News Archives

Safety of electric toys in Europe: new standard EN 62115

The new EN IEC 62115:2020/A11:2020 is expected to be published in September 2020. The new standard is based on IEC…

UL’s Tony Jung selected as LA County FSAC chairperson

With more food establishments than any other metropolitan area in the United States, Los Angeles County helps to set the…

India issues amended import requirements for toys

On December 2, 2019, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade of India (DGFT) has issued Notification No. 33/2015-2020 to amend…

SASO: SABER System implementation on Jan.1, 2020

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has announced new set of products to be regulated under the SABER…

California Becomes First State to Ban Sale of New Fur…

On October 12th, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill (AB 44) making California the first state to ban the sale…

U.S. CPSC Issues Direct Final Rules for Baby Cribs, Play…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued two direct final rules revising safety standards for non-full-size baby cribs…

EC Enacts Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019⁄1728 on Harmonized Standards…

On October 15th, the European Commission (EC) has adopted the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1728 on harmonized standards for toys…

EC Publishes Amendments to Annex II of the Toy Safety…

The European Commission (EC) has published amendments to revise Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC on Toy Safety. The Directives are:…

U.S. CPSC to Open Public Consultation on the Supplemental Notice…

On November 12th, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has opened a public consultation for the proposed rulemaking on…

UL Cologne is moving to Krefeld

We are please to announce that starting from December 2, 2019, our UL Cologne facility will move to Krefeld. This…

USA: States Ban E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products to Address Increasing…

As of September 24th, The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 805 lung injury cases associated…

California Passes Legislature to Tighten Existing Restrictions on Metal-Containing Jewelry

On September 13th, 2019 California’s legislature passed SB 647, a bill to reduce lead content limits for certain materials used…

U.S. CPSC Issues Rule to Amend Consumer Registration of Durable…

On September 24th, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Final Rule to Amend the Requirements for Consumer…

Toys in Europe – EN 71–3:2019 — New harmonised standard…

On October 16, 2019, the European Commission published the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1728, on harmonized standards for toys drafted…

U.S. CPSC Adopts Revisions to ASTM Safety Standard for Carriages…

On August 2nd, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published the direct final rule to adopt the most…

ECHA Adds Four Substances to the Candidate List of Substances…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added four substances to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).…

Europe: the toy trampoline standard EN 71–14:2018 has been harmonized

The European Commission (EC) has published on July 23, 2019 the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1254 to update the harmonized standard…

In Search of a More Authentic, Sustainable Future for Palm Oil

Out of the many products developed from locally sourced food today, one stands out from the rest -- palm oil.…

China Implements Measures for Conformity Assessment System for the Restricted…

On May 16th, 2019, China has published the implementation measures for conformity assessment system for the Restricted Use of Hazardous…

United Arab Emirates Passes New Product Safety Law

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently passed a new federal law on consumer product safety which will come into…

Washington Governor Signs New Act Regulating Harmful Chemicals in Consumer…

On May 8th, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed the Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act (SB 5135), tagged as…

Updates on EN 71–3:2019 — Safety of toys — Migration…

In April CEN has published EN 71-3:2019 - Safety of toys - Migration of certain elements. The new standard contains…

UL and the Diamond Producers Association (DPA) Collaboration

Diamond Producers Association and UL Consumer and Retail Services collaborate to create the Assure Program – a third-party independent verification…

CEN Publishes EN 71–3:2019 Safety of Toys — Part 3:…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published EN 71-3:2019 Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements…

Revealed: women making clothes face sexual abuse

Female factory workers producing clothing and shoes in Vietnam face systemic sexual harassment and violence at work, the Observer can…

EU law fixes minimum rights for ‘gig economy’ workers

The European Parliament has approved new EU rules to protect workers in the so-called "gig economy". The law sets minimum…

Three Sectors, Three Years Later: Progress and Gaps in the…

In 2016, KnowTheChain evaluated 60 companies in three high-risk sectors—information and communications technology (ICT), food and beverage, and apparel and…

Philippines Publishes the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Toy…

In January 2019, the Philippines has signed into law the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10620, otherwise…

ECHA Releases Proposal for Restriction of Microplastics

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has released their proposed restriction for intentionally added microplastics to consumer or professional use products…

UL’s Brian Grochal appointed to ICPHSO’s Board of Directors

UL has long been a leader in helping to bring safer consumer products to market. Through his recent appointment to…

Opening of the UL’s UK Campus in Basingstoke

To support our customers grow their influence and reputation in this landscape of complexity, UL has invested in our UL…

UL Signs Cooperation Agreement with Taiwan Children’s Commodities R&D Center

Recently, UL Consumer & Retail Services announced that they signed a cooperation agreement with Taiwan Children’s Commodities R&D Center, the…

EU Market Surveillance: soft-filled toys covered with sequins must be…

On 19 February 2019, the Administrative Cooperation (ADCO) Expert Group on Toy Safety within the EU Commission has issued a…

UL expands footprint in Bangladesh with 33,000-sq.ft. advanced textile and…

Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 13, 2019 - UL, a global safety science leader, announced the expansion of the company’s footprint in…

California Repeals Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use…

California’s Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation has issued a regulatory action to amend Title…

EC Publishes Various Amendments to Annex III of the RoHS…

The European Commission (EC) has published the following directives to amend Annex III of the Directive 2011/65/EU of the European…

U.S. FDA Takes New Steps to Strengthen Agency’s Process for…

On February 7, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its statement in taking new steps to strengthen and…

Health Canada Consults on the Proposed Risk Management for Ketones…

On January 17, 2019 Health Canada has launched a public consultation for the Proposed Risk Management for Ketones Used in…

GCC Launches Public Consultation on Draft Industry Standard for Beds

The GGC Standardization Organization is currently seeking public comments with regards to GSO ISO 19833:2019 for the Draft Industry Standard…

ECHA Publishes Restriction Reports for Several Substances

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published set of restriction reports for several substances: formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers (EC -)…

ECHA Publishes Proposed Restriction Report for Formaldehyde

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a proposed restriction report for formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers on January 30, 2019.…

Turkey Seeks Public Consultation on Turkish Food Codex Regulation on…

On January 3, 2019, Turkey launches a public consultation for Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labelling and Information to…

Kenya Consults on Draft Standard for Paper and Board Intended…

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is consulting with the public regarding "Paper and board intended to come into contact…

Kenya Consults on Draft Standard for Paper Plates and Cups…

Kenya is currently inviting public comments for Paper Plates and Cups for Food Packaging - Specification. This draft standard specifies…

Japan Considers Draft Guidelines on Food Equipment and Containers and…

Japan has released a draft guideline on food equipment and containers and packaging. The draft is currently under public consultation…

Brazil Proposes Regulation to Establish Positive List Intended for Plastic…

On January 22, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has published Public Consultation No. 599/2019 for the Draft Technical Regulation…

GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) Seeks Public Consultation on Seven (7)…

GCC has released seven draft standards on jewelry. Four of which are test methods to determine platinum, silver and gold…

New York State Postpones Enforcement of Ingredient Disclosure for Cleaning…

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has postponed the enforcement of certain provisions of the Household…

ECHA Consults on the SEAC Draft Opinion on the Proposed…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is consulting the public on the SEAC draft opinion on the proposed restriction of hazardous…

Egypt Invites Comments on Draft Egyptian Standard for Diapers for…

The Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality released a WTO notification on the Draft of Egyptian Standards for diapers for…

Taiwan Extends Consultation on the Enforcement Rules of the Act…

Taiwan has amended the Act for Control of Cosmetic Hygiene and renamed it "Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act" on May…

Taiwan Consults on Labeling of Cosmetics Imitation and Single Packaging

Taiwan has released a draft regulation on Labeling of Cosmetics Imitation and Single Packaging. The draft is up for public…

Taiwan Seeks Public Comments on Draft Regulations on Cosmetic Packaging,…

Taiwan is seeking opinions on the release of the Draft Regulations on Cosmetic Packaging, Containers, Labels or Imitations. The consultation…

OEKO-TEX Releases New Voluntary Regulations 2019

OEKO-TEX has released new voluntary regulations for textiles and leather. Some of the major changes are: Compliance with the “REACH…

UL opens state-of-the-art laboratory in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A sprawling 33,000 square feet laboratory space in the heart of Bangladesh stands testimony to UL’s commitment to innovation, safety,…

Kenya Launches Public Consultation on Four (4) Draft Industry Standards…

On January 30, 2019 the Kenya Bureau of Standards has launched a public consultation on four draft industry standards for…

GCC Publishes Two (2) Draft Industry Standards for Textiles, Apparel…

Public consultation is currently underway for two published draft industry standards for textiles, apparel and footwear closing on April 8,…

ASTM International Publishes Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bathers

ASTM International has published ASTM F3343 – 19 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bathers. This consumer safety specification establishes…

Australia Publishes Amended Mandatory Safety Standards for Prams and Strollers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published a new mandatory safety standard for prams and strollers. Consumer Goods…

CEN Approves Standard for Framed Back Carrier

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has approved EN 13209-1:2019 Child care articles - Child carriers - Safety requirements and…

ISO Publishes Updated Standards for Children’s Cots and Folding Cots…

On January 18, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published updated standards for children’s cots and folding cots for…

ISO Sets to Publish Updated Standards for Toys

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is set to publish updated standards for toys and toys for indoor and outdoor…

Vermont Considers Expanding Amendments to its Children’s Products Rule

Vermont’s Department of Health has proposed to expand the amendments to its children products rule under Chapter 6 of the…

EEC Extends Consultation on Draft Amendments to the Customs Union…

On January 30, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has extended the public consultation for the draft amendments to the Customs…

Thailand Ratifies Work in Fishing Convention, Considers Under 18s

Thailand has become the first country in Asia to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No.188), which protects the…

Will Germany become a leader in the drive for corporate due…

German companies are the backbone of the fourth largest economy in the world. They have become household names around the…

With fewer undocumented workers to hire, U.S. farmers are fueling…

For decades, U.S. farmers, landscapers and builders tapped a seemingly endless supply of cheap labor: the waves of undocumented immigrants…

Morocco Implements Mandatory Marking On Selected Products

The Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy has enforced the mandatory marking (see image below) of products concerning…

Myanmar Publishes Directive 1/2019 to Provide Labeling Requirements to Several…

Myanmar’s Department of Consumer Affairs has published Directive No. 1/2019 Labeling Requirements for Goods in compliance with Notification No. 1/2018…

EC Opens Evaluation of the Current EU Legislative Framework for…

The European Commission (EC) has opened an evaluation initiative to assess the current legislative framework for food contact materials (FCM).…

EC Publishes Initiative to Ensure Safety of Smartwatches and Connected…

The European Commission (EC) has published an initiative intended for internet-connected radio equipment and wearable radio equipment that includes smartwatches…

EC Publishes Guidelines for the Management of the European Union…

The European Commission (EC) has published Guidelines for the Management of the European Union Rapid Information System ‘RAPEX’ on General…

ECHA Proposes Restriction for Three Substances; Germany Submits Restriction Intention…

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed to restrict three substances under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and…

ECHA Adds Six New Substances to the Candidate List of…

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added six new substances to the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHCs)…

Taiwan Amends Name of Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act

: On January 16, Taiwan has amended the name of the country's toxic chemical law from Toxic Chemical Substance Control…

Argentina Consults on Draft Resolution on Technical Quality and Safety…

Argentina’s Secretary of Commerce has drafted Resolution on Technical Quality and Safety Requirements for Eyeglass Frames which establishes the technical…

EC Issues Decision Establishing the EU Ecolabel Criteria for Graphic…

On January 11, the European Commission (EC) has issued the Commission Decision (EU) 2019/70 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for…

South Korea MOE Enforces Act on Registration and Evaluation of…

On January 1, 2019, the Ministry of Environment of Korea has enforced the amended Act on Registration and Evaluation of…

Egypt Seeks Comments on Draft Standard for Glass Tableware

The Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality is currently conducting a public consultation on the Draft Egyptian Standard ES 1869/2018…

Canada Enforces The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has implemented SOR/2018-108, Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) which came into force on January…

Thailand Consults on Draft Standard for Stretch Cling Film for…

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is currently seeking public comments on the Draft Thai Industrial Standard for Stretch Cling…

India Publishes Enacted Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018

On January 3, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published new packaging regulations under Food Safety…

Egypt Publishes Draft of Egyptian Standard for Glass Liquid Cleaner

On January 9, the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality has published the Draft Egyptian Standard ES 1654/2018 for Glass…

Ukraine Drafts Resolution on the Approval of the Technical Regulation…

Ukraine’s Ministry of Health has drafted Resolution on the Approval of the Technical Regulation on Cosmetic Products. The draft technical…

Taiwan Invites Public Comment on Draft Promotion of Cosmetics Labeling…

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is consulting with the public on the Draft Promotion of Cosmetics Labeling Advertisements concerning…

Scotland Proposes The Environmental Protection (Cotton Buds) Regulations 2019

Scotland has released a public consultation on draft regulations prohibiting the manufacture and sale of plastic-stemmed cotton buds on the…

Egypt Invites Comments on Draft Egyptian Standard for Diapers for…

The Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality released a WTO notification on the Draft of Egyptian Standards for diapers for…

