EU to Strengthen Chemical Regulation on BPA and Flame Retardants in Toys

HONG KONG, China - Aug. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- In July 2013, the EC made 2 notifications to the WTO to expand the number of substances to be regulated in toys under the TSD. One notification introduces a migration limit for bisphenol A (BPA) in toys (1). The second notification introduces specific limit values for the substances TCEP, TCPP and TDCP (2).

Chemical Regulation on Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A is classified as a reprotoxic category 2 substance without a specific concentration limit under Regulation (EU) 1272/2008 on the ‘Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures’ (CLP). BPA is used as a building block in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics which, in turn, is used to manufacture toys and other consumer products. Furthermore, BPA has been found in plastic materials in children’s books.

TCEP and Other Concerned Flame Retardants

The substance TCEP is known to be used as a flame retardant plasticizer in polymers and can be found in toys in quantities lower than the relevant concentration limits established under the CLP Regulation. The risk assessments on the substances TCPP and TDCP concluded that considerations of TCEP could be applied to these substances if used in the manufacture of toys.

Interested parties may send comments on the proposals to the European Commission within 60 days from the date of notification.

Highlights on the 2 notifications and acronyms for substances are summarized in Table 1and Table 2 within the latest SafeGuards bulletin (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/0...).

References:

(1) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, G/TBT/N/EU/137, 19 July 2013 (https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/FE_Search/FE_S_S006.asp...="13-3872"&IssuingDateFrom=&IssuingDateTo=&CATTITLE=&ConcernedCountryList=&OtherCountryList=&SubjectList=&TypeList=&AutoSummary=&FullText=&FullTextForm=&ProductList=&BodyList=&OrganizationList=&ArticleList=&Contents=&CollectionList=&RestrictionTypeName=&PostingDateFrom=&PostingDateTo=&DerestrictionDateFrom=&DerestrictionDateTo=&ReferenceList=&Language=ENGLISH&SearchPage=FE_S_S001&ActiveTabIndex=0&&languageUIChanged=true#)

(2) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, G/TBT/N/EU/133, 16 July 2013 (http://www.wtocenter.org.tw/SmartKMS/fileviewer?id=134616)

About SGS Toy Safety Services

Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juvenile-Products/Toys/Testing.aspx) and consultancy for restricted substances, including the new EN 71-3:2013, in toys for the EU and international markets.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SGS experts for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
HingWo Tsang
Senior Technical Services Manager
SGS Hong Kong Ltd.
5/F Manhattan Centre
8 Kwai Cheong Road
Kwai Chung, NT, Hong Kong , China
t: +852 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juvenile-Products.aspx

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.