In August 2018, 265 notices of violations (NOVs) were issued for high levels of phthalates in consumer products made from plastics and vinyls, which includes products such as bags, sports equipment, brushes and seat covers – conduct phthalates testing today
Read more10 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) Added to the Candidate List

In addition to the two Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) previously confirmed to be included in the Candidate List update for June/July 2018 (TMA and DCHP). The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has confirmed the addition of a further 8
Read moreNew Understanding Chromium (Chrome) VI in Leather Workshop

Chrome VI in leather is a topical area for brands, retailers and manufacturers. Recently, there have been several changes and updates to chrome VI testing methods which will need to be managed by your organisation. In light of this, BLC
Read moreChromium VI and Lead Limits will be Revised Under European Standard EN71-3

In May 2018, the European Commission published a Commission Directive (EU) 2018/725 amending the limit for extractable chromium VI in category III under the European Toy Safety Directive (BS EN 71-3). This means that if your business manufactures or supplies
Read moreTwo SVHC’s are being Added to the Candidate List with Possibly Eight More to Follow

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has announced its intention to add Trimellitic Anhydride (TMA) and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) as new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List in June/July 2018. In addition to the confirmed two chemicals
Read more1-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) Added to REACH Regulation

The chemical 1-methyl-pyrrolidone (CAS number: EC 212-828-1, CAS 872-50-4), which is more commonly known as NMP, has been added to the European REACH Regulation. Leather finishers and manufacturers should be aware of this change and be prepared to test materials
Read moreEU Proposes to Expand Phthalates Restriction under REACH

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are classed as restricted substances and are regulated by REACH; a European Union regulation which prohibits the sale of goods that do not comply with the specified chemical limits. Phthalates are used primarily
Read moreSeven New SVHCs Added to the Candidate List

On 15th January 2018, seven new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) were added to the Candidate List bringing the total to 181 substances. The legal obligations that companies may have resulting from the inclusion of substances in the Candidate
Read moreChanges to South Korean Safety Standard for Textile and Leather Children’s Products

If your business supplies leather and textile children’s products to South Korea, then you need to be aware of the recent change made by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) to the following safety standards documents: Safety Standards
Read moreNew Footwear Customs Controls for Restricted Substances in Turkey

On 10th July 2017, the Turkish Ministry of Economy added chromium VI and organotin-dioctyltin (DOT) to their list of restricted substances for the footwear sector, which already states requirements and limits for phthalates. These new restricted substance limits apply to
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