
RAPEX (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following 19 alerts regarding textile & leather products have been reported, from week 8 until week 11 of 2021.
|
Type of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
Burns |
1 |
Children's bib: It does not comply with the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71-2. |
|
Chemicals |
4 |
Milliard-Mattress-Comfort-System (Childcare): It contains dimethylformamide. It does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
Leather gloves and sandals: they contain chromium VI |
||
|
Corner protector: It contains short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and an excessive amount of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). |
||
|
Choking |
3 |
Bibs and children apparels containing small decorative elements that can be easily detached. |
|
Injuries |
9 |
Children apparels have long drawstrings and cords in the neck and waist area. |
|
Child sleeping bag has the top stop of the zipper is close to the neck opening of the sleeping bag, the child may open it and climb from the cot which could cause the child to fall and be injured |
||
|
Strangulation |
2 |
Children's sweatshirts have long cords and drawstrings with free ends and toggles in the hood area. They do not comply with EN 14682. |
Between 21st February and 20th March 2021, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) published the following recalls: 0 recall textile & leather products
