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Eurofins >> Consumer Product Testing >> Media Centre >> News >> Softlines & Leather | Monthly bulletin | December 2019

Softlines & Leather | Monthly bulletin | December 2019

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Regulatory news - Commercial news 

 

Regulatory news


 

Europe

 

Standards updates

 

See below a table summarising some recent standards 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 (*) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.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-A03:2019

Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part A03: Grey scale for assessing staining (ISO 105-A03:2019)

2020-04-30

EN 20105-A03:1994

EN ISO 1833-9:2019

Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 9: Mixtures of acetate with certain other fibres (method using benzyl alcohol) (ISO 1833-9:2019)

2020-04-30

EN ISO 1833-9:2010

EN ISO 1833-13:2019

Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 13: Mixtures of certain chlorofibres with certain other fibres (method using carbon disulfide/acetone) (ISO 1833-13:2019)

2020-04-30

EN ISO 1833-13:2010

EN ISO 1833-14:2019

Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 14: Mixtures of acetate with certain other fibres (method using glacial acetic acid) (ISO 1833-14:2019)

2020-04-30

EN ISO 1833-14:2010

EN ISO 3175-5:2019

Textiles - Professional care, drycleaning and wetcleaning of fabrics and garments - Part 5: Procedure for testing performance when cleaning and finishing using dibutoxymethane (ISO 3175-5:2019)

2020-04-30

 

EN ISO 3175-6:2019

Textiles - Professional care, drycleaning and wetcleaning of fabrics and garments - Part 6: Procedure for testing performance when cleaning and finishing using decamethylpentacyclosiloxane (ISO 3175-6:2019)

2020-04-30

 

EN 16641:2019

Textile floor coverings - Guidelines for acceptable colour deviations

2020-04-30

CEN/TS 16641:2014

 

France

 

Harmonisation of regulatory requirements for some non-food products

 

On 30th September 2019, the Decree 2019-1007 was published in the French Official Journal. The aim of this Decree is to harmonise various decrees on non-food product safety. The products that are affected by this decree are:

 

  • Nursery articles
  • Mobile liquid fuel heating appliances
  • Playground equipment
  • Bunk beds
  • Step ladders - step boards
  • Folding chairs of the Chilean - transatlantic - loafer type
  • Bedding
  • Grinding and cutting discs
  • Solid fuel barbecues
  • Electronic and chemical alcohol testers

 

The new Decree modifies the Decree 2000-164 on filled bedding items and it is effective as of 1st October 2019 with a transition period of one year.

 

US

 

CPSC proposes to publish safety standard for infant sleep products

 

Recently the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has proposed that a mandatory standard for infant sleep products is published incorporating, by reference, ASTM F 3118-17a, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Inclined Sleep Products with modifications.

 

In comparison to the CPSC’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) published in 2017, this supplemental NPR includes limiting the seat back angle for sleep to 10 degrees or less. The proposal would cover products intended for infant sleep that are not currently covered by bassinets/cradles, cribs (full-size and non-full size), play yards and bedside sleepers.

 

Additionally, the Commission proposes to amend 16 CFR 1112 to include notice of requirement for infant sleep products and infant sleep products would be subject to CPSC's consumer registration requirements.

 

Comments can be submitted until January 27, 2020. Please click here for the details.

 

Standards updates

 

Below a summary table with some recent ASTM standards updates:

 

Reference

Title

ASTM F2906 - 13(2019)

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bedside Sleepers

 

US – California

 

California proposes list PFAS-containing textile treatments as priority product

 

California’s DTSC has recently proposed that treatments containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances for use on converted textiles or leathers such as carpets, upholstery, clothing and shoes, are listed as Priority Products.

 

PFASs are a class of chemicals composed of highly stable carbon-fluorine bonds and are used in many ways. Exposure to PFASs can increase the risk of adverse health effects such as increased serum cholesterol and immune dysregulation. Treatments for converted textiles or leathers are significant sources of PFAS exposure to humans. As a result, DTSC has determined that PFAS containing textile or leather treatments should be listed as Priority Products.

 

Comments can be submitted by December 31, 2019. Please click here for more information.