Taiwan Extends Consultation on the Enforcement Rules of the Act…

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has amended the Enforcement Rules of the Act for Control of Cosmetic Hygiene (Draft).…

Taiwan Seeks Public Consultation on Draft Inspection and Registration Items…

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is inviting comments on the Draft Inspection and Registration Items for Specific-Use Cosmetics until…

Andean Member Countries Consult on Draft Technical Regulation on Good…

On January 17, the General Secretariat of the Andean Community has published the Draft Technical Regulation on Good Manufacturing Practices…

Australia Announces Delay of the Implementation of Cosmetic Regulation Reform

On January 11, 2019 the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) has issued a notice that the implementation…

Taiwan Proposes to Amend Legal Inspection Standards of Children’s Raincoat

Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) seeks public consultation to amend the legal inspection standards of children's raincoat.…

Massachusetts Governor Declines Signing Bill Banning Flame Retardants

A Massachusetts bill banning the use of 11 flame retardants in several types of household and children’s products has died,…

South Korea Revises Standard and Specification of Containers and Container…

On January 9, South Korea’s Ministry for Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has published the revision to the Standard and…

Health Canada Proposes to Amend Toys and Tents Regulations

Health Canada has proposed to amend the Tents Regulations, which also includes consequential amendments to the Toys Regulations. The proposal…

EEU Proposes Draft Amendments to the Technical Regulation on the…

The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) has proposed draft amendments to the Customs Union Technical Regulation "On safety of products for…

EC Publishes Commission Regulation (Eu) 2019⁄37 to Revise Regulation on…

On January 11, the European Commission (EC) has published Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/37 of 10 January 2019 amending and correcting…

ASTM International Publishes Revised Standards for High Chairs and Infant…

ASTM International has announced the revision of two standards for children’s products. The revised standards are: ASTM F404 - 18a…

UL VS Hong Kong Limited is now one of the…

We are pleased to announce that UL VS Hong Kong Limited is now one of the certified laboratory of IDFB…

Single use Plastics and Microplastics – Regulatory Updates

On December 19th, the European Commission (EC), the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a provisional…

ASTM International Publishes Standard for Toddler Beds

ASTM International published ASTM F1821 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toddler Beds to minimize incidents to children resulting…

South Korea Publishes Notification to Announce the Implementation of a Chemical…

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has released MOTIE Notification No. 2018-227 to include the implementation of…

Brazil Postpones Enforcement for Selected Articles of its Toy Regulation

On December 26, 2018, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) has enacted Ordinance No. 598/2018 to postpone…

EC Sets to Enforce Part of the Commission Delegated Directive…

The European Commission is set to enforce a part of the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 of 31 March 2015…

OEHHA Issues Final Adopted Text for the Amendments to Article…

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued the final adopted regulatory text for the approved amendments to…

CEN and CENELEC Issues Work Progamme 2019

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) issued Work Programme 2019. The document provides…

EC Drafts Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft Intended for Use in…

The European Commission (EC) has issued a Draft Commission Delegated Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft Intended for Use in the ‘Open’…

U.S. Seeks Comments on the Proposed Rule on Hazardous Materials…

The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is seeking comments on the proposed rule to amend the Hazardous Materials…

EC Opens Consultation on the Amendment to Include Four Phthalates…

The European Commission (EC) has opened a consultation on the proposed transitional arrangements for the amendment to include four phthalates…

U.S. Proposes Rule on the Modernization of the Labeling and…

U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has proposed rule on the modernization of the labeling and advertising regulations…

Taiwan Seeks Public Consultation on Revisions to the Labeling Requirements…

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking public consulting on the revisions to the labeling requirements of non-alcoholic beverages…

Thailand Seeks Public Consultation on Revisions to the Labeling Requirements…

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is consulting the public on the Draft MOPH Notification, B.E, entitled "The Labeling of…

Taiwan Consults on Draft Guidelines for Food Labeling Advertisements Covering…

Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is consulting the public on the Draft Guidelines for Food Labeling Advertisements Covering Misleading…

U.S. FSIS Finalizes Rule on the Uniform Compliance Date for…

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has finalized the rule on the uniform compliance date for food labeling…

Mexico Enacts Technical Regulation on the Labeling and Packaging of…

On December 13th, 2018, Mexico’s Ministry of Health has enacted NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018 Technical Regulation on the Labeling and Packaging for Household…

China Proposes Draft Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation

The Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China has proposed Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation. The regulation stipulates…

Andean Community Enacts Decision on the Harmonization of Legislation on…

Andean Community’s Ministry of Industry and Productivity has enacted Decision No. 833 on the Harmonization of Legislation on Cosmetic Products.…

Taiwan Consults on Draft Measures for Cosmetic Products

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has released three drafts for cosmetic products under public consultation. The drafts are: Draft…

Canada Provisionally Identifies Talc as Harmful under CEPA

Health Canada has provisionally identified talc as harmful under section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). This…

Brazil Enforces Requirements for the Presentation of the Labeling Art…

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) enforced Resolution No. 250/2018 on the Requirements for Presentation of the Labeling Art Project…

Italy Enforces Decree Establishing Internal Market Control Procedures for Cosmetic…

Italian Ministry of Health has published "Decree on the Internal Market Control Procedures for Cosmetic Products" (Decree No. 273) on…

EC Seeks SEAC Consultation on Proposal to Restrict Hazardous Substances…

The European Commission (EC) is seeking comments from ECHA’s Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) on the proposed restriction of hazardous…

European Commission Seeks Public Comments on the Initiative to Label…

The European Commission (EC) is seeking public comments on their initiative to establish a labeling regulation for fragrance allergens. The…

Canada – Ontario Revokes Regulation on Upholstered and Stuffed Articles

On December 10th, 2018, the Government of Ontario has approved the revocation of the Upholstered and Stuffed Articles Regulation under…

ISO Publishes ISO 8559–3:2018 for Size Designation of Clothes

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 8559-3:2018 Size designation of clothes -- Part 3: Methodology for the creation…

U.S. CPSC Bans Window Covering Cords After December 15th, 2018

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has banned window covering cords beginning on December 15th, 2018. Products that consumers…

CEN to Publish Several Standards for Toys and Child Care…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is set to publish several standards for toys and childcare articles. The standards are:…

Taiwan Proposes to Adopt CNS 15503 “General Requirements for Safety…

Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) is proposing the adoption of CNS 15503 General requirements for safety of…

China SAMR Launches Electric Bicycles, Children’s Toys, and Product Consumption…

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has launched product consumption tips for electric bicycles, children’s toys and baby carriages.…

European Commission to Decrease Migration Limits of Aluminium in Toys

On December 10th, the European Commission (EC) has proposed to decrease the migration limits of aluminium in toys by amending…

ASTM International Publishes Standard for Children’s Upper Outerwear with Drawstrings

ASTM International has published ASTM F1816 - 18 Standard Safety Specification for Drawstrings on Children's Upper Outerwear to reduce strangulation…

EC Proposes Specific Limit Values for Formaldehyde in Various Toy…

On December 18, the European Commission (EC) has proposed to establish specific limit values for the CMR substance formaldehyde (CAS:…

EC Publishes Regulation 2018⁄2005 to Amend REACH Annex XVII Entry…

On December 18th, the European Commission published Regulation 2018⁄2005 which amends REACH Annex XVII entry 51 related to certain phthalates.…

European Commission published Regulation 2018⁄2005 which amends REACH Annex XVII…

On December 18th, the European Commission published Regulation 2018/2005 which amends REACH Annex XVII entry 51 related to certain phthalates.…

UK House of Lords Issues Report to Clarify Future of…

The House of Lords (HL) of United Kingdom (UK) has issued a report to clarify future of their chemical regulation…

EU Consults on the Initiative to Harmonize EU Product Policy…

The European Union (EU) is consulting the public on the release of an initiative to harmonize EU product policy framework.…

Australia Enforces the Standard for Menstrual Cup Under Therapeutic Goods…

On November 7, Australia’s Department of Health has enforced Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Menstrual Cups) Order 2018 (Therapeutic Goods Order…

EC Adds Biphenyl-2-Ol (O-Phenylphenol) as a Preservative Allowed in Cosmetic Products

The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1847 amending Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the…

CEN to Publish EN 17137:2018 Textiles — Determination of the…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published EN 17137:2018 Textiles - Determination of the content of compounds based on…

Canada Launches Consultation on Draft Screening Assessment for Nine Polyamine…

On November 10, 2018, Health Canada has launched a 60-day public consultation until January 9, 2018 on the Draft Screening…

Denmark Updates ROHS Order to Set Safety, Labeling and Conformity…

Denmark’s Ministry of the Environment and Food has released Executive Order No. 1289 on the Restrictions on Import and Sale…

Luxembourg Amends Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances…

Luxembourg’s Ministry of Environment has released Grand-Ducal Regulation of 9 November 2018 amending Annex III of the amended Grand-Ducal Regulation…

Canada Introduces Pollution Prevention Plans for Triclosan in Certain Products

On November 24, 2018 Environment and Climate Change Canada has published the Proposed Notice requiring the preparation and implementation of…

Japan Seeks Public Consultation for the General Rules of Plastic…

Japanese Standards Association (JSA) is seeking public consultation for the release of JIS Z 1707:2018 General Rules of Plastic Film…

UK: Northern Ireland Publishes Amended Regulation for Food Contact Materials

The Ministry of Health of Northern Ireland, United Kingdom has published The Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (Amendment)…

Denmark Updates Order on Food Contact Materials

Denmark’s Ministry of the Environment and Food has issued Order No. 1248: Executive Order on Food Contact Materials (Denmark) on…

U.S. FDA Consults on Proposed Rule for Food Labeling

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is consulting the public on the release of a proposed rule on serving sizes…

Thailand Publishes Notification on Enzymes for Food Processing

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration has published a notification on enzymes for food processing. This Notification sets the rules for…

South Korea Revises Standards and Specifications of Food Additives

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued MFDS Notification No. 2018-84 Partial Revision of Standards and…

Philippines Updates Administrative Order for Guidelines on Additional Mandatory Label…

Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration has issued the updated Addendum to Administrative Order No. 2014-0030: Guidelines on Additional Mandatory Label…

U.S. FDA Seeks Public Consultation on the Labeling Requirements of…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is gathering information on the notice for the labeling requirements of sesame as…

Japan to Enforce Amendment to Food Sanitation Act on the…

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is set to enforce Amendment to Food Sanitation Act on the Sanitary…

Thailand Enacts MOPH Notification No. 394 B.E. 2561 (2018) Food for…

On November 12, 2018, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enacted MOPH Notification No. 394 B.E. 2561 (2018) Food…

Uruguay Proposes Decree on Labeling Packaged Food

Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health has proposed Draft Decree on Labeling of Packaged Food to minimize overweight and obesity problems…

Turkey Seeks Public Consultation on Turkish Food Codex Communique on…

Turkey’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock is seeking public consultation on the proposed Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Plastic…

South Korea Designates Rules on Safety and Labelling Standards for…

On November 6, 2018, the Ministry of Environment of Korea has proposed to designate administrative rules to enforce the Act…

Italy Enforces Decree Establishing Internal Market Control Procedures for Cosmetic…

The Italian’s Ministry of Health has released a Decree on the Internal market control procedure for cosmetic products. This Decree…

China Announces the Implementation of the Administration of Importing Non-Special…

China’s National Medical Products Administration has announced the Implementation of the Administration of Importing Non-Special Purpose Cosmetics on November 9,…

South Korea Propose Amendments to the Regulation on Safety Standards…

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has proposed amendments to the Regulation on Safety Standards etc. of…

U.S. FDA Enacts Final Rule to Repeal Color Additive Approval…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enacted a final rule to repeal color additive approval for the use…

ECHA to Finalize Restriction Proposal on Microplastics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is set to finalize a restriction proposal on microplastics at the beginning of 2019 after…

ASEAN Amends Cosmetic Directive to List MBBT as UV Filter

(ACC) meeting has included nanoform of Methylene Bis BenzotriazolylTetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT) in the list of permitted UV Filter amending Annex VII…

Mercosur Updates Resolution for Manufacturing and Distribution of Personal Hygiene,…

The South American trade block MERCOSUR has updated its Resolution on Manufacturing and Distribution of Personal Hygiene, Cosmetics and Perfume…

U.S. CPSC Issues Notice on Testing and Recordkeeping Requirements for…

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a notice to gather information on the release of testing and recordkeeping…

Turkey Proposes Communique on TS 2793 Textile-Wool Woven Fabrics for…

Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies has proposed Communique on TS 2793 Textile-Wool Fabrics for Apparel Use. This proposed…

ASTM International Publishes ASTM F3084 — 18 Standard Consumer Safety…

ASTM International has published ASTM F3084 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant and Infant/Toddler Rockers. This consumer safety…

CEN Approves New Standards for Child Care Articles

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has approved three standards intended for child care articles. The standards are: EN 17072:2018…

Philippines Introduces Infant and Toddler Durable Product Safety Act (SB…

Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has introduced Senate Bill No. 2085 Infant and Toddler Durable Product Safety Act…

