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Eurofins >> Consumer Product Testing >> Media Centre >> News >> Toys & Hardlines regulatory updates 11-2022

Toys & Hardlines regulatory updates November 2022

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Eurofins newsflash Toys and Hardlines

 

EUROPE

 

Forum enforcement projects 2023-2025 on imported products

 

On 16 November 2022, the ECHA announced the next REACH enforcement project. The new REACH-EN-Force will aim to control the imports of substances, mixtures and articles. It will investigate how companies fulfil the registration, authorisation and restriction obligations for products and chemicals they import from outside the EU. It will be carried out in 2023-2025 with the cooperation of national customs authorities and REACH inspectors.

 

This project arose as a result of the 2019 pilot project, the results of which indicated that 23% of inspected products were non-compliant with requirements set by EU law and that further controls are necessary.

 

For more information, consult the ECHA’s website here.

 

 

Standards updates

 

The following table summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):

 

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Date of withdrawal: the latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.

 

(**) Date of announcement: the latest date by which the existence of an EN (and HD for CENELEC), a TS or a CWA has to be announced at national level.

 

CEN

Reference

Title

Date of withdrawal
(*)

Supersedes

EN 17737:2022

Hardware for furniture - Test and evaluation methods for the corrosion resistance of furniture fittings

31 May 2023

 

EN 15354:2022

Plastics - Extruded and/or calendered, non-reinforced film and sheeting made of plasticised poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) - Characterisation and designation

30 April 2023

CEN/TS 15354:2006

EN ISO 12625-15:2022

Tissue paper and tissue products - Part 15: Determination of optical properties - Measurement of brightness and colour with C/2° (indoor daylight) illuminant (ISO 12625-15:2022)

30 April 2023

EN ISO 12625-15:2015

EN ISO 26986:2012/A1:2022

Resilient floor coverings - Expanded (cushioned) poly(vinyl chloride) floor covering - Specification - Amendment 1 (ISO 26986:2010/Amd 1:2022)

30 April 2023

 

 

 

Miscellaneous technical publications relating to consumer products

 

The latest publications in relation to consumer products are summarised in the table below:

 

Date

Country/ Region

Entity

Publication

31 October 2022

Europe

European Commission

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1998 of 20 September 2022 amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff

31 October 2022

Europe

European Commission

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2094 of 28 October 2022 specifying the technical items of data sets, establishing the technical formats for the transmission of information and specifying the detailed arrangements and content of the quality reports on the organisation of a sample survey in the consumption domain pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 of the European Parliament and of the Council

9 September 2022

Europe

EFSA

Safety assessment of the process Polyfab Plastics, based on Starlinger deCON technology, used to recycle post‐consumer PET into food contact materials

 

 

FRANCE

 

Mandatory environmental information in consumer products

 

A product’s environmental qualities and characteristics are very relevant for consumers. It will therefore be mandatory for all consumer products place in the French market in 2023.

 

According to Decree 2022-748 of 29 April 2022 relating to consumer information on the environmental qualities and characteristics of waste-generating products, these obligations will come into force gradually.

 

Below is a summary table with the main dates and turnover of the companies:

 

Environmental characteristics of waste-generating products


Date

For producers, importers and any other marketers

Annual turnover

Responsible annually


From 1 January 2023

>50 million euros

>25,000 units of the products

They are not applicable to products for which the last unit is placed on the market between 1 January and 31 March 2023.

From 1 January 2024

> 20 million euros

>10,000 units of the products

From 1 January 2025

> 10 million euros

>10,000 units of the products

 

This information shall be available in a dematerialised format, accessible free of charge at the time of purchase and reusable so as to allow aggregation.

 

The producer or importer shall make available the information provided on a dedicated website or internet page comprising a sheet entitled “product sheet relating to the qualities and environmental characteristics” so as to allow direct research and queries on the internet as well as the extraction of data for possible automated processing of the information presented.

 

For more information, consult the Ministry of Energy Transition’s website here and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

Technical publications related waste and consumer products

 

Recent publications by the French authorities and Ministry of Energy Transition related to consumer products and waste include:

 

Date

Publication

3 October 2022

Definition of refill

The 3R strategy of the Ministry of Ecological Transition; refilling is mentioned as part of the 3R strategy by participating in the reuse of the associated refillable packaging (AGEC law, Decree No. 2021-517 of 29 April 2021).