 

China

 

Standards updates list 2019

 

On 18th October 2019, the Standardisation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (SAC) published announcement No.13 of 2019 with updated national standards.

 

See below a table summarizing some of textile standards updates (non-exhaustive list):

 

Product Standard

Reference

Title

Replace to

Implementation date

GB/T 24252-2019

Silk quilts

GB/T 24252-2009

May 1, 2020

GB/T 24278-2019

Protective clothing for professional motorcycle riders

GB/T 24278-2009

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38134-2019

General technical specification for professional clothing

-

May 1, 2020

Test Method Standard

Reference

Title

Replace to

Implementation date

GB/T 14304-2019

Sizes for woolen suits

GB/T 14304-2008

May 1, 2020

GB/T 22702-2019

Measurement method for cords and drawstrings on children's clothing

GB/T 22702-2008

May 1, 2020

GB/T 22704-2019

Code of practice for the design and manufacture of children's clothing to promote mechanical safety

GB/T 22704-2008

May 1, 2020

GB/T 22705-2019

Safety specifications for cords and drawstrings on children's clothing

GB/T 22705-2008

May 1, 2020

GB/T 23330-2019

Clothing—Requirements against rain

GB/T 23330-2009

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38131-2019

Acquisition method of datum points for clothing anthropometry

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38136-2019

Man-made fiber—Classification of products

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38147-2019

Requirements of digital body graphics for clothing

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38034-2019

Footwear—Test methods for slide fasteners—Lateral strength

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38035-2019

Footwear—Test method for slide fasteners—Attachment strength of end stops

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38037-2019

Footwear—Test method for slide fasteners—Strength of slide fastener pullers

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38038-2019

Footwear—Test methods for slide fasteners—Resistance to repeated opening and closing

-

May 1, 2020

GB/T 38039-2019

Footwear—Test methods for slide fasteners—Resistance to damage during closure under a lateral force

-

May 1, 2020

 

44 industry standards, relating to textiles and clothing, implemented on November 1, 2019

 

On May 2019, The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China released announcement No. 16 of 2019 and announced 44 industry standards related to textiles and clothing, these standards have officially implemented on November 1, 2019.

 

See below a table summarising some updated textile and clothing standards (non-exhaustive):

 

No.

Standard No.

Standard Name

Implementation Date

1

FZ/T 01148-2019

Textiles – Determination of adipicdihydrazide – Method of using LC-MS/MS

Nov.01,2019

2

FZ/T 72024-2019

Knitted fabrics for beddings

Nov.01,2019

3

FZ/T 72025-2019

Knitted fabrics for suit pants

Nov.01,2019

4

FZ/T 74007-2019

Outdoor sunscreen skinsuit

Nov.01,2019

5

FZ/T 81023-2019

Water-proof and moisture permeable wear

Nov.01,2019

6

FZ/T 73063-2019

Knitted maternity garments

Nov.01,2019

7

FZ/T 73062-2019

Knitted beachwear

Nov.01,2019

8

FZ/T 73061-2019

Knitted Jacket

Nov.01,2019

9

FZ/T 73037-2019

Knitted sports socks

Nov.01,2019

10

FZ/T 73029-2019

Knitted trousers

Nov.01,2019

 

A full list can be found here (in Chinese).

 

South Korea

 

Technical national standard for plastic products

 

On 29th October 2019, The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) published the technical national standard Nº 2019-352 in which the Annex 24 – “plastic products” is added to “Household Goods Subject to Safety Standards.” 

 

Below a summary table with the main points:

 

Scope

Type

Examples

Mats

Yoga mats, floor mats, kitchen mats, etc.

Footwear made of plastic

Slippers, bathing shoes, insoles, etc.

Bags made of plastic

Swimming bags, etc.

Others

Cell phone cases, gym balls, earphones (including headphones, headsets, etc., that come into direct contact with ears), toilet seats, etc.

