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

Softlines & Leather | Monthly bulletin | September 2019

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Eurofins newsflash Softlines and Leather

Regulatory news - Eurofins updates - Commercial news 

 

Regulatory news


 

Europe

 

Standards updates

 

Below a summary table with some recent standards updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):

 

(*) Date of availability: date when the definitive text in the official language versions of an approved CEN/CENELEC publication is distributed by the Central Secretariat

 

(**) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.

 

Reference

Title

Date of Availability (*)

Supersedes

CEN/TR 17376:2019

Textiles - Safety of children's clothing - Guidance on the use of EN 14682:2014 Cords and drawstrings on children's clothing - Specifications

2019-06-19

 

Reference

Title

Date of Withdrawal (**)

Supersedes

EN 17130:2019

Textiles and textile products - Determination of dimethylfumarate (DMFu), method using gas chromatography

31/01/2020

 

EN 17131:2019

Textiles and textile products - Determination of dimethylformamide (DMF), method using gas chromatography

31/01/2020

 

EN 17132:2019

Textiles and textile products - Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), method using gas chromatography

31/01/2020

 

EN 17134:2019

Textiles and textile products - Determination of certain preservatives, method using liquid chromatography

31/01/2020

 

EN ISO 18218-2:2019

Leather - Determination of ethoxylated alkylphenols - Part 2: Indirect method (ISO 18218-2:2019)

31/01/2020

EN ISO 18218-2:2015

EN ISO 1833-12:2019

Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 12: Mixtures of acrylic, certain modacrylics, certain chlorofibres, certain elastane fibres with certain other fibres (method using dimethylformamide) (ISO 1833-12:2019)

31/01/2020

EN ISO 1833-12:2010

EN ISO 1833-16:2019

Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 16: Mixtures of polypropylene fibres with certain other fibres (method using xylene) (ISO 1833-16:2019)

31/01/2020

EN ISO 1833-16:2010

 

US

 

New name for the Bureau of electronic and appliance repair, home furnishings, and thermal insulation

 

In July 2018, the licensing of household movers became part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs as it moved under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of electronic and appliance repair, home furnishings, and thermal insulation (BEARHFTI). For this reason, in January 2019, BEARHTFI changed its name to the Bureau of household goods and services (BHGS) to better reflect its overall purpose and mission.

 

BHGS is in charge of registration and regulation of electronics and appliance repair businesses and has jurisdiction over the sale and administration of service contracts on various consumer products. BHGS licenses and regulates the manufacture and sale (retail, wholesale and import) of upholstered furniture and bedding, supply dealers, custom upholsterers, bedding sanitizers, and the manufacture of thermal insulation products, tests for flammability and sanitation and household movers.

 

In May 2019, BHGS revised and published the Home Furnishing and Thermal Insulation Act and Rules and Regulations.

 

It is important to highlight that the labeling for Upholstered Furniture and Bedding and for Bulk Filling Material should be updated with the new name BHGS.

 

All bulk filling materials for Upholstered Furniture and Bedding, according to this act and to Bulletin Nº 117-2013, shall have a label with the following statement:

 

''THIS PRODUCT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF BUREAU OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN NO. 117-2013.''

 

Upholstered furniture conforming to the requirements of Section 1374(a) and 1374(b) of these regulations shall have a label permanently attached to the article, in plain view, stating the following:

 

“NOTICE THIS ARTICLE MEETS ALL FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETINS 116 AND 117-2013. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED NEAR OPEN FLAME OR WITH BURNING CIGARETTES”.

 

Upholstered articles conforming to Section 1374(a) but which may not conform to Section 1374(b) shall have a label permanently attached to the article, in plain view, stating the following:

 

“NOTICE THIS ARTICLE MEETS THE FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN 117-2013. CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED NEAR OPEN FLAME OR WITH BURNING CIGARETTES”.

 

Standards updates

 

Below a summary table with some recent ASTM standards updates:

 

Reference

Title

ASTM D1336 - 07(2019)

Standard Test Method for Distortion of Yarn in Woven Fabrics

ASTM D1424 - 09(2019)

Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus

ASTM D1440 - 07(2019)

Standard Test Method for Length and Length Distribution of Cotton Fibers (Array Method)

ASTM D1442 - 06(2019)

Standard Test Method for Maturity of Cotton Fibers (Sodium Hydroxide Swelling and Polarized Light Procedures)

ASTM D1777 - 96(2019)

Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials

ASTM D2495 - 07(2019)

Standard Test Method for Moisture in Cotton by Oven-Drying

ASTM D3107-07(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Stretch Properties of Fabrics Woven from Stretch Yarns

ASTM D3181 - 15(2019)

Standard Guide for Conducting Wear Tests on Textiles

ASTM D3773 / D3773M - 10(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Length of Woven Fabric

ASTM D3885-07a(2019)

Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method)

ASTM D4037 - 02(2019)

Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Knitted, or Flocked Bedspread Fabrics

ASTM D4111 - 12(2019)

Standard Performance Specification for Woven Napery and Tablecloth Fabrics: Household and Institutional

ASTM D4113 - 02(2019)

Standard Performance Specification for Woven Slipcover Fabrics

ASTM D4772-14(2019)

Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow)