However, there is no regulatory definition (France or Europe) of charging.

This is why the entire value chain of the packaged product represented by the National Packaging Council (CNE) offers a definition.

14 October 2022

Rental of DIY or gardening equipment: maintenance is satisfactory but consumer information is not.

In 2021, the DGCCRF conducted a survey of 160 establishments renting DIY and gardening equipment. Even if lawnmowers, electric saws, drills and other equipment are properly maintained, consumer information on their use and rental conditions still need to be improved.

14 October 2022

Sorting of waste

The sorting of waste is defined as the operations by which waste is separated and stored, by category, according to its type and nature. Sorting is an essential step in the waste treatment chain. This news piece explains sorting in the following collectives:

  • In private homes
  • In the administrations
  • In companies
  • In establishments open to the public

18 October 2022

Decree No. 2022-1328 of 17 October 2022 relating to individual authorisations prior to training in the use of explosive products

26 October 2022

Order of October 14, 2022 modifying the specifications pertaining to eco-organisations in the sector of extended responsibility of the producers of components for furniture designated in article R. 543-240 of the environmental code.

It amends the specifications for eco-agencies in the furniture waste industry (dea) designated in article r. 543-240 of the environmental code.

9 November 2022

Five industrial sectors supported in their deindustrialization

Toys, watches, bicycles, textiles and shoes are five sectors where players have mobilised in the direction of “Made in France” or “Re-Made in France” through an industrial relocation movement.

18 November 2022

Everything you need to know about the repairability index

Since January 1, 2021, the repairability index has provided you with information on this subject.

On November 2, 2022, the repairability index was extended and became mandatory for the following products:

  • Top loading washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • High pressure cleaner
  • Corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaner.

For more information, consult the Ministry of Energy Transition’s website here.

 

 

SPAIN

 

Aniline is incorporated into the Spanish legal system for toys

 

On 3 November 2022, the Order PCM/1048/2022 related to toy safety was published by the Ministry of the Presidency, Relations with the Courts and Democratic Memory.

 

The main takeaway is the modification of Annex II of Royal Decree 1205/2011, of 26 August, on the safety of toys. By means of this order, Directive (EU) 2021/903 of the Commission, of 3 June 2021, which modifies Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, has been incorporated into the Spanish legal system, with regard to the specific limit values for aniline in certain toys.

 

In Appendix C of Annex II, the following entry is added to the table in the first paragraph:

 

Substance

CAS number

Limit value

Aniline

62-53-3

30mg/kg after reducing fragmentation on textile material of toys and leather material of toys.

10mg/kg as free aniline in finger paints.

30mg/kg after performing a reduction fragmentation in finger paint.

 

This order entered into force on 4 December 2022.

 

 

News on plastic tax

 

From 1 January 2023, the new environmental tax that applies to non-reusable plastic containers will come into force. Through Law 7/2022, of 8 April, on waste and contaminated soils, the new special tax on non-reusable plastic containers has been established, which is related to the Law on packaging and packaging waste. The main changes are related to the incorporation of the special tax on non-reusable plastic containers. The following bullet points summarise the most important changes:

 

  • The tax will aim to promote the prevention of the generation of non-reusable plastic packaging waste, as well as promoting the recycling of plastic waste, contributing to the circularity of this material.
  • The definition of hazardous waste of sanitary origin has been incorporated, which is exempt from the tax.
  • The time in which the exemption from the tax on containers within the scope of application that have been imported or acquired intra-community, and which weight 5kg or less, has been limited to one month.
  • Recycled plastic certified by the UNE-EN 15343-2008 standard is accepted, as well as that from duly certified chemical recycling.
  • Date of entry into force: 1 January 2023.

 

If you need information or have questions about the procedures related to the new tax, consult the new documents published on the Tax Agency website, here.

 

 

UK

 

The use of CE mark deadline has been extended for UK market

 

On 14 November 2022, the UK government announced that it will bring forward legislation which would continue to allow recognition of the CE marking and the reversed epsilon marking for most goods that are being placed on the market or put into service before 31 December 2024.