Iceland Amends Toys Safety Regulation to Update Certain Chemical Limits

Iceland’s Ministry of the Interior has released Regulation amending Regulation No. 944/2014, on the safety of toys and their marketing…

CEN Approves New Standard for Trampolines

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has approved EN 71-14:2018 Safety of toys - Part 14: Trampolines for domestic use.…

Japan Seeks Public Consultation on the Proposed Standard for Bicycles…

Japanese Standards Association (JSA) has opened a public consultation for the proposed JIS D 9302:2018 Bicycles for Young Children. This…

Finland Publishes Decrees for Toy Safety

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy of Finland has published two (2) decrees adopting new chemical limits for toy…

USA: Oregon Proposes New Limits on Manufacturer Disclosure of High…

The Oregon Health Authority proposes to amend Exhibit A of OAR 333-016-2035 pertaining to practical quantification limits (PQLs) for high…

WA, USA: Flame Retardant Committee to Finalize Report on the…

Washington’s Advisory Committee on Flame Retardant Chemicals has scheduled a final meeting on the development of the safety report for…

Brazil Consults on Proposed Ordinance Concerning Quality and Conformity Assessment…

On October 24, 2018, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology – INMETRO has published Ordinance No. 503/2018 to…

It’s official: The Australian Modern Slavery Act has passed, and…

On 29 November 2018, in a major milestone for Australia, the Australian Modern Slavery Act passed all stages of the…

BBC investigation looks at ‘forgotten’ Thai workers in Israel

A yearlong BBC News Thai investigation discovered that many Thai nationals living and working on Israeli farms are being exploited…

Major Apparel and Footwear Brands Failing to Tackle the Exploitation…

Clothing and footwear companies are failing to tackle the exploitation of workers in their supply chains, according to a new…

Proposition 65: Gentian Violet and N-Nitrosohexamethyleneimine Listed as Chemicals Known…

Effective November 23, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has listed Gentian Violet and N-Nitrosohexamethyleneimine as chemicals…

ISO Publishes ISO 8124–6:2018 Safety of Toys — Part 6:…

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 8124-6:2018 Safety of toys -- Part 6: Certain phthalate esters in…

EC Issues Explanatory Guide on the Restriction on CMRs 1A…

The European Commission (EC) has issued an Explanatory Guide on the Restriction on CMRs 1a and 1b in Textiles and…

New toy standard ISO 8124–6:2018 published

On November 7th, 2018, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 8124-6:2018 Safety of toys -- Part 6: Certain…

Women in Toys host event at UL

On December 4th, 2018 UL’s Consumer and Retail Services in Westmont hosted the Women in Toys Chicago Chapter Holiday Event.…

Potential Additions to ASTM F963-18

On October 29, 2018, UL’s representatives joined the ASTM Subcommittee meeting F15.22 on Toy Safety. During the meeting, potential additions…

Wishing Dan Mordini a Happy Retirement

When Dan Mordini graduated with his degree in electrical engineering, vacuum tubes were part of the curriculum, and UL looked…

U.S. Senators Introduce Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) has introduced Senate Bill 3551, or the Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability…

Mexico Enforces Technical Regulation on Primary Batteries and Batteries

The Ministry of Economy of Mexico has enforced NOM-212-SCFI-2017 Technical Regulation on Primary Batteries and Batteries-Maximum Permissible Limits of Mercury…

Uganda Proposes Standard for Furniture – Dining Tables

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has proposed FDUS 1904:2018, Furniture - Dining Tables – Specification on October 18,…

Uganda Seeks Comments on Standard for Furniture — Wooden beds…

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is seeking public comments on the proposed standard entitled as FDUS 1918:2018 Furniture -…

EC Proposes to Restrict TDFAs in Spray Products under REACH

The European Commission (EC) has proposed to restrict the use of (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl) silanetriol and any of its mono-, di-or tri-O-(alkyl)…

EC Amends Commission Regulation (EU) 2018⁄1480 on CLP of Substances…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1480 Commission Regulation Amending, for the Purposes of its Adaptation to…

EC Proposes Detailed Rules on Unmanned Aircrafts

The European Commission (EC) has proposed detailed rules on unmanned aircrafts also named as "drones" to enable the development of…

European Parliament (MEP) Approves Proposal to Ban Single-Use Plastic

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has approved the proposal to ban single-use plastic used on certain consumer products. The…

The Netherlands Consults Public on the Proposed Rules on the…

The Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs is consulting the public on the release of the Draft of the Act Setting…

China Approves 14 New Varieties of Food-Related Packaging Such as…

National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China has approved 14 new varieties of food-related packaging…

Uruguay Drafts Decree to Adopt MERCOSUR Technical Regulation on Positive…

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay has drafted a decree that adopts MERCOSUR Technical Regulation on Positive…

Japan Posts Summary of the Amendment of the Food Labelling…

On October 10, 2018, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Authority has posted a Summary of the amendment of the Food Labelling Standards…

U.S. FDA Seeks Comments on the Use of the Names…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeks comments on the Use of the Names of Dairy Food in the Labeling…

Canada Seeks Public Comments on the Proposal to Enable the…

On October 10, 2018, Health Canada has released NOP/ADP-0030 which contains the notice regarding the proposal to enable the use…

U.S. FDA Publishes Final Rule on Food Additives Permitted for…

On October 9, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published 83 FR 50487 for the Final Rule on…

U.S. FDA Issues Final Rule on Food Additive Regulations: Synthetic…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the Final Rule on Food Additive Regulations: Synthetic Flavoring Agents and…

Chile Proposes to Amend Labeling Requirements for Processed Foods

On October 9, 2018, the Chilean Ministry of Health has proposed to amend Article 97 of the existing Food Sanitary…

Taiwan Amends Several Test Methods for Food Utensils, Containers and…

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has released several notices aiming to amend test methods for food utensils, containers, baby…

GCC Proposes to Update Regulation on Food Nutrition Labeling

The GCC Standardization Organization has proposed an updated regulation for food nutrition labeling. This draft Regulation for Gulf guideline prescribes…

Japan Drafts Three (3) Standards for Cleaning Products

Japanese Standards Association has drafted three (3) standards specific for certain cleaning products. The proposed standards are: JIS K 3371:2018…

Taiwan Seeks Public Consultation on Two Cosmetic Regulations

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is seeking public comments on two (2) proposed cosmetic regulations. The proposals are; Notice…

Australia Releases Guidance Document on Topical Antiperspirants and Ear Candles…

Australian’s (NICNAS) National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme has released Guidance Document on Topical Antiperspirants and Ear Candles which…

Australia Releases Guidance Document on Sunscreen Manufacturing

On October 16, 2018, Australia’s Department of Health has released a guidance document regarding sunscreen manufacturing. This guidance explains TGA’s…

EC Proposes to Authorize Phenylene Bis-Diphenyltriazine as a UV Filter in…

On October 8, 2018, the European Commission has published a proposal to allows the use of phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine as a…

EC Proposes to Restrict Use of Climbazole as a Preservative in…

On October 18, 2018, the European Commission has published a proposal to restrict the use of climbazole as a preservative…

New Zealand Proposes to Establish Warning Statements regarding Fire Risks…

On October 26, 2018, The New Zealand Ministry of Health has proposed to establish warning statements regarding a fire hazard…

South Korea Proposes to Amend Regulations for Quasi Drugs and…

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has released two notifications, MFDS Notification No. 2018-416 to partially amend…

Uganda Proposes Draft Standard for Labelling and Marking of Textiles…

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has proposed DUS 426:2018 The Labelling and Marking of Textiles and Household Textile Articles.…

Andean Community Drafts Technical Regulation on Footwear Labeling, Leather Goods,…

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of the Andean Community has drafted Technical Regulation on Footwear Labeling, Leather…

U.S. CPSC Releases Direct Final Rule Adopting the ASTM’s Revisions…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a direct final rule to revise the safety standard for infant…

U.S. CPSC Proposes to Amend Requirements for Consumer Registration of…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is proposing to amend 16 CFR part 1130 Requirements for Consumer Registration of…

CEN Publishes EN 1400:2013+A2:2018 for Soothers Intended for Babies and…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published EN 1400:2013+A2:2018 Child use and care articles - Soothers for babies and…

Austria Amends Toy Regulations 2011 to Incorporate Chemical Limits for…

Austria’s Ministry of Health has amended Toy Regulations 2011 to incorporate chemical limits for lead, BPA and phenol. This amendment…

Costa Rica Prohibits Toys Containing Toluene and Xylene

On October 17, 2018, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Costa Rica has notified the World Trade Organization…

Proposition 65: Nickel (Soluble Compounds) Listed as Chemical Known to…

Effective October 26, 2018 the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has listed nickel (soluble compounds) as a…

Malaysia to scrap hiring of foreign workers through agents

Malaysia, which is due to sign a bilateral labour agreement with Nepal next month, is gearing up to abolish the…

Myanmar Labor Groups Urge EU Not to Drop Crucial Trade…

Myanmar labor organizations urged visiting European Union delegates on Monday to reconsider the possible withdrawal of trade preferences. These preferences…

Nearly 60,000 migrants have died or gone missing since 2014:…

At least 56,800 refugees and migrants have died or gone missing since 2014, almost double the number recorded by the…

Saudi Arabia Enforces Technical Regulation for Textiles

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) have enforced Technical Regulation M.A-164-18-0502 which is applicable to all textile products consisting…

EC Publishes Regulation 2018/1513, Amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC)…

The European Commission (EC) has published Regulation 2018/1513, amending Annex XVII to Regulation No. 1907/2006 (REACH) to list certain substances…

Canada Gazette Publishes Playpens Regulations

On October 3, 2018, Canada Gazette has published SOR/2018-186 Playpens Regulations to specify requirements and safety specifications for playpens and…

Proposition 65: Nickel (Soluble Compounds) Listed as Chemical Known to…

Effective October 26, 2018 the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has listed nickel (soluble compounds) as a…

India Notifies the Establishment of Standards for Specific Products

The Bureau of Indian Standards have notified the establishment of the following Indian Standards: IS 17011:2018. Chemical Requirements for Footwear…

Argentina Enforces Technical Regulation Establishing the Basic Quality and Safety…

Argentina’s Secretariat of Commerce has enforced Resolution 484/2018 Technical Regulation Establishing the Basic Quality and Safety Principles and Requirements for…

Israel Seeks Public Consultation for Two Chemical Standards

The Standards Institution of Israel is seeking public comments for two (2) proposed chemical standards. The standards are: SI 2302…

Egypt Releases Ministerial Decrees to Mandate Certain Egyptian Standards

The Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality (EOS) has released decrees that mandate certain Egyptian standards for various products. The…

European Commission Initiates Evaluation Roadmap to RoHS Directive

The European Commission (EC) has initiated an evaluation roadmap to assess the performance of the Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction…

ECHA Consults on the Proposed Addition of Six Substances as…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is consulting the public on the proposal to add six substances as substances of very…

California Proposition 65: New Warnings Go Into Effect

On August 30, 2018, the new California Proposition 65 safe harbor warning labels, that were adopted in August 2016, will…

Taiwan Releases Amendments on the Test Methods for Food Utensils,…

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has released several notices aiming to amend test methods for food utensils. Containers and…

Uruguay Enacts Decree on Food Labeling

On August 30, 2018, Uruguay’s Ministry of Health has enacted Decree No. 272/2018 on Food Labeling. This Decree establishes the…

Brazil Enacts Technical Regulation for Sugar

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply has enacted Technical Regulation No. 47/2018 for Sugar. This Regulation establishes the…

Argentina Consults on the Draft Regulation on Positive List of…

Argentina is consulting the public on the release of Draft Technical Regulation on Positive List of Additives Intended for the…

Slovenia Enforces Amended Regulation on Extraction Solvents Used in the…

On September 27, 2018, Slovenia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food has enforced the Regulation on Extraction Solvents Used in the…

Macau, China to Regulate Maximum Limits of Heavy Metal Contaminants…

The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) to enforce the Administrative…

EU Implements New Regulation for Bisphenol A (BPA) In Food…

On September 6, 2018, the European Union (EU) initiated the implementation of Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/213 on the use of…

Chile Proposes Bill to Establish Label on the Packaging the…

The Ministry of Health of Chile has released Bulletin No. 11.986-01 Bill Establishing the Obligation to Label on the Packaging…

Norway Amends Food Regulations concerning Novel Food

The Ministry of Health and Care Services of Norway has issued FOR-2018-07-10-1293 Amendment to New Food Regulations. This Regulation amends…

Belgium Drafts Royal Decree Concerning Materials and Objects of Metal…

Belgium’s Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has drafted Royal Decree Concerning Materials and Objects of Metal and Alloy Intended to…

Mexico Consults on Draft Conformity Assessment for Alcoholic Beverages

The Ministry of Economy of Mexico is consulting the public for the release of a draft conformity assessment for alcoholic…

South Korea Proposes to Amend Standard for Food Utensils, Containers…

On August 31, 2018, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has released MFDS Notification No. 2018-368 for the…

Taiwan Promulgates Notice to Amend Scope and Type of Cosmetics

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has promulgated the notice to revise the scope and type of cosmetic products…