ASTM D4910 / D4910M - 19

Standard Tables of Body Measurements for Children, Infant Sizes – Preemie to 24 Months

ASTM D5035 - 11(2019)

Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)

ASTM D5587 - 15(2019)

Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure

ASTM D6207 - 03(2019)

Standard Test Method for Dimensional Stability of Fabrics to Changes in Humidity and Temperature

ASTM D6603 - 19

Standard Specification for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles

ASTM D6828 - 02(2019)

Standard Test Method for Stiffness of Fabric by Blade/Slot Procedure

ASTM D8007 - 15(2019)

Standard Test Method for Wale and Course Count of Weft Knitted Fabrics

ASTM D8248 - 19

Standard Terminology for Smart Textiles

 

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 21 alerts regarding textile & leather products have been reported, from week 29 until week 33 of 2019.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes

Chemical

2

Leather gloves- Chromium (VI) in the leather is too high

1

Insole - Chromium (VI) in the leather is too high

1

Children’s shoes: The metal rivets of the product release an excessive amount of nickel

Choking

1

Girls’ blouse: Small parts can easily detach

Injuries

15

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

Strangulation

1

Children’s clothing – Risk of strangulation due to cords. Not complying with EN 14682

 

US

 

From 21st July to 20th August 2019, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has published the following recalls: 2 recalls regarding textile & leather products.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes

Burn Injuries

2

Children’s pajama fail to meet the flammability standard

 

 

Eurofins updates  


Top▲

Eurofins Consumer Product Testing to Open New Laboratory in South India

 

This new location is expected to be fully operational by the first week of November

 

With more than 8000 square feet area, this laboratory based in Tirupur (South India) will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology offering the most comprehensive service portfolio to the Textile and Home textile industry. The laboratory testing scope will cover colorfastness properties, Mechanical, Physico-chemical & RSL test parameters along with special claimed textile testing parameters.

 

 

Eurofins Textile Testing Spain, first European Accredited Laboratory to test the safety of children's footwear under UNE 59300

 

Intending to sell children footwear in Spain? Make sure that your products comply with the local regulations

 

In September 2018, a new mandatory standard, UNE59300, applicable to children footwear up to size 34, entered in force in Spain. The standard includes mechanical and physical specifications for functional and decorative laces, toggles, zipper pullers with specific requirements for baby footwear.

Read more >>

 

 

Commercial news


Top▲

How Trump Tariffs Are Affecting the Footwear and Apparel Sectors

 

Brands, retailers and manufacturers are concerned about the recent Trump Tariffs placed on imported footwear and apparel from China, Mexico and Europe

 

September 2019 Update to US Tariffs on Imported Chinese Goods:


A new set of tariffs have been imposed on Chinese imports by United States President Donald Trump, which includes footwear, equating to $112 billion. The US government also has plans to impose additional tariffs on 15th December 2019 which they claim will protect US consumer spending. However, China has also retaliated and imposed $75 billion of tariffs on imported goods from the US.

Read more >>

 

Seminar "Understanding the ZDHC Programme"

 

Understanding the actions required by the chemical and textile industry for ZDHC Conformance

 

The ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Programme is an initiative by 29 global apparel and footwear brands to implement safe chemical management and environment best practices in the textile and leather supply chain partners. It is a holistic approach to chemical management that involves managing chemicals at the input, process and output stage. ZDHC goes beyond product safety to a proactive supply chain management, through developing industry standards and tools, training and implementation/innovation projects.

Read more >>

 

Leather, Compliance & Sustainability New York Conference

 

How to ensure your brand is compliant with chemistry legislation and can take advantage of the opportunity of adding value through sustainability

 

Does your product range include leather and are you maximising value through sustainable sourcing, manufacture and design? Are you familiar with the latest developments in legislation and chemistry compliance to ensure your product can be sold in your target markets? If you would like to understand more then register online now for the Leather, Compliance & Sustainability New York Conference in November 2019.

Read more >>

 

Eurofins Softlines and Leather on the Spanish TV

 

Reporters from a national TV in Spain visited our Eurofins Textile Testing Spain laboratory to ask our experts’ opinion  on quality control solutions and tests for textiles.

Read more >>

 

Eurofins Softlines and Leather on the German TV

 

Reporters from a national TV in Germany visited our Eurofins WKS laboratory in Germany to ask our experts’ opinion  on quality control solutions and tests for textiles.

Read more >>

 

Chem-MAP®

 

Introducing Ve-MAP Vegan Verification System from Chem-MAP®

 

The Ve-MAP programme can support brands and retailers in the verification of product as suitable for vegans. The Ve-MAP programme enables manufacturing facilities to create and populate a comprehensive chemical inventory with systematic identification of all chemicals being used within the facility. This Chemical Inventory Log (CIL) will then allow the Ve-MAP team to conduct a risk assessment of each chemical and its links to animal products. Any chemicals deemed as ‘high risk’ of having animal derived raw materials are then analysed for the presence of animal DNA.

 

For more information on Ve-MAP please visit the Chem-MAP® website. If you are looking to ensure your products are vegan and would like to discuss Ve-MAP and the certification of Vegan products, contact the Chem-MAP® team today: info@chem-map.com, +44 (0) 1604 679999.

VEmap