 

This is mean that, in most cases, if your product has been placed on the GB market with a CE mark before 31 December 2024, it does not need to be remarked or recertified according to UKCA requirements and can continue to circulate on the GB market until it reaches its end user. This also includes where the CE marked product was conformity assessed and certified under EU conformity assessment procedures before 31 December 2024. This measure will apply to the following relevant consumer products, among others:

 

  • Toys
  • Electromagnetic compatibility
  • Radio equipment
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Ecodesign
  • Aerosols
  • Low voltage electrical equipment

 

Please find a summary table below:

 

Placing goods on the market in Great Britain

Type of product

Accepted markings or combination of markings

Manufactured products being placed on the GB market before 11pm on 31 December 2024

UKCA or CE

Manufactured products placed on the GB market as of 11pm on 31 December 2024

UKCA

Placing qualifying Northern Ireland goods on the market in Great Britain (unfettered access)

Type of product

Accepted markings or combination of markings

Qualifying Northern Ireland products being placed on the GB market under unfettered access

CE or CE and UKNI

 

The UK government intends to introduce legislation enabling the UKCA marking to be placed on a label affixed to the product or on a document accompanying the product until 31 December 2027. This measure will apply to the following relevant regulations for consumer products among others:

 

  • Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009
  • Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
  • Radio Equipment Regulations 2017
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018
  • The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012
  • Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011

 

For more information, consult the UK government website here.

 

 

Updates related to waste packaging

 

The latest publications in relation to waste packaging and Producer Responsibility Obligations are summarised in the table below:

 

Date

Code

Publication

27 October 2022

S.I. 2022 No.286

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

These Regulations set an overall recycling target and material-specific recycling targets for 2023 for obligated producers in Northern Ireland in relation to glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, paper/board and wood.

27 October 2022

S.I. 2022 No. 288

The Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

These regulations amend the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (the 2003 Regulations) and prescribe the accepted technical competencies for the purpose of determining if a person can be deemed a fit and proper person to hold a waste management license.

27 October 2022

S.I. 2022 No. 289 (C.26)

The Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) (2011 Act) (Commencement No.3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022

This order brings into operation sections 4 and 5 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 on 2nd January 2023.

9 November 2022

S.I. 2022 No. 330

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2022

These Regulations set an overall recycling target and material-specific recycling targets for 2023 for obligated producers in Scotland in relation to glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, paper/board and wood.

 

 

Miscellaneous technical publications relating to consumer products

 

The latest publications in relation to consumer products are summarised in the table below:

 

Date

Entity

Publication

28 October 2022

Confederation of paper industries

CPI publishes revised Design for Recyclability Guidelines

The revised version defines components of paper such as filling material, starch, coating colorants, binding material, and additives—and those that can be problematic—such as laminates, coatings, inks, varnishes, and adhesives. The guidelines also recommend that potentially problematic components be limited to a maximum of 10% of total package weight.

14 November 2022

Import, export and customs for businesses

Guidance: Claiming preferential rates of duty between the UK and EU

This guidance explains how to claim preferential rates of duty on goods covered in the UK's deal with the EU and how to declare goods imported into the UK on your import declaration.

 

 

MOLDOVA

 

European harmonised standard adoption for toys

 

On 7 October 2022, the Ministry of Economy published Order No. 92 of 27 September 2022 regarding the approval of the list of Moldovan standards regarding the safety of toys that are harmonised with European standards/Technical Regulation.

 

This order repeals the Order no. 39/2021 related to the List of Moldovan standards for the safety of toys.

 

The list of standards found in the Annex of this order overrules the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1992 of November 15, 2021 on harmonised standards for toys.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

Regulatory proposals notified to the WTO

 

The following table summarises the most recent notifications made to the World Trade Organization (WTO) (non-exhaustive):

 

Notification number

Countries

Category

Title




G/TBT/N/ISR/1274




Israel




Childcare

SI 873 - School bag

The existing Mandatory Standard, SI 873, dealing with school bags, shall be declared voluntary. This declaration aims to remove unnecessary obstacles

to trade and lower trade barriers.




G/TBT/N/AUS/146




Australia




Sports

Review of the mandatory standard for bicycle helmets

The mandatory safety standard for bicycle helmets references certain requirements in the 2008 edition of the voluntary Australian standard. The voluntary Australian standard was updated in 2020.





