Denmark Issues New Order on Phthalates in Toys and Children’s Products
In 2009, Denmark issued Order No. 855 dated 05/09/2009 to limit phthalates to no more than 0.05% in toys and children’s products intended for children aged 0 to 3 years. This order did not cover Benzyl Butyl Phthalate (BBP), Di-n-butyl Phthalate (DBP), Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP), Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP), Di-isononyl Phthalate (DINP), and Di-n-octyl Phthalate (DNOP) […]
EAEU Introduces New Mandatory RoHS Requirements
The Eurasian Economic Commission adopted the EAEU TR EAEU 037/2016 Technical Regulation in 2016, known as the “Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulations on the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Radio-Electronic Products” (EAEU RoHS). As of March 1, 2018, the regulation had a two-year transition period and became mandatory on March […]
EU Adds PFOA to the POP Recast Regulation
On June 15, 2020, the European Union (EU) published Regulation (EU) 2020/784, amending Part A of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POP Recast) to include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and PFOA-related compounds, with specific exemptions for intermediate use or other specific applications. According to the definitions in the new […]
Sweden Proposes Tax on Chemicals in Clothing and Footwear
The Swedish government has appointed an investigative commission to analyze and propose a new tax regime targeting harmful chemicals in clothing and footwear. This tax aims to reduce the dissemination and risks of exposure to hazardous substances known to be detrimental to both the environment and human health. Scope of the Tax Initially, the tax […]
Norway Introduces New Restrictions Under Regulation No. 922/2004 on Harmful Substances
The purpose of this Norwegian regulation is to prevent significant harm to health or the environment by limiting the use (and incorporation in products) of hazardous chemicals. Chapter 2 outlines additional restrictions on the following product categories: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) Lead in Shooting Ranges Mercury and Mercury Compounds Octylphenol Methylolacrylamide Brominated Flame Retardants Perfluorooctane Sulfonates […]
Penalties in the Fluorinated Gas Sector and Compostable Material Products
The legislative decree D.Lgs. 163/2019, “Disciplinary Sanctions for Violation of the Provisions of EU Regulation 517/2014 on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases and Repealing Regulation EC 842/2006,” has come into force as published in the Official Gazette n. 1/2020. This decree repeals the previous D.Lgs. 26/2013, which governed sanctions for violations under Regulation EC 842/2006 on certain […]
Hazardous Chemicals: EU Parliament Urges Commission to Intensify Action Plan
On Monday, June 29th, the Committee on Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety adopted a resolution with 65 votes in favor, 1 against, and 14 abstentions, urging the European Commission to develop a new chemical strategy for sustainability. This strategy aims to effectively ensure a high level of health and environmental protection by minimizing exposure […]
Switzerland Revises Energy Efficiency Regulations for Electrical Appliances
The Swiss Federal Council has decided to amend the country’s ordinance on energy efficiency requirements for electrical equipment (OEEE) to reduce the electricity consumption of new electrical appliances. These include dishwashers, washing machines, refrigeration equipment, lamps, electronic displays, transformers, motors, servers, power supplies, air heaters, and welding equipment. The aim is to facilitate trade with […]
New York Introduces New Restrictions on Flame Retardants in Furniture, Electronics, and Children’s Products
Significant updates from the U.S. Senate: the recently passed Law 8214 imposes new restrictions on flame retardants in various sectors including furniture, electronics, and children’s products. This legislation prohibits the sale of new children’s products, mattresses, or upholstered furniture containing any identified flame retardant chemicals at levels exceeding 1,000 parts per million (ppm). Starting January […]
Award-Winning Tuscan DOP and IGP Olive Oils: Analytical, Partner in Excellence
On June 5th, the awards ceremony for the “Selection of DOP and IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oils of Tuscany” was held via live stream. A total of 44 extra virgin olive oils were chosen to represent Tuscany in Italy and around the world. These oils were selected from 58 entries submitted to the traditional competition […]