Softlines & Leather | Monthly bulletin | September 2019
Regulatory news - Eurofins updates - Commercial news
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(**) Date of withdrawal: latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.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 |
|
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 |
|
Textiles and textile products - Determination of dimethylfumarate (DMFu), method using gas chromatography |
31/01/2020 |
|
|
|
Textiles and textile products - Determination of dimethylformamide (DMF), method using gas chromatography |
31/01/2020 |
|
|
|
Textiles and textile products - Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), method using gas chromatography |
31/01/2020 |
|
|
|
Textiles and textile products - Determination of certain preservatives, method using liquid chromatography |
31/01/2020 |
|
|
|
Leather - Determination of ethoxylated alkylphenols - Part 2: Indirect method (ISO 18218-2:2019) |
31/01/2020 |
||
|
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 |
||
|
Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 16: Mixtures of polypropylene fibres with certain other fibres (method using xylene) (ISO 1833-16:2019) |
31/01/2020 |
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”.
Below a summary table with some recent ASTM standards updates:
|
Reference |
Title |
|
Standard Test Method for Distortion of Yarn in Woven Fabrics |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Length and Length Distribution of Cotton Fibers (Array Method) |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Maturity of Cotton Fibers (Sodium Hydroxide Swelling and Polarized Light Procedures) |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Moisture in Cotton by Oven-Drying |
|
|
Standard Test Methods for Stretch Properties of Fabrics Woven from Stretch Yarns |
|
|
Standard Guide for Conducting Wear Tests on Textiles |
|
|
Standard Test Methods for Length of Woven Fabric |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Flexing and Abrasion Method) |
|
|
Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Knitted, or Flocked Bedspread Fabrics |
|
|
Standard Performance Specification for Woven Napery and Tablecloth Fabrics: Household and Institutional |
|
|
Standard Performance Specification for Woven Slipcover Fabrics |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow) |
|
|
Standard Tables of Body Measurements for Children, Infant Sizes – Preemie to 24 Months |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method) |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Dimensional Stability of Fabrics to Changes in Humidity and Temperature |
|
|
Standard Specification for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Stiffness of Fabric by Blade/Slot Procedure |
|
|
Standard Test Method for Wale and Course Count of Weft Knitted Fabrics |
|
|
Standard Terminology for Smart Textiles |
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 |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