G/TBT/N/GBR/49/Add.1





UK





Consumer products

The Product Safety and Metrology (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022

This is the final text previously entitled the Product Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2022. The UK Government intends to extend the recognition of goods meeting EU requirements and markings on the market in Great Britain for a further two years, until 31 December 2024.

 

 

US

 

CPSC approves final rules for corded window coverings

 

On 2 November 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved two new final rules to address the risk of strangulation deaths and serious life-threatening injuries to children from corded window coverings.

 

First, the CPSC passed a new final rule to amend 16 CFR 1120 to add non-compliant window covering cords to the substantial product hazard list. Under the new rule, the following will be deemed substantial product hazards:

 

  • Stocking window coverings that fail to comply with one or more of the following requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018:
    • Operating cord requirements in section 4.3.1.1 (cordless operating system), 4.3.1.2 (short static or access cord), or 4.3.1.3 (inaccessible operating cord);
    • Inner cord requirements in sections 4.5, 6.3, 6.7, and Appendices C and D; and
    • On-product manufacturer label requirement in section 5.3
  • Custom window coverings that fail to comply with one or more of the following requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 – 2018:
    • Inner cord requirements in sections 4.5, 6.3, 6.7, and Appendices C and D; and
    • On-product manufacturer label in section 5.3.

 

This rule will go into effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register for window covering products manufactured after that date.

 

Second, the CPSC passed a new federal safety standard for operating cords on custom window coverings (16 CFR 1260) to address the unreasonable risk of strangulation to children 8 years old and younger from custom window coverings with accessible operating cords longer than 8 inches. The new rule will require that operating cords on custom window coverings meet the same requirements as operating cords on stock window coverings, as set forth in the applicable voluntary standard, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018.

 

The new rule will require the following:

 

  • (a) Requirements for operating cords. Each custom window covering shall comply with section 4.3.1 or 4.3.2.5.2, instead of section 4.3.2, of ANSI/WCMA A100.1—2018.
  • (b) Requirements for rigid cord shrouds. If a custom window covering complies with paragraph (a) of this section by using a rigid cord shroud to make an operating cord inaccessible, the rigid cord shroud shall meet the requirements in section 6.3, of ANSI/WCMA A100.1—2018 and shall not have an accessible cord when tested for cord accessibility using the test methods for rigid cord shrouds.

 

The new rule will also prohibit stockpiling, as manufacturers and importers of custom window coverings may not manufacture or import non-compliant products in any 180-day period between 28 November 2022, and 30 May 2023, at a rate that is greater than 120% of the rate at which they manufactured or imported custom window coverings during the base period for the manufacturer. The base period is any period of 180 consecutive dates, chose by the manufacturer or importer, in the 5-year period immediately preceding 28 November 2022.

 

The effective date of the new rule is 30 May 2023.

 

 

CPSC publishes final rule of the new mandatory standard for clothing storage units

 

On 25 November 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published 16 CFR 1261, the Safety Standard for Clothing Storage Units (CSUs), in the Federal Register. The new mandatory safety standard will take effect on 24 May 2023.

 

The new mandatory standard addresses the risk of injury or death of young children from tip over incidents with CSUs, which includes products such as chests, bureaus, dressers, armoires, wardrobes, chests of drawers, drawer chests, chifforobes and door chests. The new standard contains minimum stability requirements and marking and labelling of safety and identification information requirements that are different from the previous voluntary industry standard ASTM F2057-19 for CSUs.

 

Please see below a brief overview of the key differences between 16 CFR 1261 and ASTM F2057-19. For more details and specifics on this comparison, please contact your Eurofins Account Manager.

 

CPSC STANDARD (16 CFR 1261)

ASTM F2057-19

Requirements for interlocks (1261.3)

Gradually apply over a period of at least 5 seconds a 30-pound horizontal. Pull force on each locked drawer, one drawer at a time, and hold the force for at least 10 seconds.

Performance requirement. The interlock will be disabled or bypassed for the stability testing in § 1261.4(c).

Not mentioned

Requirements for stability:

Tilt the clothing unit forward by placing a test block (0.43”) under the unit’s most rear floor support. The purpose of which is to simulate a tilt associated with clothing storage units placed on carpeted surfaces.

Note: Using a 0.43 inch test block would provide an equivalent tilt angle to that in the NPR and adequately simulate the effect of carpet.