Uganda Seeks Public Consultation with Regards to Disposable Baby Diapers…

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has released DUS 950:2018 Disposable Baby Diapers – Specification for public consultation. This standard…

EEC Enforces Decision Changing the List of Voluntary Standards for…

On September 25, 2018, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has enforced Decision of the ECE Collegium No. 117 Changes of…

South Korea Updates the Korean Pharmacopoeia (KP 11)

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has updated the Korean Pharmacopoeia (KP 11) on September 6, 2018.…

Australia Seeks Comments on Proposed Amendment to the Current Poisons…

Australia’s Department of Health is seeking comments on the Proposed Amendment to the Current Poisons Standard for paracetamol medicines. This…

Los Angeles City Council Passes Proposal to Ban Fur Products

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to pass Council File Number: 18-0538 on the Prohibition on the Manufacturing and…

CEN Issues Standards for Feather and Down

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued standards for feather and down. EN 1885:2018 Feather and Down - Terms…

Egypt Proposes to Adopt EN 1888⁄2012 Child Care Articles —…

The Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality has proposed to adopt EN 1888/2012 Child Care Articles - Wheeled Child Conveyances…

CEN Issues EN Standard for Soothers for Babies and Young…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued EN 1400:2013+A2:2018 Child Use and Care Articles - Soothers for Babies and…

ASTM International Publishes New Standard for Crib Mattresses

ASTM International has published ASTM F2933 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Crib Mattresses on September 17, 2018. This…

ASTM International Publishes New Standard for Infant Walkers

ASTM International has published ASTM F977 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers on September 4, 2018. This…

Mexico Approves New Regulation for High Chairs

The Official Gazette of the Federation of Mexico has published NOM 205-SCFI-2017 Children's Products- Operation of High Chairs for Infant…

U.S. CPSC Approves Revisions to Safety Standard for Portable Hook-On…

On September 24, 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved the direct final rule revising the mandatory…

Standards Norway Publishes Standards for Toy Safety

On September 1, 2018, Standards Norway has published standards for toy safety. NS-EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 Safety of Toys - Part 1:…

EEC to Enforce Amendment to the Technical Regulations of the…

The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) will be enforcing Decision of the Board of the EEC No. 51 Fourth Amendment to…

ASTM International Publishes Standard for Home Playground Equipment

On September 4, 2018, ASTM International has published ASTM F1148 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground…

European Commission Opens Consultation for the Evaluation Roadmap of Toy…

The European Commission (EC) has released evaluation and fitness check roadmap regarding the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. The evaluation will…

ISO Publishes ISO 8124–3:2010/Amd 2:2018 Safety of Toys — Part…

On September 3, 2018, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 8124-3:2010/Amd 2:2018 Safety of toys -- Part…

USA: Oregon Enforces Revision on the Toxic Free Kids Act

On October 1, 2018, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has enforced the amendments made under OAR 333-016-2060 Toxic Free Kids Rule…

Ethiopia allocates $86 million in financial aid to create 161,000…

Ethiopia, one of the fastest growing non-oil producing economies in Africa is planning to create employment opportunities to cut the…

Pay more for your clothes, Bangladeshi workers tell global fashion…

Garment workers in Bangladesh have rejected an increase in the minimum wage, saying it is still not enough to live…

Qatar’s 2022 World Cup Is Already A Human Trafficking Nightmare

As the 2018 World Cup final match came to a close in Russia, the world’s focus moved to 2022 and…

Taiwan Mandates Standard on the Safety of Textiles

On August 28, 2018, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of Taiwan has mandated CNS 15290:2018 to establish…

CA, USA: Governor Jerry Brown Signs AB 2998 Prohibiting Flame…

California, USA: On September 29, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown has signed Assembly Bill No. 2998 (AB 2998) prohibiting flame retardants…

Reminder: EC to Enforce Directives Amending Chemical Limits of BPA…

The European Commission (EC) is set to enforce two directives amending the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) to lower the chemical…

EU — New REACH Restriction: CMR substances in textile, clothing,…

The European Commission (EC) has published Regulation 2018/1513, amending Annex XVII to Regulation No. 1907/2006 (REACH). This update effects certain substances…

New European standard EN 1888 part 2: pushchairs for children…

The new European standard EN 1888-2 specifies the additional safety requirements and test methods for pushchairs, designed for the carriage…

New European standard EN 1888 part 1: pushchairs and prams

The new European standard EN 1888-1 specifies the safety requirements and test methods for pushchairs and prams, designed for the…

New Italian standard dedicated to sling carriers and soft carrier…

The new Italian standard dedicated to the sling carriers and soft carrier without integrated leg openings is in a final…

Hong Kong Mandates Product Eco-Responsibility (Regulated Electrical Equipment) Regulation

Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department has mandated L.N. 31 of 2018 Product Eco-Responsibility (Regulated Electrical Equipment) Regulation on May 4,…

Brazil Proposes to Adopt EU Directive 2011/65/EU, ROHS

Brazil: The Working Group, established by the National Chemical Safety Commission (Conasq) and in coordination with the Ministry of the…

South Korea Seeks Comments on the Proposed Revisions for Safety…

On August 23, 2018, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has published KATS Notification No. 2018-0224 and KATS…

Colombia Adopts Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling…

Colombia’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection has released Decree on the Adoption of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of…

EC Enacts Decision Regarding Measures to be Taken on Wood…

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1137 on the supervision, plant health checks and measures to…

Vietnam Consults on the List of Potentially Unsafe Products and…

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has opened a public consultation for the proposed list of potentially unsafe products. This proposed circular…

CA, USA: BEARHFTI Issues Notice to Amend Flammability Standards

California’s Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) has issued a notice amending flammability standards.…

U.S. FTC Releases Guides for Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter…

U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released Guides for Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries to adopt the revisions to…

South Korea Proposes to Revise Enforcement Rule of the Special…

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has published MFDS Notification No. 2018-329 Proposed Partial Revision to the…

Uganda Mandates US 1659:2017 Material in Contact with Food —…

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has mandated US 1659:2017 Material in Contact with Food - Requirements for Packaging Materials…

India Enforces Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations,…

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has enforced F. No. 11/03/Reg/Fortification/2014 Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of…

Australia Enforces the Imported Food Control Amendment (Country of Origin)…

On August 10, 2018, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has enforced The Imported Food Control Amendment (Country of Origin)…

U.S. FDA Proposes Rule Calorie Labeling of Articles of Food…

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rulemaking to revise the type size labeling requirements for front of…

EAEU Amends Labeling Requirements of Food Products

The Eurasian Economic Commission has released Regulation ECE No. 122 Decision on Amendments to the Technical Regulations of the Customs…

Wales, UK Publishes the Materials and Articles in Contact with…

The Ministry of Health of Wales in United Kingdom has published The Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (Wales)…

Ecuador Updates Technical Regulation for the Safety of Pacifiers and…

The Ecuadorian Service for Standardization (INEN) has published an update to RTE INEN 065 (2R) Technical Regulation for the safety…

Latvia Enforces Amended Regulation for Cosmetic Products

The Ministry of Health of Latvia has enforced Amendment to Cabinet Regulation No. 2 of July 2, 2013 354 "Procedure…

Australia Publishes Guidance on the Regulation of Tampons

Australia’s Department of Health has published Guidance on the Regulation of Tampons aiming to provide interpretation of TGA (Therapeutic Goods…

South Korea Publishes Proposed Partial Revision to the Standards for…

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has published MFDS Notification No. 2018-334 proposed partial revision to the…

Switzerland Drafts Revision of the Ordinance on Licensing of Medicinal…

The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) of Switzerland is consulting the public on the draft revision of the ordinance on…

Lebanon Enforces Minister Decision Regarding the Implementation to Apply 2D…

On July 27, 2018, the Ministry of Public Health of Lebanon has enforced Minister Decision No. 1424 regarding the implementation…

ISO Publishes Standards for Children-resistant Non-reclosable Packaging for Pharmaceutical Products

On July 26, 2018, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published two standards for non-reclosable packaging for pharmaceutical products.…

Brazil Enforces Resolution and Normative Instruction for Food and Food…

The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has enforced a resolution and a normative instruction that regulated food and food supplements.…

Argentina Proposes Labeling Requirements for All Types of New Footwear

Argentina’s Secretariat of Commerce has proposed labeling requirements for all types of footwear. This notification updates the labeling requirements for…

Colombia Approves Resolution No. 1373 Amending Technical Regulation on Labeling…

Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has approved Resolution No. 1373/2018 Amendment to the Technical Regulation on Labeling of…

ASTM International Publishes Standards for Baby Monitors and Proposes Revision…

ASTM International has published a new standard for baby monitors and proposed revision for infant bath seats standards. The standards…

Israel Proposes to Amend Standard for Infants’ Diapers

On August 14, 2018, Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its proposal…

CEN Releases Several Standards for Textile Child Care Articles

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has released several standards for textile child care articles. The standards are: EN 16780:2018…

Israel Establishes Safety Requirements and Tests for Child Use and…

The Standards and Institution of Israel (SII) has established SI 14372:2010, which specifies the safety requirements relating to the materials,…

Latvia Amends Toy Safety Rules

The Latvian Parliament has amended parts of the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 132 on Toy Safety. Cabinet of Ministers…

EC Publishes Latest Harmonized Standards for Toys

European Commission (EC) has published Commission Communication in the Framework of the Implementation of Directive 2009/48/EC on the Safety of…

Ireland Enacts European Union (Safety of Toys) (Amendment) Regulations 2018

The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment of Ireland has enacted S.I No. 295 of 2018 European Union (Safety of…

Ecuador Modifies Technical Regulation for the Safety of Toys

The Ecuadorian Service for Standardization (INEN) has published Modification 1 of the RTE INEN 089 Technical Regulation for published for…

ISO Proposes to Revise ISO 8124–6 Regarding Certain Phthalate Esters…

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has proposed to revise and update ISO 8124-6:2014 Safety of toys -- Part 6:…

Hong Kong Updates Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment…

Hong Kong’s Secretariat of Commerce has updated the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2)…

Israel Amends Safety Standards for Toys

On April 21, 2018, the Standards and Institution of Israel (SII) has amended three standards for the safety of toys.…

‘Made in Cambodia’ May Become New Fashion Label With Tariffs…

The next designer handbag you buy is less likely to bear a “made in China” label. Fashion companies, eager to…

Investigators Seize Fake Luxury Goods Worth Half a Billion Dollars

United States federal government said it had seized enough counterfeit Gucci bags, Hermes belts and Tory Burch purses to fill…

DISPATCHED — Mapping Overseas Forced Labor in North Korea’s Proliferation…

C4ADS a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing data-driven analysis and evidence-based reporting on global conflict and transnational security issues has…

Vietnam Amends Circular Pertaining to Textile Products

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has adopted the amendment made under Circular No. 20/2018/TT-BCT on August 15, 2018. This…

Oregon Proposes to Modify Reporting Rules Under Toxic Free Kids…

On July 14, 2018, the United States' Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has proposed to modify Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-016…

UK Launches New Strategy to Improve Consumer Safety

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPPS) has launched their first and new strategy, Strengthening National Capacity for Product…

New Harmonized Standards for Toy Safety under Directive 2009/48/EC

On August 10th 2018, the European Commission published the communication 2018/C 282/02 in the Official Journal of the European Union…

Hungary Amends RoHS Regulation in Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Hungary’s Government Legislation has issued Government Decree No 374/2012 on the Limitation of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in…

South Korea Enforces the Amendment of the Electrical Appliances and…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology of South Korea has enforced the amendment of the Electrical Appliances and Consumer…

Austria Enforces the Amendment on Chemical Prohibition Ordinance 2003

Austria’s Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism has enforced Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance 2003 by releasing Ordinance of the Federal Minister to…

Canada Adds Triclosan and Disperse Yellow 3 to the List of…

The Environment and Climate Change Canada has registered two substances to the List of Toxic Substances under Schedule 1 to…

South Korea Sets Safety Standards for Household Products

On June 29, 2018, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) updated a notification on Safety Standards for Household…

EC Drafts Regulation to Amend Classification, Labelling Packaging of Chemicals

The European Commission (EC) has released a draft regulation on amending the labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures for…

European Union Member States Support Phthalates Restriction Proposal

Member States have voted unanimously in favor of a proposal to restrict DEHP, DBP, DIBP and BBP in articles. These…

California Approves New Privacy and Data Control Bill

On June 28, 2018, California lawmakers passed the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (AB-375), one of the nation’s strictest…

South Korea Amends Regulations on Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

On July 23, 2018, the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) has published the amended list for the classification and…

MERCOSUR: Member Countries Enforce Technical Regulations on Cellulosic Food Contact…

MERCOSUR Member countries has enforced technical regulations adopting MERCOSUR Common Market Group (GMC) No. 42/15 MERCOSUR Technical Regulation on materials,…

Chile Updates Health Regulations for the Use of the Term…

The government of Chile has updated the Health Regulations on July 24, 2018. The update includes the use of the…

Costa Rica Establishes Labeling Requirements for Food Products and By-Products…

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply has issued Notification No. SENASA-DG-R0047-2018 on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures for…

India Enforces Food Safety and Standards (Organic Food) Regulation 2017

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has enforced direction regarding Compliance of Food Safety and Standards (Organic…

