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Eurofins >> Consumer Product Testing >> Media Centre >> News >> Eurofins | August 2019 regulatory Newsflash compilation | Toys & Childcare

Eurofins | August 2019 regulatory Newsflash compilation | Toys & Childcare

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Eurofins newsflash Toys and Childcare

 

Europe

 

EN 71-14:2018 for trampolines listed as harmonised standard under Toy Safety Directive

 

On 23rd July 2019, the European Commission has published “Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1254 of 22 July 2019 on harmonised standards on the safety of toys drafted in support of Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council”, in the Official Journal.

 

Read more >>

 

US

 

US CPSC proposes to publish Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosures

 

On 8th July 2019, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a proposed rule on Federal Register for gates and enclosures under Section 104(b) of the CPSIA.

 

This proposed rule 16 CFR 1239 requires that each gate and enclosure must comply with all applicable provisions of ASTM F1004-19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures, which was adopted on June 1, 2019. It also amends the list of notices of requirements in 16 CFR 1112 to include safety standard for gates and enclosures.

 

Comments can be submitted by September 23, 2019.

 

Click here for the details.

 

Standards Updates

 

Below a summary table with some recent ASTM standards updates:

 

Reference

Title

ASTM F2933 - 19

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Crib Mattresses

 

US | Vermont

 

Vermont Passes Children’s Products Reporting Rule Amendment

 

On 19th June 2019, Vermont governor signed Bill S.55 into law which amends the existing Chemicals of High Concern (CHCC) reporting rule. 


CHCC reporting rule requires manufacturers of children’s products to report to the Vermont Department of Health if their product contains CHCC above the threshold from 1 January 2017. Following points are the major amendment of Act 188:

 

  • Manufacturers of children’s products containing a CHCC now shall provide notice to the Department of Health annually instead of biennially. The next reporting deadline will be due by 31st August 2020
  • Manufacturers of children’s products containing a CHCC now shall report the brand name, the product model, and the universal product code if the product has such a code

This amendment came into effect on 1st July 2019.

 

Document (PDF): [Vermont S. 55] in English.

 

Click here to access Health Vermont website.

 

US | Alaska

 

Anchorage, Alaska Approves Flame Retardant Ban

 

Anchorage Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Ordinance 2019-15(S), an ordinance that amends the Anchorage Municipal Code to add a new Chapter 15.100 and a new section which prohibits certain consumer products containing flame retardant chemicals.

 

Beginning from 1st January 2020, no person shall manufacture, sell or distribute any upholstered or reupholstered furniture and juvenile products that contain, or a constituent component of which contain banned flame retardant chemicals exceeding 1,000 parts per million within the municipality including:

 

  • Halogenated, organophosphorus, organonitrogen, or nanoscale flame retardant chemicals
  • Penta or octa mixtures of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, the deca mixture of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), or decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE)
  • Antimony
  • Chemical listed as 'designated chemicals' under Section 105440 of the Health and Safety Code
  • Chemical covered in the Washington’s list of Chemicals of High Concern to Children

The following are not covered by this prohibition:

 

  • Used or second-hand products
  • Child restraint systems under 49 CFR 571
  • Electronic products, electronic components of upholstered or reupholstered furniture or juvenile products and any associated casing for those electronic products
  • Children's toys and clothing

Click here for the details.

 

Canada

 

Manitoba’s update repeal of the bedding regulation

 

As already announced in our Eurofins News Flash March 2019 edition, on January 2019, the Government of Manitoba approved the revocation of the Bedding and Other Upholstered or Stuffed Articles Regulation, 78/2004.

 

On 14th June 2019, the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office published a letter providing more information and clarification regarding this Regulation repeal process.

 

Product Recalls/Alerts

 

Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source “RAPEX”) and in the US (Source “CPSC”).

 

Europe

 

RAPEX (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities).

 

The following 52 alerts regarding Childcare articles, equipment and toys have been reported, from week 25 until week 28 of 2019.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes

Burns

4

Self -balancing scooter: The electrical insulation is insufficient and the charging circuit of the product has no cut-off switch. Not complying with EN 62133, EN 62133-2 and EN 60335-1

Chemical

19

Products containing the following phthalates: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP)  and  di-isononyl phthalate (DINP)

Slime/putty: High level of migration of Boron

Squeezable toy: It contains the substances cyclohexanone, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylaminoethanol, cyclohexanone, bis (2-(dimethylamino) ethyl) ether) and triethylenediamine

Toy containing an excessive amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), notably benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) + benzo(e)pyrene + benzo(b)fluoranthene, chrysene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene

Toy containing an excessive amount of lead. Not complying with EN 71-3

Choking

18

Small parts (including sequins). Not complying with EN 71-1

Key ring with squeezable toy (in the form of an ice-cream): Due to its characteristic form, colour, appearance and size, the product may be mistaken for foodstuff. The toy does not comply with the requirements of the Food Imitating Products Directive

Baby doll set: The filling material of the toy is easily accessible due to the weakness of the seam

Baby Carrier: It has too large openings for the child's legs and a small part (plastic sticker) can be easily detached. Not complying with EN 13209-2

Injuries

7

Magnetic toy: The toy contains magnets with a high magnetic flux. If a child swallows the small magnet and other metallic objects, they could attract one another causing intestinal blockage or perforation

Baby bouncer: The locking indicator of the product turns green even if the bouncer is not properly attached to the chair. Not complying with EN 14988

Reclined cradle: The harnesses could be re-assembled incorrectly after washing, leading to one or more harness attachment points to detach

 

Not complying with EN 14988

Tricycle: the child's fingers might get trapped in the openings and the child could be injured due to the movement. Not complying with EN 71-1

Car seat: It does not comply with Regulation UNECE No 44-04

Electrical Toys: The instructions for a safe use or replacement of the batteries are missing from the packaging and the toy. The indications on the packaging are not in the national language. Not complying with EN 62115

Environment

3

Toys with electrical/electronic components: Solders in the toy contain an excessive amount of lead and cadmium. Not complying with RoHS 2 Directive

Strangulation

1

Baby carrier: The carrier contains long cords/straps that may become entangled in the child body

 

US

 

From 21st June to 15th July 2019, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has published the following recalls3 recalls regarding Toys, Childcare and children’s products.

 

Type of Risk

Number of recalls

Notes

Infant fatalities

1

Inclined sleeper accessory included in Play Yards: the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances

Choking hazard

2

Toys containing small parts which can detach easily as wheels and eyes