Does not consider tilting associated with use on carpeting.
(Testing will be performed on Flat surface)

Static loads to be placed within storage compartments will be determined via the functional volume of drawers and other storage compartments (if 50 percent or more of the drawers and pull out shelves by functional volume are open (without interlock); if less than 50 percent of the drawers and pull out shelves by functional volume are open (with interlock).

Does not consider the loading of storage compartments.

Test method (with Method 1 & Method 2): All these methods are also performed when the storage units are loaded as calculated above.

Dynamic forces will be applied to extended drawer fronts with pre-loaded drawers. The purpose of which is to simulate the dynamic forces associated with children climbing on units.

Different test methods and requirements than those in ASTM F2057-19 standard

Test method:
Does not consider dynamic forces, instead the standard requires that static loads are applied to extended drawer fronts. 

Requirements to provide performance and technical data by labelling.

The manufacturer shall provide a hang tag with every clothing storage unit that provides the ratio of tip-over moment as tested to the minimally allowed tip-over moment of that model clothing storage unit.

Size. Every hang tag shall be at least 5 inches wide by 7 inches tall.

The scale shall start at 1 and end at 2.

There are two sides for the hangtag.

Format. The hang tag shall be formatted as shown in below figures. The background of the front of the tag shall be printed in full bleed process yellow or equivalent; the background of the back of the tag shall be white. All type and graphics shall be printed in process black.

The standard has a binary pass/fail output. 

Requires warning labels be displayed on products.

Format. The warning label shall use the signal word panel content and format specified in Section 8.2.2 of ASTM F2057-19, Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units, and the font, font size, and color specified in Section 8.2.3 of ASTM F2057-19 (incorporated by reference, see paragraph (c) of this section). Each safety symbol shall measure at least 1 inch by 1 inch. See figure 4 to this paragraph (a)(3).

Size. The warning label shall be at least 2 inches wide by 2 inches tall.

  • Location:

(i) For units with one or more drawer(s):

(A) The warning label shall be located on the interior side panel of a drawer in the upper most drawer row or, if the top of the drawer(s) in the upper most drawer row is more than 56 inches from the floor, on the interior side panel of a drawer in the upper most drawer row below 56 inches from the floor, as measured from the top of the drawer.

(B) The top left corner of the warning label shall be positioned within 1 inch of the top of the drawer side panel and within the front 1/3 of the interior drawer depth.

(ii) For units with only doors: The warning label shall be located on an interior side or back panel of the cabinet behind the door(s), or on the interior door panel. The warning label shall not be obscured by a shelf or other interior element.

Requires that F2057-19 warning labels be displayed on products.

or

  • Location: The warnings label shall be in a conspicuous location when in use; the back of the unit intended to be placed against the wall is not considered conspicuous when in use.
    • Ex: On the interior side panel of a drawer in the upper most drawer.
    • For Door: On an interior side or back panel of the cabinet behind the door(s), or on the interior door panel.

Identification Mark

The clothing storage unit shall have an identification mark or label.

Size. The identification mark or label shall be at least 2 inches wide by 1 inch tall.

Content. The identification mark or label shall contain the following:

(i) Name and address (city, state, and zip code) of the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer; the model number; and the month and year of manufacture.

(ii) The statement “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Clothing Storage Units,” as appropriate; this label may spell out “U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission” instead of “U.S. CPSC.”

Format. The identification mark or label text shall not be less than 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) capital letter height. The text and background shall be contrasting colors (e.g., black text on a white background).

Location. The identification mark or label shall be visible from the back of the unit when the unit is fully assembled.

Permanency. The identification mark or label shall be legible and attached after it is tested using the methods specified in Section 7.3 of ASTM F2057-19, Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units.

Nil

There is no mention of the standard for tip restraints.

Requires F3096-14 compliant tip restraints.

 

 

CPSC updates gates and enclosures safety standard

 

On 14 November 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a direct final rule (16 CFR1239) to update the mandatory Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosures. The final rule incorporates the latest version of ASTM F1004-22, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures, with no modifications.

 

ASTM F1004-22 includes editorial revisions to the previous version of the standard, ASTM F1004-21.

 

The direct final rule will become effective on 21 January 2023.