Mechanical and Physical Requirements

  • The shape shall be balanced, with no deformation such as distortion and twisting
  • The color shall be clear and uniform without any color spots
  • There shall be no visible scratches or scars
  • Printing and labelling shall be clear
  • The finishing shall be good without any roughness or dust
  • There shall be no breakdown and residue

Chemical Requirements

(Following the common safety standards for children’s products (last edition) in test methods)

Hazardous substances

Limits

Toxic elements content

Total lead content

≤ 300 mg/kg

≤ 90mg/kg (for paint and surface coating)

Total Cadmium content

≤ 75 mg/kg

Total phthalates content

DEHP

Total ≤ 0.1%

DBP

BBP

Labelling requirements

The following information shall be to appear on each product or minimum unit packaging indelibly and visibly:

  • Model
  • Material
  • Dimension (if applicable)
  • Manufacturing year and month
  • Manufacturer’s name
  • Importer’s name
  • Address and telephone number of domestic manufacturer or importer
  • Country of manufacture
  • Precautions for use (can be labelled in instruction manual)

 

Note: Please note that the website is available in Korean language only.

 

International

 

Upcoming dates of application

 

As a reminder, below is a summary of the standards and legislation that will come into force within the next six months and which will require application:

 

  • Standards:

 

    • 1st January 2020 is the date of withdrawal of the European standard GB/T 18886-2019, Textiles--Tests for colour fastness--Colour fastness to saliva.
    • This standard is an amendment to the Chinese standard GB/T 18886-2002.

 

  • Legislations:

 

  • Manufacturers and importers should carefully consider these upcoming application dates and confirm that their products comply with these restrictions:

 

    • US: New Hampshire- SB193 Flame retardants ban in furniture and carpeting.
    • Brief description:
      This legislation bans the sale or import of upholstered furniture containing in its fabric, other covering or cushioning materials more than 0.1 percent of a flame-retardant chemical or more than 0.1 percent of a mixture that includes flame-retardant chemicals.

      This bill also requests that the manufacturer of upholstered furniture shall have a certificate of Compliance according to this requirement to submit to the authorities within 30 days of its request.
    • This legislation will apply as of 1st January 2020.
    • Autralia: Consumer Goods (Children’s Nightwear and limited Daywear and Paper Patterns for Children’s Nightwear) Safety Standard 2017
    • Brief description:
    • The mandatory standard applies to nightwear for children (sizes 00–14 unless stated otherwise) which includes the following items:
      • Pyjamas (whether sold as top and bottom together or nightwear separates)
      • Size 3 - 14 knitted nightwear all-in-ones
      • Size 00 - 14 woven nightwear all-in-ones
      • Predominantly knitted all-in-one garments in the size range size 00-2 made from fabrics that have a pile or nap, or include fabrics with a pile or nap
      • Nightdresses and nighties
      • Nightshirts
      • Dressing gowns
      • Bathrobes
      • Boxer shorts of a loose style commonly used as nightwear
      • Infant sleep bags with sleeves or arm openings
      • Blankets and towels that incorporate a sleeve or arm opening
      • The mandatory standard also covers paper patterns for making children's nightwear. The mandatory standard prescribes requirements for safety testing and labelling of children's nightwear and paper patterns for making children's nightwear.
    • It will apply from 1st January 2020.
    •  

    • Turkey: Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants - POP (Official Gazette: 30595)
    • Brief description:
    • The use of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) (listed in Annex 2), either on its own or as part of a mixture, in the manufacturing of expanded polystyrene articles and is permitted until 28.11.2019. The introduction and use of expanded polystyrene articles containing hexabromocyclododecane as constituent and produced in accordance with this exemption is permitted for up to 6 months from the date on which this exemption expires. Items that have already been used up to this date can still be used. 
    • It will apply from 28th November 2019.

 

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 22 alerts regarding textile & leather products have been reported, from week 43 until week 46 of 2019.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes

Chemical

4

Children’s' shoes: They contain an excessive amount of chromium (VI) in the leather

Other leather products: they contain an excessive amount of lead

Injuries

10

Children’s clothes: Long ribbons or cods in the chest or the waist. Not complying with EN 14682

Strangulation

6

Children’s clothing – There are drawstrings with free ends in the hood. Not complying with EN 14682

Environment

2

Plastic wallet : contains short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)

 

US

 

From 21st October to 20th November 2019, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has published the following recalls: 1 recall regarding textile & leather products.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes

Strangulation hazard

1

Children’s sweatshirts: Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation hazard to children

 

 

Commercial news


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