Peru Enacts Supreme Decree No. 012‑2018-SA on Warning Labeling for…

Peru’s Ministry of Health has enacted Supreme Decree No. 012-2018-SA Health Warnings on the Promotion of Healthy Eating among Children…

Brazil Amends Resolution No. 07 of 02/10/2015 and Resolution No.…

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has released Resolution No. 237 to amend Resolution No. 07 of 02/10/2015 and Resolution…

EC Amends Regulation on Cosmetic Products to Restrict Two Additional…

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/978 Amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009…

EC Drafts Regulation to Prohibit Use of Certain Chemical in…

The European Commission (EC) has drafted Commission Regulation Amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament…

Philippines Mandates Circular on the Updates and Amendments of the…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines has mandated the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) by releasing FDA Circular…

Hawaii Governor Signs Bill to Ban Harmful Chemicals on Sunscreen…

Governor David Ige has signed the S.B. 2571 Act 104 — prohibiting the sale, offer of sale, and distribution of…

Taiwan Enforces Control on the Sale of Products Containing Microbeads

Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enforced a control on the sale of products containing microbeads. Shampoos, facial cleansers, shower…

UK: Wales Enforces Prohibition on the Use and Sale of…

United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has enforced The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (Wales) Regulations 2018. This regulation…

Japan Passes Bill to Reduce Microplastic Emission

Japan’s Upper House has passed a bill intended to reduce microplastic emission, to lower ocean pollution. The bill prohibits the…

U.S. FDA Drafts Guidance Document to Describe Innovative Approaches for…

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has drafted guidance for industry on the innovative approaches to be used in ensuring…

Germany Enforces Warning Labeling for Analgesics

Germany’s Ministry of Health has enforced BGBl. I S. 864 Analgesics Warning Statement on July 1, 2018. This regulation provides…

India Enforces the Implementation of Food Safety and Standards (Nutraceutical…

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has enforced the Implementation of Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements,…

Ireland Releases European Communities (Food Supplements) (Amendment) Regulations 2018

The Ministry of Health of Ireland has released S.I. No. 225 of 2018 European Communities (Food Supplements) (Amendment) Regulations 2018…

Turkey Mandates Additional Documents for Imported Textiles with Made in…

On July 17, 2018, the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ General Secretariat (iTKiB) of Turkey has released Bulletin Order No.…

ECHA Submits Intention to Restrict Three Organophosphate Flame Retardants

European Union: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has submitted an intention to restrict three organophosphate flame retardants under REACH. The…

Taiwan Enforces Six Child Use and Care Articles Standards

Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has enforced six child use and care articles standards on June 20,…

ASTM International Publishes Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates…

ASTM International has published ASTM F1004 – 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures on June…

U.S. CPSC Consults on the Proposed Rule for the Safety…

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is consulting the public on the release of the proposed rulemaking for the safety…

U.S. CPSC Issues Final Rules for Baby Changing Products and…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rules for the safety standard for baby changing products…

ASTM International Publishes Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Floor…

ASTM International has published ASTM F3317-18e1 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Floor Seats. This standard establishes the performance requirements…

U.S. CPSC Amends Two Prohibitions on Children’s Toys and Child…

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has amended two final rules setting prohibitions on children’s toys and child care articles.…

Australia and New Zealand Adopt AS/NZS 62115:2018 Electric Toys –…

Joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand has announced the adoption of AS/NZS 62115:2018 Electric Toys – Safety. This standard…

CEN Issues Toy Safety Standards

The European Committee of Standardization (CEN) has issued toy safety standards: EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical…

European Commission Evaluates Toy Safety Directive

The European Commission (EC) has released evaluation and fitness check road map regarding the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. The evaluation…

U.S. CPSC Releases Final Rule on Third Party Testing for…

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a final rule exempting third party testing for untreated and unfinished engineered…

ECHA issues a call for evidence for skin allergies and irritants

Numerous chemicals are used throughout the textile, apparel and footwear industries from the raw fibers to the finished products during…

Uganda Implements Use of Distinctive Mark on Commodities

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has implemented the UNBS (Use of Distinctive Mark on Commodities) Regulations 2018, Statutory…

India Mandates Hallmarking Regulations for Jewellery Products

On June 14, 2018, the Executive Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), with the previous approval of the…

Canada Amends Toy Regulations Pertaining to Magnetic Toys

Health Canada has published amendments to the Toy Regulations (Magnetic Toys): SOR 2018-138 in the Canada Gazette. The amendment adds…

Vietnam Promulgates Decree Amending Law on Product and Goods Quality

: At the proposal of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam (MOST), the Government promulgated the decree amending…

UL partners with amfori BEPI to expand Environmental and Chemical…

UL’s Responsible Sourcing has expanded its environmental and chemical management auditing services, in collaboration with amfori’s BEPI. UL was approved as…

Changes to the EU Toy Standard EN 71–1:2014+A1:2018

The EU toy safety standard, EN 71-1, has gone through some major changes for the first time since 2014. EN…

Sanction Risks for Businesses with Supply Chain Links to North…

The U.S. Department of State, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Homeland…

Kosovo Enforces Law on Consumer Protection

The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Kosovo has enforced Law No. 06/L-034 Law on Consumer Protection on June 29,…

Italy Sets Procedure for the Use of “Made Green in…

Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and the Protection of the Territory and the Sea has issued Decree of 21 March…

Denmark Orders E-marking of Prepackaged Goods

Denmark’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has released Order No. 547 E-Marking of Prepackaged Goods on May 28, 2018. This Order…

USA: Sen. Moran, Reps. Kinzinger and Schrader Introduce Accurate Labels…

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data…

Ohio, USA: EPA Finalizes Rule on Volatile Organic Compound Limits…

Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the rule on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Limits on Consumer Products. This rule…

New Zealand Commits to Use 100% Reusable, Recyclable or Compostable…

New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment has announced their commitment to use 100 % reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by…

Sri Lanka Enforces Imports and Exports Control (Standardization and Quality…

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Trade, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Marketing Development has enforced Gazette No. 2064/34 Imports and Exports Control…

China Enforces the Cancellation of Quarantine Approval for Import of…

General Administration of Customs of China has issued GAC Notice No. 51 of 2018 Announcement on Cancellation of Quarantine Approval…

EC Proposes Amendments to REACH Regulation Concerning Four Phthalates

The European Commission (EC) has issued Amendment to Annex XIV of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation…

Malaysia Implements Guidelines on Conditional Registration for New Chemicals Entities…

On May 30, 2018, the Ministry of Health Malaysia and National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued the Directive to implement…

EC Proposes Directive on the on the Reduction of the…

The European Commission (EC) has proposed a Directive on the Reduction of the Impact of Certain Plastic Products on the…

Taiwan Seeks Public Consultation with Regards to the Amendments on…

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is seeking public consultation on the proposed amendments on labeling requirements for prepackaged food,…

Mexico Drafts Standard for Cooking Utensils with a Non-stick Coating

Mexico has released PROY-NOM-225- SCFI-2017 Safety of Items Used in the Home - Cooking Utensils with a Non-stick Coating -…

Brazil Proposes Nutritional Labeling for Food Products

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) is consulting the public on the proposed nutritional labeling for food products. This draft…

South Korea Publishes Notification on Partial Revision of “Standard and…

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea has published MFDS Notification No. 2018-251 to partially revise…

Japan Enforces Act to Revise Part of the Food Sanitation…

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has enforced Act No. 46 of June 13, 2018 to Revise Part of…

FDA Adds Six Food Contact Substances to the Inventory of…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added six food contact substances to the Inventory of Effective Food Contact…

EEC Establishes Amendments to the Technical Regulation of the Customs…

The Eurasian Economic Commission has issued Decision No. 72 of 10 May 2018 on the Procedure for Introducing Changes into…

EC Enforces Regulation on Organic Production and Labelling of Organic…

The European Commission has enforced Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on Organic Production and Labelling of Organic Products on June 17, 2018.…

Denmark Enacts Labeling Requirements for Processed Foods based on Cereals…

The Ministry of the Environment and Food of Denmark has enacted Executive Order No. 662 of Processed Foods based on…

Denmark Issues Executive Orders for Vitamins and Minerals Added to…

The Ministry of the Environment and Food of Denmark has issued Executive Orders for vitamins and minerals added to foodstuffs.…

EC Publishes Regulation Establishing the Methodological Principles for the Risk…

The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/775 Laying Down Rules for the Application of Article 26(3)…

EC Enacts Commission Regulation (EU) 2018⁄831 amending Regulation (EU) No.…

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/831 Amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on Plastic Materials and Articles…

NY, USA: DEC Issues Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure Program

New York’s Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has issued Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure Program on June 6, 2018.…

Malaysia Prohibits Use of Name and/or Same Packaging or Similar…

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has enforced BPFK/PASCA/K/23 Prohibition of Use of Name and/or Same Packing or Similar to a Removed…

New Zealand Bans Products Containing Microbeads Starting June 7, 2018

New Zealand’s Ministry of Environment has begun the enforcement of Waste Minimization (Microbeads) Regulations 2017 on June 7, 2018. The…

California Passes Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act to Ban Sale of Animal-Tested…

On May 31, 2018, the California Senate approved the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB1249) in a 21-9 vote. The legislation,…

Cyprus Updates Medicinal Products for Human Use (Control Quality, Supply…

Cyprus’ Ministry of Health has released Medicinal Products for Human Use (Control Quality, Supply and Prices) (Amendment) Law of 2018.…

Vietnam Seeks Public Consultation Regarding the Draft Circular Promulgated List…

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is seeking public comments on the Draft Circular Promulgated List of Essential Drugs. This draft circular…

EU: Member States Support EC’s Proposed Restriction on CMRs in…

Member States have expressed their support on the European Commission’s proposal to limit exposure to 33 chemicals that are carcinogenic,…

ASTM International Publishes ASTM F3317 — 18 Standard Consumer Safety…

The ASTM International has published ASTM F3317 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Floor Seats. This standard establishes…

CEN Approves CEN/TR 13387–1:2018 Child Care Articles — General Safety…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has approved CEN/TR 13387-1:2018 Child Care Articles - General Safety Guidelines - Part 1:…

New Zealand EPA Releases Graphic Materials Group Standard 2018 for…

New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released Graphic Materials Group Standard 2018 for certain children’s products. The document applies…

ISO Publishes ISO/TR 8124–9:2018 Safety of Toys — Part 9:…

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO/TR 8124-9:2018 Safety of Toys -- Part 9: Safety Aspects related to…

CEN Publishes EN 71–3:2013+A3:2018 for the Migration of Certain Elements…

In June 2018, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published EN 71–3:2013+A3:2018, the new toy safety standard for the “Migration…

EU: Member Countries Enact Amended Toy Safety Regulations

European Union: Three member states have released toy safety regulations that aims to ensure the health and safety of children.…

Guyana Consults on Proposed Standard concerning Labelling and Testing of…

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is consulting the public on the draft Industry Standard for the Specifications for…

USA CPSC Extends Public Consultation on the Draft Guidelines for…

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has extended the public consultation on the Draft Guidelines for Determining Age Appropriateness of Toys…

Denmark: EPA Finds Dangerous Toys with High Levels of Harmful…

Denmark’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that twelve (12) types of the foam figures or the so-called squishies contain…

EU: Ten Substances Of Very High Concern Added To Eu…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added ten substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to the REACH Candidate List, bringing…

EC Collaborates with Four Online Marketplaces for a Product Safety Pledge

On June 25, 2018, the European Commission (EC) and four online marketplaces - Alibaba (for AliExpress), Amazon, eBay and Rakuten…

UL and Applied DNA Announce Strategic Partnership

Commercial agreement aims to expand product authentication and traceability solutions throughout the product supply chain NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 11, 2018 – UL,…

MPs to examine environmental footprint of UK fashion industry

MPs are to investigate the environmental impact of throwaway “fast fashion” in the UK amid growing concerns that the multi-billion…

The Global Living Wage Coalition Website Launch and Webinar

The Global Living Wage Coalition members and partners are pleased to announce the launch of our new living wage website.…

ITUC Global Rights Index 2018 : Democratic space shrinks and…

“Democracy is under attack in countries that fail to guarantee people’s right to organise, speak out and take action. Brazil…

Japan Adopts the Partial Revision on Toy Safety Standard

Japan Toy Association will enforce the revision on Part 1 of Toys Safety Standard ST-2016 (2nd edition) starting for applications…

CPSC Finalizes Rule on the Safety Standard for Non-Full-Size Baby…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a direct final rule on the safety standard for non-full size…

CPSC Releases Final Rule for Safety Standard of High Chairs

On June 19, 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rule for the safety standard…

CPSC Rules on Booster Seats, Stationary Activity Centers, and Baby…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rules for the safety standards for booster seats and baby…

UL collaborates with The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)…

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is cooperating with UL to deliver two training modules by ZDHC Academy under…

CEN has published EN 71–3:2013+A3:2018 for the Migration of Certain…

In June 2018, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published EN 71-3:2013+A3:2018, the new toy safety standard for the “Migration of certain…

CPSC Final Rule: Safety Standard for High Chairs

UNITED STATES – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rule for a Safety Standard for…