 

 

CHINA

 

China Issues new and updated product standards

 

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has recently released various new and updated industry and national product standards. Please see Table 1 below:

 

Table 1:

 

Category

Standard





Food contact

QB/T 1957-2022 Aluminium and aluminium alloy pots

QB/T 4946-2022 Glasswares-Stem glasses

QB/T 5798-2022 Glasswares-Opacified glass tablewares and drinkwares

QB/T 5812-2022 Cast aluminium alloy pan with non-stick coating

QB/T 5820-2022 Glass containers-Small-mouth spice bottles











Hardgoods

HG/T 2723-2022 Colorful rubber latex balloon

HG/T 4358-2022  Digital color photographic paper

QB/T 2664-2022 Enameled plumbing fixtures—Bathtub

HG/T 6102-2022 Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes of BOPP for general purpose

QB/T 4160-2022 Watches with jewels and precious metal alloys

QB/T 5774-2022 Hair products—false eyelashes
QB/T 5777-2022 Pet supplies―Storage box for dogs and cats

QB/T 5793-2022 Hard gold adornment

QB/T 5815-2022 Biodegradable plastic insulation box

QB/T 5828-2022 General technical specifications for pre-embedded box of floor

QB/T 4734-2022 Surface swimming eyewear



Stationery

GB/T 26698-2022 Pencils and mechanical pencils for exam

GB/T 26699-2022 Ball pens for exam

GB/T 26704-2022 Pencils

 

 

PRODUCT RECALLS / ALERTS

 

Below, you will find a monthly table summarising product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source” Safety Gate (RAPEX)” and “RASFF”) and the U.S. (Source “CPSC”)

 

 

Europe

 

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

 

The following 59 alerts regarding childcare articles, equipment and toys were reported between week 42 and week 46 of 2022.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes

 




















Chemicals



1

Water balloons

The amount of nitrosamines released by the balloons is too high. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-12.



3

Toy slime

The toy material contains an excessive concentration of the preservatives methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-9.



1

Fancy dress

The product contains an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate) (DINP).

The product does not comply with REACH Regulation.



1

Musical toy set

The toy metallic part contains an excessive concentration of chromium III. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-3.


1

Soft toy

The product contains an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The product does not comply with REACH Regulation.



20

Plastic dolls and accessories

The toy has an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The product does not comply with REACH Regulation.



Chemical, choking



1

Plastic doll

The battery compartment is easily opened/broken, leaving the button batteries accessible.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 62115.




Chemical, Choking, Injuries





3

Toy gun set

The suction cups of the projectiles can be easily detached. The kinetic energy of the projectiles is too high, especially for the eyes. In addition, the suction cups contain an excessive concentration of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with REACH Regulation nor with EN 71-1.



































Choking



2

Plastic toys

Small parts can easily detach from the toy.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with EN 71-1.



2

Rattle toy

The rattle can easily break, generating small parts.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1.



1

Children's costume

A small part (the zipper) can easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-1.


1

Soother holder

The clips on the soother holder can release small parts. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive.



2

Music box

Small parts can easily detach from the toy.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with EN 71-1.



1

Teething toy

The toy may break generating separated small parts. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with EN 71-1.



1

Children's highchair

A child could detach small parts (label and belt adjusters) and stuffing material, as these are easily accessible. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with EN 14988.



1

Toy gun set

Small parts can easily detach from the toy.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with EN 71-1.


1

Inflatable baby swimming float

Small parts may easily detach from the toy. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive.



5

Soft toy

Small parts can easily detach from the toy.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with EN 71-1.






Choking, Injuries, Strangulation







1

Baby carrier

The product label comes off easily. Additionally, the straps on the head rests are too long and the child's neck could become entangled in them. The straps to adjust the bridge width for the baby’s legs are longer than prescribed.

The product is sold with a textile bag with drawstrings. If a child puts the head inside the bag and pulls the drawstring to close it, the child may be strangled by it.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with EN 16512.




Choking, Strangulation




1

Soother holder

Small parts (clip and plastic ring) may easily detach. In addition, the soother holder is too long and may lead to the strangulation of a child.

The product neither complies with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with those of the Toy Safety Directive, nor with EN 12586, EN 71-1 or EN 71-3.



Damage to hearing



1

Push along toy

The sound pressure level is too high.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1.






Injuries



1

Doll stroller

The product is not adequately able to bear weight and can easily collapse. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1.



1

Toy tricycle

There are accessible gaps between moving parts of the tricycle.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1.



Microbiological



1

Doll feeding bottle

The total count of aerobic bacteria in the feeding bottle with white liquid is too high. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive.









Strangulation


1

Soother holder

The soother holder is too long. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with EN 12586.



1

Plush toy

The plush toy hands have long strings.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1.



1

Fancy dress

The cape bears long functional cords in the neck area. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-1.



Suffocation



2

Squeezable toy

The plastic bag of the packaging is too thin.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-1.

 

 

The following 1 alert regarding furniture was reported between week 42 and 46 of 2022.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes


Injuries


1

Desk chair

The base of the chair leg can break. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive.

 

 

The following 23 alerts regarding hard goods/ miscellaneous goods were reported between week 42 and 46 of 2022.

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes







Burns



1

Wax melt burner

The use of lit candles (large tea lights or scented candles) may result in flames exiting the front opening of the burner. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with EN 15494.


1

Portable charcoal grill

The grill grate is not equipped with handles. The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive.




Burns, Fire




1

Barbecue smoker

The horizontal surface on which the barbeque is placed becomes too hot reaching a temperature of 130 °C above the ambient temperature (the limit is 50 °C). Furthermore, labelling, warnings, pictograms and instructions are missing or do not respect the requirements.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive nor with EN 1860-1.





Chemicals


1

Hair pin

The product contains an excessive concentration of lead. The product does not comply with REACH Regulation.


14

Jewellery

The product contains an excessive amount of cadmium and nickel. The product does not comply with REACH Regulation.



Chemical, Environment



1

Jump rope

The black plastic cord contains benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP). The product does not comply with REACH Regulation and with the requirements of the Commission Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2 Directive).




Choking




1

Decorative grapes

Due to its characteristic form, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for real foodstuff. The plastic grapes can easily detach, in particular if bitten into, and children may put them in the mouth.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the Food Imitating Products Directive.



Fire



1

Watering bulb

In direct sunlight, the product creates a focal point which may cause ignition of any dry material next to it, hence starting a fire.

The product does not comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive.

 

 

RASFF (European Commission Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed - Alerts reported by EU national authorities)

 

The following 2 alerts regarding Food Contact Materials related to children's tableware were reported from 21 October 2022 to 20 November of 2022.

 

Product

Substance / Hazard

Tableware(dishes, bowls and ice scoops)

Unauthorised use of bamboo fibres in tableware.

RASFF Window - Notification detail

Melamine bowl

Poor stability of the material in melamine bowls.

RASFF Window - Notification detail

 

 

UK

 

OPSS issues Product Safety Alerts on the UK market. The following alerts regarding toys and childcare products were reported between week 42 and week 46 of 2022.

 

50 recalls regarding toys and childcare products

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes






























































Choking



1

Wooden toy tractors and balers

The products present a serious risk of choking, as small parts, particularly the wheels and dowels, can be easily removed with minimal force and fit into a truncated cylinder. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




7

Plush toy

The ears of the puppet can easily detach due to insufficient seam strength, providing access to internal fibrous stuffing. The product also requires improvements to labelling and markings.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.


1

Baby Crib Mobile

The production of small parts at a tensile force is too easy. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



3

Fidget toy

The toy contains small parts and the magnets were found to have an excessively high magnetic flux. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



2

Magnetic Fishing Toy

The toy contains small parts, i.e. two sizes of wooden painted balls and two plastic pointer clocks, which fit into a small parts cylinder. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



14

Magnetic toys

The contains small parts, either created during the abuse and tension test or received as small parts. Some of the magnets that constitute small parts were also found to have excessively high magnetic flux. The products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



6

Rattle

The small wooden ring broke on abuse test and produced small parts. The item is also not labelled with manufacturer or importer details and lacks relevant markings. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




2

Wooden toy

The product presents a risk of choking as small parts (the eyes and hands) can be easily detached when the product is used. The product also requires improvements to labelling and documentation.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




1

Finger puppets

Small parts (the wooden beak and mouth of the puppets) can be easily produced when the rattle is used. The product also requires improvements to labelling and documentation.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




1

Puzzle

The magnetic puzzle pieces constitute small parts as received. The product also requires improvements to labelling and documentation.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




1

Activity cube

Small parts (the battery box tab) can be easily detached when the product is used. The product also requires improvements to labelling and documentation.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




1

Baby toy

Small parts (the battery box tab) can be easily detached when the product is used. The product also requires improvements to labelling and documentation.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.