New evidence of forced cotton picking in Uzbekistan

There are calls for the World Bank to acknowledge “violations in loan agreements to Uzbekistan” because of “credible evidence of…

Expose of labour abuse brews trouble for ‘slave-free’ Indian tea

Some Indian tea plantations stamped slavery-free are abusing and underpaying their workers, according to new data that experts said could…

The Government of Bangladesh and Workers

Every year since the Rana Plaza disaster, workers have insisted that the ILO’s Committee on the Application of Standards hear…

Government to scrap fees unfairly levied on Malaysia-bound Nepali workers

In a major move likely to provide much-needed relief for Nepali migrants choosing to work in Malaysia, the government has…

Benchmarking and Recognition Tool for Social Compliance Schemes in the…

At last month’s Seafood Expo Global in Brussels, The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF)’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) and the…

Prominent businesses join programme to address forced labour in the…

Stronger Together, in partnership with the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) and the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa…

Home-based workers law seen as milestone in Pakistan

The passing of Home-Based Workers Act 2018 by Sindh Assembly is a historical moment because of which over five million…

Human Rights Due Diligence in Conflict-Affected Settings — Guidance for…

This guidance aims to enhance human rights due diligence (HRDD) in CAS by drawing on knowledge and lessons learned in…

Myanmar Migrants in Thailand Face Barriers of Race and Religion

Human rights and migrant assistance groups in Thailand say Myanmar migrant workers of Muslim and South Asian heritage have faced…

21st century slavery: European anti-trafficking experts raise the alarm over…

Trafficking for labour exploitation is on the rise across Europe. In several countries, it has overtaken sexual exploitation as the…

Denmark Restricts Electrical and Electronic Equipment Containing Certain Hazardous Substances

The Ministry of the Environment and Food of Denmark has issued Order No. 327 Executive Order on Restrictions on Import…

Russia Enacts Model Rules for the Marking System of Consumer…

The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Russia has enacted Governmental Order No. 791-r Model Rules for the Marking System…

Cuba Publishes Consumer Protection Policy

The Government of Cuba has published Resolution No. 54/2018 Consumer Protection Policy on April 20th, 2018. This Regulation specifies the…

ASTM International Publishes ASTM F2601 – 18 Standard Specification for…

ASTM International has published ASTM F2601 – 18 Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candle Accessories. This Standard prescribes minimum…

EU Sets Out Endocrine Disruptors in Plant Protection Products Effective…

On April 20th, 2018, the European Commission has published Regulation 2018/605 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 on…

Philippines Issues a List of Products and Systems under Mandatory Certification

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines has issued Memorandum Circular no. 18-04 providing the list of products…

EC Enacts Regulations Concerning REACH and CLP

The European Commission (EC) has enacted regulations concerning amending Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Classification, Labelling…

Kosovo Enforces Law on Technical Requirements for Products and Valuation…

The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Kosovo will have enforced the Law on Technical Requirements for Products and Valuation…

CA, USA: OEHHA Establishes NSRL for Vinylidene Chloride under Proposition…

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has established a No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) for vinylidene chloride (1,1-Dichloroethylene)…

Nigeria Consults on Two Food Regulations

Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is consulting on two food regulations: Draft Genetically Modified…

Thailand Releases Draft MOPH Notification, B.E, Entitled “Food Products Required…

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration has released Draft MOPH Notification, B.E, Entitled "Food Products Required to Bear Nutrition Labelling and…

Norway Adopts EU 2018⁄79 on Plastic Materials and Articles Intended…

Norway’s Ministry of Health has released FOR-2018-03-24-507 Regulations on Changes in Regulations Regarding Materials and Articles in Contact with Foodstuffs…

Czech Republic Releases Decree on Food Supplements and Food Composition

The Government of Czech Republic has released Decree No. 58/2018 Coll. on Food Supplements and Food Composition. This Decree provides…

USA Proposes Rule on National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

USA’s Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule concerning National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. This proposed rule establishes a mandatory…

South Korea Amends Labelling Standards for Food (Food Allergens)

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea has issued MFDS Notification No. 2018-32 Partial Amendment to…

USA: FDA Extends Compliance Date of the Final Rule on…

The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the compliance date of the final rule set on revising nutrition…

Norway Revises Warning Labeling for Aerosol Dispensers

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Norway has issued FOR-2018-04-11-558 Regulations Concerning Change in the Regulations Regarding Aerosol…

UK: Northern Ireland Consults on the Draft Regulation for Cosmetics…

UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is consulting the public on the draft regulation entitled as The Environmental…

Taiwan Enforces Cosmetic Sanitation and Safety Management Law

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has enforced Presidential Decree - Hua Yiyiyi No.10700045851 Cosmetics Sanitation and Safety Management Law.…

South Korea Publishes Guidelines for Labelling and Management of Bar…

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea has published MFDS Notification No. 2018-17 Guidelines for Labelling…

ISO Publishes Standards for Leather

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published two standards intended for chemical determination of chromium (VI) and chemical tests…

EC Publishes Mandate N° M/497

The European Commission (EC) introduced Mandate N° M/497, requesting that the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) develop standards or specifications…

EC Publishes Manual on the Scope of Application of the…

The European Commission (EC) has published a guidance document on the scope of application of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No…

Portugal Transposes EU GMP for Medicinal Products

Portugal’s Ministry of Health has released Decree-Law No. 26/2018 Amendment to Decree-Law on Medicinal Products for Human Use Transposing EU…

Kosovo Implements Regulation on Labelling and Marking of Textile Products

The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Kosovo has implemented Regulation No. 01/2018 Labelling and Marking of Textile Products beginning…

USA: San Francisco Prohibits Sale of New Fur Clothing and…

On March 20th, 2018, the City of San Francisco has issued Ordinance No. 171317 to ban the sale of new…

Sweden and France to Prepare Restriction Dossier for Skin Sensitizers,…

The Swedish and French Competent Authorities are set to prepare a restriction dossier under Annex XV in compliance with Article…

ASTM International Publishes ASTM F2640 – 18 Standard Consumer Safety…

ASTM International has published ASTM F2640 – 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Booster Seats. This Standard specifies the performance…

China Drafts Mandatory Product Certification Implementation Rules for Toys and…

The Accreditation and Certification Administration of China has drafted General Implementation Rules for Mandatory Certification of Toys and Child Cart…

CEN Publishes Amended EN 71–7:2014+A2:2018 for Finger Paints

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has released amended EN 71-7:2014+A2:2018 Safety of toys - Part 7: Finger paints -…

Hong Kong Releases Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment…

The Government of Hong Kong has released Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice…

Spain Enacts Order Modifying Annex II of Royal Decree 1205⁄2011…

The Ministry of Health of Spain has enacted Order PRA/516/2018 Order Modifying Annex II of Royal Decree 1205/2011 on the…

EU Member States Issue Toy Safety Regulations

European Union: Three member states have released toy safety regulations that aims to ensure the health and safety of children.…

Washington State Department of Health Sets to Evaluate Six Flame…

Washington State Department of Health is set to evaluate six flame retardants as chemicals of high concern for children (CHCC)…

A Map to Help Business Collaborate with Anti-Slavery Organizations

We are pleased to launch this major new platform, supported by the ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour and…

USA Bans Import of Cotton Products from Turkmenistan

The USA Government has banned all imports of cotton goods from Turkmenistan, which activists have accused of rampant use of…

First Ever Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index Report Released

Better Buying has launched the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) and its first benchmark report designed to support industry…

Canada Introduces New Limits for Lead and Cadmium in Children’s…

On May 2nd, 2018, Canada Gazette has published new limits for toxic metals in children’s products to protect children from…

European Commission Publishes Revised Chromium VI Limits for Category III…

With the publication of Directive (EU) 2018/725 on May 16th, 2018, the European Commission (EC) is lowering the migration limit…

Vietnam Postpones Enforcement of Azo Dyes Circular for Textile Products

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam has issued Circular No. 07/2018 / TT-BCT amending Circular 21/2017 / TT-BCT…

CEN Develops Standards For Sleep Bags, Cot Bumpers and Cot…

The European Commission introduced Mandate N° M/497, requesting that the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) develop standards or specifications for sleep bags, cot…

New Chromium VI Limit for Toys in the EU

With the publication of Directive (EU) 2018/725, the European Commission is lowering the migration limit for Chromium VI in scraped-off…

Italy Issues Amended Legislative Decree on the Restriction of Certain…

The Ministry of Environment of Italy has issued Legislative Decree No. 84 Implementation of Directive 2011/65/EU, amending Decree no. 27…

GCC Drafts Technical Regulation or the Restriction of the Use…

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has drafted Technical Regulations for the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in…

Canada Publishes Second Phase of Polymer Rapid Screening Assessment

The Environment and Climate Change of Canada has published the result of the second phase of the polymer rapid screening…

CA, USA: OEHHA Releases Updated Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels…

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of California has released the updated the current Proposition 65 No Significant…

West Virginia Amends Regulation on Bedding and Upholstered Furniture

The State of West Virginia has amended the Regulation and Control of Bedding and Upholstery Businesses to incorporate International Association…

Turkey Publishes Notification on the Amendment to the Conformity Inspection…

Turkey’s Ministry of Trade and Customs has published a notification amending the requirements for the conformity inspection of some consumer…

CA, USA: OEHHA Releases NRSL for Glyphosate under Proposition 65

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of California has released No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) for glyphosate under…

EU Implements Decision on the Identification of TMA and DCHP…

The European Union (EU) has issued Commission Implementing Decisions on the identification of TMA and DCHP as Substances of Very…

EC Releases Restriction Guideline on PAHs: Articles within or excluded…

The European Commission (EC) has released a restriction guideline on the use of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) articles within or…

EU Proposes Technical Standards for Drones as a Product and Conditions…

The European Union (EU) has proposed technical standards for drones as a product and conditions for its operations. This Regulation…

EU Proposes New Deal for Consumers to Strengthen Consumer Rights

The European Commission (EC) has proposed new deal for consumers aiming to improve consumer protection. This Proposal specifies consumer rules…

FSSAI Releases Alcoholic Beverages Regulation 2018

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulation 2018…

EC Proposes to Amend Rules on Dual Quality Food to…

The European Commission (EC) has published a proposal with regards to a new deal that forbids dual quality food and…

Taiwan Publishes Amendments to the Materials for Labelling of Packaged…

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MOHLW) has published Executive Gazette No. 024 Issue 060 Amendments to the Materials…

Indonesia Proposes to Implement Mandatory Standard for Paper and Paperboard…

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has proposed Draft Decree of Minister of Industry on Mandatory Implementation of Indonesian National Standard for…

EPA Seeks Public Consultation as Regards to Draft Policy to…

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public consultation on the draft policy to reduce animal testing for skin sensitization.…

US CPSC Supplements Guidance on Labeling of Certain Household Products…

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a Supplemental Guidance on Labeling of Certain Household Products Containing Methylene…

Canada Proposes to Amend Regulations Concerning Concentration of Phosphorus in…

The Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is inviting comments on the Proposed Regulations Amending the Concentration of Phosphorus in…

Virginia Approves Banning of Animal Testing on Chemicals, Ingredients, and…

The State of Virginia has approved Va. Code §§ 3.2-6591-3.2-6593 Animal Research that prohibits animal testing and requires alternate forms…

South Korea Seeks Public Consultation as Regards to the Proposed…

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety(MFDS) is seeking public comments on the proposed amendment to the Cosmetic Act.…

Taiwan Sets Resistance Limits for Heavy Metal Cadmium in Cosmetics…

Taiwan has released two announcements that aims to regulate ingredients and heavy metals in cosmetic products. The announcements are: List…

US FDA Publishes Guidance Document on Liposome Drug Products: Chemistry,…

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a guidance regarding the liposome drug products. This Guidance document provides…

Australia Publishes Guidance Document on Assessed Listed Medicines Pathway for…

The Department of Health of Australia has published a guidance document intended for complementary medicine products. This Guidance contains the…

US FDA Issues Guidance for Dietary Supplements Containing Highly Concentrated…

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a guidance document for dietary supplements containing highly concentrated caffeine. This Document…

Ecuador Publishes Technical Regulation on the Issuance of Sanitary Certificates…

Ecuador’s Ministry of Industry and Productivity has published Technical Resolution No. ARCSA-DE-002-2018 on the Issuance of Sanitary Certificates and the…

Norway Adopts Regulation (EU) No. 1007⁄2011 on Textile Fiber Name…

The government of Norway has published FOR-2018-04-16-572 Regulation Amending Regulation (EU) No. 1007/2011 on Textile Fiber Name and Related Labeling…

California To Ban Flame Retardant Materials in Juvenile Products

On April 10th, 2018, California’s Assembly’s Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee has approved Assembly Bill 2998 Juvenile Products: Flame…

EU Market Surveillance Actions Detected High Levels of Some Hazardous…

PROSAFE issued a report highlighting that 20% of toys tested during the joint market surveillance action and sold in the…

ECHA Recommends Restriction of Certain Flame Retardants in Flexible Polyurethane…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recommended the restriction of the use of flame retardants TCEP, TCPP, and TDCP in…