1

Educational toy

Small parts can be easily detached or produced when the product is used, particularly near water or when under tension. The product also requires improvements to labelling.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



2

Cot mobile hanging toy

Several of the attachments produced small parts during the abuse testing, which fit into a small parts cylinder. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



1

Hand bell

Small parts can be produced during normal use of the product. The products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



1

Music toys

Small parts can be produced during normal use of the product. The products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.



Strangulation



2

Cot hanging mobile toy

The hanging cords can become tangled and have a combined length exceeding the maximum permissible. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.





Serious chemical risk





1

Baby stroller

Excess concentrations of phthalates were detected in faux leather from the basket cover and rain cover. The product also fails to meet the structural integrity requirements of the relevant standard, did not stay static when the parking brake was applied, and requires improvements to labelling and documentation.

The product does not meet the requirements of REACH Regulations or the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.






Serious toxicological hazard



1

Finger paint

The paint contains lead which is prohibited and illegal levels of N-Nitrosamines and N-Nitrosatable substances. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.





1

Dolls

Phthalates were detected in the head, hands and arms of the doll, the levels of which exceeded the maximum limit by mass of the plasticised material. Additionally, the product does not comply with the marking requirements of the relevant standard.

The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 or REACH Regulations.

 

 

3 recalls regarding hard goods/ miscellaneous goods

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes



Fire



1

Tealight wax burner

The product may catch fire due to deposits on the inside of the burning chamber when fragrance/tall tealights are used, against the instructions. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.




Injuries




2

Ladder

The ladder does not meet the minimum functional dimensional sizes and can become deformed under less pressure than the minimum permissible. The ladder also buckled before the full test load was applied. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 nor the relevant standard.

 

 

2 recalls regarding furniture

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes





Injuries



1

Desk chair

The base of the chair leg. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.



1

Velvet dining chairs

There is potential for the chair legs to break causing a risk of falling and injury to the user. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

 

 

U.S.

 

From the 27 October 2022 to the 17 November of 2022, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) published the following recalls:

 

5 recalls regarding Toys and childcare products

 

Hazard

Number of alerts

Notes












Chemical












3

Children’s scooters

The paint on the recalled scooters contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.

Toy houses

The yellow-painted metal zipper contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard; the orange plastic phone cord contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban; and the horn’s blue plastic bulb contains a regulated phthalate that exceed the prohibition of specific phthalates. Phthalates and lead are toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.

Children’s ramps

Surface paint on the miniature skateboard and scooter toys in the ramp sets contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a risk of lead poisoning. The miniature scooter toy also fails to comply with the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. 


Fall


1

Strollers

The lower side of the stroller frame can crack, posing a fall risk to children in the stroller.


Choking


1

Stacking toy

The toy’s information sticker can become exposed and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

 

1 recall of furniture

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes


Fall and injury


1

Desk chairs

The chairs’ leg base can break, posing fall and injury hazards. 

 

5 recalls of consumer products

 

Type of Risk

Number of alerts

Notes



Crash



1

Cycling helmets

The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability and impact attenuation requirements of the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. The helmets can fail to protect in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury.


Impact injury


1

Basketball goal

The basketball goal can detach from the wall and fall to the ground posing a serious impact injury hazard and risk of death.





Chemical





1

Lamp oil

The product contains low-viscosity petroleum distillates which must be in child-resistant packaging, as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The packaging of the product is not child resistant. Petroleum distillates can get into the lungs causing chemical pneumonia and/or pulmonary damage which can be fatal. In addition, the label on the products violates the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) by omitting mandatory information on the packaging.



Injury and laceration



1

Air freshener

A single batch of the aerosol air fresheners is missing a corrosion inhibitor, which can lead to corrosion and rupture of the metal can and expulsion of the contents, posing injury and laceration hazards. In addition, corrosion of the container can result in leakage, posing a risk of skin and eye irritation upon contact.


Electric shock


1

Lighting

The internal wires in the lights can be damaged, posing an electric shock hazard to the consumer.