New York Proposes to Prohibit Sale of Child Care Products…

New York State Legislature has proposed Senate Bill 7944 Bisphenol Free Children and Babies Act on March 12, 2018. Beginning…

EU Notifies WTO of Proposed Phthalates Restriction

The European Commission has notified the WTO of a draft Regulation replacing entry 51 to Annex XVII to Regulation (EC)…

Myanmar: Garment worker health and safety guidelines launched

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has launched guidelines to ensure the safety and health of workers in the…

It’s high time to ensure safer conditions for agricultural workers

About one-third of the world’s working population is employed in the agriculture sector, which includes fisheries and forestry. Workers in…

U.S. top court curbs human rights claims against companies

Foreign corporations cannot be sued in American courts for human rights abuses committed overseas, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, refusing…

Japan Adds DecaBDE and SCCPs to List of Class I Specified…

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has designated decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) and short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) as Class…

Turkey Adopts New Codex Regulation on FCM

The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock has published a new legislation on food contact materials (FCMs),…

Ukraine Approves Resolution No. 151 to Establish New Requirements for…

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine has adopted Technical Regulation on the Safety of Toys (Resolution No.…

Consortium of Jewelry Industry Leaders Announce First Global Blockchain Initiative…

NEW YORK, April 26, 2018: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and a consortium of gold and diamond industry leaders today announced the first…

UL Everclean is Growing

UL is happy to welcome Mike Haller, Technical Manager of UL Everclean. This role will oversee the Technical Food Safety…

CEN to Publish Safety Standard for Finger Paints

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has announced the availability of EN 71-7:2014+A2:2018 Safety of Toys - Part 7: Finger…

CEN Ratifies EN 71–3:2013+A3 Safety of Toys — Part 3:…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has ratified EN 71-3:2013+A3 Safety of Toys - Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements…

Moldova Proposes Technical Regulation on Toy Safety

The Ministry of Economy of Moldova has proposed a technical regulation on toy safety. The Regulation mandates that toys in…

US CPSC Drafts Revised Guidelines for Determining Age Appropriateness of…

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has invited the public to submit comments on the draft guidelines for determining age…

ISO 8124–1:2018 Safety of Toys — Part 1: Safety Aspects…

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 8124-1:2018 Safety of Toys — Part 1: Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical…

Egypt Proposes Ministerial Decrees Mandating Safety Standards on Toys

Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality has proposed decrees mandating safety standards for toys. The decrees are: Ministerial Decree No.…

Malaysia Consults on the Draft Regulation for Feeding Bottles and…

The Ministry of Health of Malaysia is consulting the public on the release of Draft Amendment of Regulation 27A: Feeding…

ASTM International Publishes Revised Standards for Juvenile Products

ASTM International has published the following standards for various juvenile products: ASTM F2670 - 18 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for…

CPSC Enforces New Federal Standard for Infant Bouncers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has enforced the final rule mandating ASTM F2167 - 17 Standard Consumer Safety…

AAFA Issues 19th Edition of Restricted Substances List (RSL)

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has issued the 19th edition of the Restricted Substance List (RSL) on February…

California Posts Draft Product-Chemical Profile for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFASs)…

California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has drafted a product-chemical profile for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFASs) in carpets and…

ASTM International Publishes Revised Standards for Textile Products

ASTM International has published the following standards for various textile products: ASTM D5489 - 18 Standard Guide for Care Symbols…

Vietnam Enacts Pharmaceutical Product Labeling

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has enacted Circular No. 01/2018/TT-BYT Regulations for Pharmaceutical Product Labelling on January 1, 2018. This Regulation…

FDA Seeks Public Consultation on the Evaluation of Bulk Drug…

USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking comments for the draft guidance titled Evaluation of Bulk Drug Substances for…

EU Opens Public Consultation on Two Scientific Opinions on the…

The European’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has invited comments for a preliminary opinion on phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine (S86), and…

China: GB Standards Update

The State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the State Administration of Standardization of China has approved 291…

Spain Enforces Royal Decree 85/2018 To Regulate Cosmetic Products

The government of Spain has enforced Royal Decree 85/2018 Regulation for Cosmetic Products. This Decree contains national provisions on cosmetic…

MEPs Calls for Global Ban on Cosmetics Animal Testing

The European Parliament has releases a resolution to call for a global ban on cosmetics animal testing on February 22,…

Andean Community Seeks Public Consultation on the Draft Technical Regulation…

The Ministry of Industry and Productivity of the Andean Community is seeking public consultation on the Draft Technical Regulation on…

ASEAN Releases Advisory Statement on Talc Used as Ingredient in…

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has disseminated their advisory statement on the use of talc in cosmetic products.…

Health Canada Announces Next Steps on the Proposed Self-Care Products…

Health Canada has announced their next steps on the proposed regulation for self-care products. Health Canada had conducted a public…

South Africa Seeks Public Consultation on the Regulations as Regards…

South Africa’s Ministry of Health has released Government Notice R. 1469 Regulations Relating to the Labelling, Advertising and Composition of…

Mexico Proposes to Amend Mexican Official Standard on Showers Used…

Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has proposed Draft Amendment to Mexican Official Standard PROY-NOM-008-CONAGUA-201, Showers Used for Personal…

Mexico Publishes Draft Standard on Labelling and Packaging for Hygiene…

Mexico’s Ministry of Health has drafted Draft Mexican Official Standard on Products and Services. Labelling and Packaging for Hygiene Products…

Washington Governor Signs Bill to Ban Fluorinated Chemicals in Food…

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into law HB 2658 Act Relating to the Use of Perfluorinated Chemicals in Food Packaging.…

New Zealand Passes Food Safety Reform Bill

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has passed Bill No. 135-3 Food Safety Law Reform on February 22, 2018.…

European Union Proposes to Amend Regulation for Plastic Materials and…

The European Commission (EC) has proposed to amend Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 as Regards to Plastic Materials and Articles Intended…

USA: FDA Releases Guidance Document for Food Labeling

The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released several guidance documents for new consumer Nutrition Facts label for foods.…

Gulf Cooperation Council Announces Draft Technical Regulation for Requirements of…

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has issued Gulf Draft Technical Regulation for Requirements of Nutritional Labeling for public consultation. This…

Korea Proposes to Amend the Enforcement Ordinance for Product Safety

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has published the Proposed Amendments to the ‘Enforcement Ordinance of Framework Act…

Singapore Tightens Mercury Restrictions in Batteries Under the Environmental Protection…

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued Enhanced Control of Mercury-Added Batteries Under the Environmental Protection Act on January 3,…

US Consults Public on Petition Requesting Rulemaking to Exempt Certain…

US’s Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is consulting the public on a petition request for a rulemaking to exempt certain…

Australia Introduces Product Safety Priorities for 2018

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced the product safety priorities for 2018 that aims to reduce the…

Colombia Approves Decree on the Management and Disposal of WEEE

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia has approved Decree No. 284 Integral Management of Waste Electrical and…

EC Drafts Proposal of Recast of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)…

The European Commission (EC) has drafted proposed recast of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation. According to the explanatory memorandum…

Egypt Publishes Draft Ministerial Decree Mandating Standard on Practice Analysis…

The Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality has published Ministerial Decree No. 1307/2017 Mandating the Egyptian Standard ES 8131/2017 "Practice…

Georgia Job Safety & Health Law Not in Line with ILO

Georgia’s new workplace safety and health law is a step forward but does not include sufficient enforcement mechanisms and only…

Mercury Rising: Gold mining takes a toxic toll on Kenyan women

Atieno is one of more than 1,000 women across 25 countries including Kenya, Myanmar and Indonesia, whose hair samples were…

One hundred years of servitude in Brazil

For 100 years, various generations of the Brasão family have lived under a criminal enterprise that binds thousands of indigenous…

Cambodia: Garment workers travel to factories standing in the back…

The majority of the country’s 700,000 garment workers get to work every day in the back of flatbed trucks, which…

Bangladesh: Most garment workers have no contract according to survey

More than 72 percent of the garment workers in Dhaka and Gazipur do not have any appointment letters, according to…

Homeland Security Issues FAQs Regarding North Korea Sanctions

On August 2, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the "Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act"…

Brazil Releases Decree No. 9,315 to Regulate Maximum Lead Limit…

Brazil’s National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) has released Decree No. 9,315 Regulating Maximum Lead Limit in Paints,…

South Korea Amends Safety Standards for Children’s Products (Leather Products,…

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has published two notifications amending safety standards for children’s products subject…

Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Welfare Issues Resolution 686 of…

On March 5th, 2018 the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Colombia issued the Resolution No. 686 of 2018, concerning…

Bangladesh: Most garment workers have no contract according to survey

More than 72 percent of the garment workers in Dhaka and Gazipur do not have any appointment letters, according to…

Triple Discrimination: Woman, Pregnant, and Migrant

Migrant workers are often more vulnerable to discrimination and harm as compared to local workers, because they almost always lack…

South Korean President praises work-hour cut regulation

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has praised the revision of the Labour Standards Act limiting maximum weekly working hours to…

Report: Are standards an effective tool to help improve production…

We know from an AidEnvironment review published last year that upstream and downstream businesses benefit in many different ways from…

China has new three-year plan to clean up environment, minister…

The ministry said the country had exceeded its target set in an air pollution action plan in 2013. Last year,…

‘Modern slavery’ for migrant tomato pickers in Italy

In southern Italy, millions of tons of tomatoes are produced each year. To cut costs, people who own the large…

‘Housing for All’ Means Nothing for India’s Migrant Workers

The Union Budget, announced on February 1, has committed to provide assistance for building 3.7 million houses in urban areas…

How short-term contracts are putting Cambodia’s pregnant factory workers in…

Currently, after two years, employees are supposed to be switched to “unfixed duration contracts”, which would grant them more protections.…

Police raid UK flower farm suspected of enslaving 200 migrants

Police arrested three men on Thursday suspected of enslaving 200 migrants on a British flower farm in what officials called…

UK: Gender pay gap: Men still earn more than women…

The majority of medium and large companies pay higher wage rates to men than to women, according to the latest…

Sustainable Apparel Coalition and German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles Cooperate…

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles today announced a strategic cooperation that will contribute to…

B’deshi apparel workers get low wages in Mauritius, Jordan

Apparel workers from Bangladesh are paid relatively low wages in Mauritius and Jordan compared to their Sri Lankan and Indian…

Transformation of the Viscose Supply Chain Underway as 20 New…

Environmental not-for-profit Canopy is thrilled to announce 20 new brand commitments to eliminate the use of endangered forests in their…

A New Mineral Resources Policy and Fresh Laws are Needed…

Five main challenges for achieving responsible mining in Myanmar were identified from the field research, as well as from extensive…

Ending exploitation of women in international supply chains

We brought together 10 brands and the University of Manchester to analyse progress being made in ensuring greater gender equality…

Measuring progress towards decent work in Thai fishing and seafood…

“Baseline research findings on fishers and seafood workers in Thailand” is the first research conducted in Thailand to cover in…

Proper child care helps poor working women – and it…

Some women take up work out of their homes – from stitching clothes to making snacks to sell at a…

Myanmar: Government sets new daily minimum wage at K4800

The National Committee for the Minimum Wage set the country’s daily minimum wage at K4800 (US$3.60) or K600 per hour…

Bangladesh garment workers call for increased minimum wage

The current minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh is US$68 and was set in 2013; now the IndustriALL Bangladesh…

EU moves toward wage equality for foreign workers

It is not yet law, but the principles are now clear: Posted workers sent from their home country to another…

U.S. Legislation requires enhancements to modern slavery compliance procedures to…

Areas of China and Russia in close proximity to North Korea are believed to present the greatest third-country risk of…

EC Drafts Regulation Establishing the Format for Registration and Reporting…

The European Commission (EC) has drafted Commission Implementing Regulation Establishing the Format for Registration and Reporting of Producers of Electrical…

Taiwan Strengthens Toxic Chemicals and Substance Control Act

Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a strengthen Toxic Chemicals and Substances Control Act. The act specifies the following:…

EC Proposes Rules and Procedures for Compliance of Union Harmonized…

The European Commission (EC) has proposed a regulation that lays down rules and procedures for the compliance with and enforcement…

California, USA: OEHHA Updates on Proposition 65

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) updates on Proposition 65: Notice of Intent to List: TRIM® VX as…

EU Consults on the Product Scope of the Timber Regulation…

The European Commission (EC) is consulting the public on the product scope specific for the EU Timber Regulation. This consultation…

EC Enforces Regulation for the Export and Import of Hazardous…

The European Commission (EC) has enforced Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/172 Amending Annexes I and V to Regulation (EU) No…

ECHA Proposes Seven Substances for Authorisation

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed seven (7) substances to be listed on the REACH Authorisation List as substances…

ECHA Consults on the Proposed Restrictions on the Manufacturing, Use,…

The European Commission (EC) is consulting the public on the proposed restrictions on the manufacturing, use, placing on the market…

New Zealand Publishes Product Safety Policy Statement on the Safety…

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs of New Zealand has published Product Safety Policy Statement to Button Batteries in…

Brazil Proposes Food and Packaging Categories

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has proposed Draft Resolution No. 458/2017 Food and Packaging Categories Exempted and with Mandatory…

Japan Amends Food Sanitation Act as Regards to the Improvement…

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MOHW) has proposed amendment to Food Sanitation Act as regards to sanitary regulations…

Vietnam Releases Decree to Implement Articles of the Food Safety…

Vietnam’s Food Safety Administration, Ministry of Health has released Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP Implementation of a Number of Articles of the…

India Publishes Notification on the Use if Fortification Logo with…

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published F.No. REG-17/Fortification-stickers/FSSAI-2107 Notification on Use of Fortification Logo with…

UK Publishes the Novel (England) Regulations 2018

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of England, UK has issued Novel (England) Regulations 2018. These Regulations…

Health Canada Proposes Front-Of-Package Nutrition Labeling for Prepackaged Food Products

Health Canada has issued the Proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Food and Drugs Act (Nutrition Symbols, Other…

Italy Issues Legislative Decree on Food Labeling and Sanctions

The Ministry of Health of Italy has issued Legislative Decree No. 231 Sanctions for the Violation of the Provisions of…

India Publishes Regulation for Imported Food Products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2018…

ISO Publishes Standard for Ceramic Knives

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 8442-9:2018 Materials and Articles in Contact with Foodstuffs- Cutlery and Table…

Colombia Amends Resolution 0689 as Regards to the Level of…

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection of Colombia has proposed amendment to Article 7 of Resolution 0689 as…

Turkey Aligns Detergent Regulation with EU

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Turkey has aligned their regulation for detergents with the Regulation (EC) No 648/2004…

Greece Implements Regulation No. 1223⁄2009 on the Circulation of Cosmetic…

The Ministry of Health of Greece has announced the Implementation of Regulation No. 1223/2009 on the Circulation of Cosmetic Products…

Japan Partially Revises Hair Dye Additive List Notification

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MOHLW) has partially revised hair dye additive list to update its restricted additive…

ANDEAN Community Proposes Draft Decision to Harmonize Legislation for Cosmetic…

The Ministry of Industry and Productivity of the ANDEAN Community has proposed Draft Decision XXX Updating Andean Decision 516 on…

Wales, UK Consults on the Environment Protection (Microbeads) Wales Regulation…

United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is consulting the public on the release of 2018/0042/UK - C20P…

Israel Releases Latest Draft of the Cosmetics Regulation for Approval

The Ministry of Health of Israel has released proposed Pharmacists' Regulations (Cosmetics) 2018. This proposed regulation specifies safety requirements for…

US States Introduce Bill Prohibiting Animal-Tested Cosmetics

US States have introduced separate bills that prohibits the manufacture of animal-tested cosmetics. The bills are: California SB 1249 California…

Scotland Proposes Microbeads Ban in the Manufacture of Rinse-off Personal…

Scottish Ministers has proposed Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (Scotland) Regulations 2018 aiming to ban microbeads on rinse-off personal care products. This…

EC Posts Catalogue of Cosmetic Ingredients

The European Commission (EC) has issued Catalogue of Cosmetic Ingredients on February 7, 2018. This catalogue contains nanomaterials ingredients used…

ASEAN Updates Cosmetic Directives

ASEAN has released updated Cosmetic Directives during the 27th ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) meeting. Updates and amendments adopted during the…

ISO Publishes Standard as Guidelines on the Stability Testing of…

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO/TR 18811:2018 Cosmetics -- Guidelines on the Stability Testing of Cosmetic Products.…

New Zealand Issues Labeling Regulation for Medicines and Related Products

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has issued Guideline on the Regulation of Therapeutic Products in New Zealand Part 5: Labelling…

Colombia Drafts Proposal to Amend Technical Regulation of Labeling of…

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia has drafted a proposed amendment to the technical regulation on labeling…

EC Drafts Regulation Concerning Certain Substances Used in Textiles, Clothing…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Draft Regulation concerning Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament…

EU Publishes Commission Delegated Regulation for Textile Fibre Names and…

The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/122 of 20 October 2017 amending Annexes I, II, VI,…

Taiwan Enacts Amendment for the Legal Inspection of Baby Walkers

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of Taiwan has enacted the amendment to the legal inspection of baby…

US CPSC Revises Determination Rule on Children’s Toys and Child…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the direct final rule (83 FR 3583) Prohibition of Children's Toys…

US CPSC Enforces Safety Standard for Sling Carriers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has enforced the safety standard for sling carriers. The safety standard mandates that each…

Malaysia Ministry of Health Proposes a Maximum Limit for N-Nitrosamines and…

The Ministry of Health of Malaysia amends Regulation 27A, Food Regulation 1985, intended to provide a maximum permitted proportion of…

ISO Updates as of February 2018

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced that ISO members are voting for the proposed revisions for the following…

ASTM Works on Revising Standards for Children’s Products

ASTM International is currently working on the revision of the following standards: ASTM WK62180 Revision of F963-17 Standard Consumer Safety…

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Introduces Children’s Product Warning Label Act…

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) has introduced the Children’s Product Warning Label Act of 2018 aiming to protect children from…

EU’s Project Shows High Levels of Restricted Substances in Toys…

A project led by the European Union (EU) shows that a high number of products on the European market containing…

What works? A Review of Interventions to Combat Modern Day Slavery

What works to eradicate modern slavery? Where have evaluations of modern slavery programmes been conducted? What type of interventions have…

Garment Worker Diaries Reveal Working Conditions, Wages in Bangladesh, India,…

A first-of-its-kind research project led by Microfinance Opportunities (MFO) in partnership with Fashion Revolution and C&A Foundation gives the most…

Hundreds of Brazilian Workers Rescued at Least Twice from Slavery…

More than 35,000 people were rescued from slave labour in Brazil  over the past 15 years, but over 600…

EC Publishes Regulation on the Use of Bisphenol A in Varnishes…

The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/213 Regulation on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in varnishes…

Brazil’s INMETRO Establishes Technical Regulation for Children’s Walkers

Brazil's National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) has released Ordinance No. 42 Technical Regulation of Quality (RTQ) for…

Sweden Enacts Prohibition on the Sale of Cosmetics Containing Microplastics

The Ministry of Environment and Energy of Sweden has enacted the prohibition on the sale of microplastics in cosmetic products…

The European Commission Drafts Regulations Concerning the Restriction of Certain…

The European Commission (EC) has issued a Draft Regulation concerning a new restriction to be included in Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No…

The Hidden Cost of Jewelry. Human Rights in Supply Chains…

Jewelry and watches denote wealth and status, as well as artistry, beauty, and love. Gold and diamond jewelry in particular…

Verité Launches Website on Human Trafficking Risk in Sub-Saharan African…

Verité is pleased to announce the launch of a new web resource, www.verite.org/africa, to help users understand the risk of…

EU firms face legal risk over “forced labour” from North…

North Korea sends workers overseas and confiscates their salaries, which could expose European companies to legal action over forced labour,…

The plight of Nepal’s migrant workers

Perhaps the most popular song in Nepal right now is Suna Saili, in which a young man working in Qatar thinks of…

North Korea is dodging sanctions with fish and front firms…

On the surface, there is nothing remarkable about this sleepy fishing port in Maputo. But hidden from view, wedged between…

Blockchain to track Congo’s cobalt from mine to mobile

Blockchain is to be used for the first time to try to track cobalt's journey from artisanal mines in Democratic…

Children forced to labor in Turkmenistan cotton fields

Truckloads of children were sent to pick cotton during the Turkmenistan fall harvest, according to a new report by the…

Was Your Seafood Caught With Slave Labor? New Database Helps…

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, known best for its red, yellow and green sustainable seafood-rating scheme, is unveiling…

Germany cracks down as illegal worker figures spike

The number of illegal workers in Germany is increasing and while some employers gain in lower wages, the government loses…

Humanity United Launches Working Capital

Working Capital, an early-stage venture fund, launched today with the goal of accelerating supply chain innovations to enable corporations to…

Rwanda Drafts Standards for Several Consumer Products

The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has drafted standards for several consumer products. The standards are: DRS 374 Ladies' Panties –…

OEHHA Proposes NRSL for Bromodichloroacetic Acid & Bromochloroacetic Acid

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has proposed to adopt a Proposition 65 No Significant Risk Level (NSRL)…

EC Initiates Two Legislative Proposals to Ensure Safe Products in…

The European Commission (EC) has initiated two legislative proposals that aims to ensure that only safe products are circulating in…

California, USA: Proposition 65 Vinylidene Chloride Listed as Known to…

On December 29, 2017, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added vinylidene chloride (1,1-Dichloroethylene) as a chemical known…

Court Orders US EPA to Revise Lead Paint Standards, After…

On December 27, 2017 the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)…

Canada Proposes New Rules on the Prohibition of Asbestos and…

The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has proposed new rules for the prohibition of asbestos and asbestos products regulations. This…

Turkey Releases Product Safety and Supervision: 2018⁄12 Import Control Requirements…

The Ministry of Economy of Turkey has released Product Safety and Supervision: 2018/12 Importer Control Requirements for Miscellaneous Products. This…

Israel Consults on the Notification for Nickel Release In Contact…

The Standards Institution of Israel is consulting the public on the notification on nickel from articles intended to come into…

Singapore Drafts Food (Amendment) Regulations 2018

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has issued Draft Food (Amendment) Regulations 2018. This proposed regulation contains trade…

Canada Aims to Publish Safe Food for Canadians Regulations in…

The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released the proposed Safe Food for Canadians Regulations 2018. The proposed regulation creates…

China Drafts Measures for Prepackaged Food Labeling

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of People's Republic of China has released Measures for the Inspection and…

Taiwan Establishes Restriction on the Use of Senna Foods

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has established restriction on the use of senna foods and it’s labeling of food…

India Enforces Food Safety and Standards (Organic Food) Regulation, 2017

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has enforced Food Safety and Standards (Organic Food) Regulation, 2017. This Regulation…

China Issues Rules for Beverage Production Licensing

: China’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released 2017 Version of Detailed Rules for Examination of Beverage Production Licensing.…

USA Issues Guidance Document on the Enforcement of Certain FSMA…

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Guidance on Policy Regarding Certain Entities Subject to the Current Good…

EC Drafts Commission Implementing Regulation Laying Down Rules for Provision…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Draft Commission Implementing Regulation Laying Down Rules for Provision of Food Information to Consumers. This regulation lays…

UL to Debut the New Toy Safety Certification Mark for…

Cologne, February 2, 2018 - UL Consumer & Retail Services (CRS) is proud to announce the debut of the new…

ECHA Proposes Restrictions on the Use of Oxo-plastics and Microplastics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has started to prepare restriction proposals for oxo-plastics and for intentionally-added microplastic particles to consumer…

EC Publishes Opinion on Fragrance ingredient butylphenyl methylpropional

The European Commission (EC) has published SCCS/1591/17 Opinion on the Fragrance ingredient butylphenyl methylpropional (p-BMHCA). This Opinion establishes the stand…

Italy Bans Non-Biodegradable Sticks for Cleaning Ears and Rinse-Off Products…

Italy has released Dispositions concerning the Ban on Certain Plastics in Sticks for Cleaning the Ears and Rinse-off Cosmetics. This…

ECHA Opens Consultation on Substances Used in Tattoo Inks & Permanent…

The European Commission (EC) has opened public consultation for the proposal to restrict hazardous substances in tattoo inks and permanent…

South Korea Drafts Labeling and Management of Bar Codes for…

The South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has drafted proposed amendments to the "Guidelines for Labeling and…

South Korea Proposes Labelling Standards for Cleansing & Hygiene Products

The South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is proposing enactment of the labelling standards for cleansing &…

South Korea Establishes New Sales Reporting Rule for Sanitary Products

South Korea’s Food and Drug Administration has released new Sanitary Goods Control Act. This Act makes it mandatory to report…

Scotland Proposes to Ban the Manufacture and Sale of Plastic…

Scotland has proposed to ban the manufacture and sale of plastic cotton buds in the country. Plastic cotton buds are…

UK: Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017 Enters Into Force

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of UK has enforced The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017. The regulation bans the…

Brazil Proposes Resolution on Food Supplements

Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has proposed Draft Resolution no. 457 Lists of Nutrients, Bioactive Substances, Enzymes and Probiotics…

South Korea Revises Standards of Functional Foods for Health

South Korea’s Food and Drug Administration has issued Notification No. 2017-113 Revision of Some Standards and Specifications of "Functional Foods…

Italy Enforces Decree on Sanctions for Violations Concerning Labelling and…

The government of Italy has established Legislative Decree No. 190 on the sanctions for the violation of Directive 94/11/EC concerning…

Turkey Releases Product Safety and Supervision: 2018⁄18 Import Control Requirements…

The Ministry of Economy of Turkey has released Product Safety and Supervision: 2018/18 Importer Control Requirements for Footwear. This notice…

ASTM Approves ASTM F406 — 17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification…

ASTM International has approved ASTM F406 – 17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yard on January 15,…

Australia Enacts Swimming and Floatation Aid Safety Standard

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has enacted Consumer Goods (Swimming and Flotation Aids) Safety Standard 2017 on December…

CEN Updates Implementation Timeline: EN 71 Safety of Toys Part…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has updated the implementation timeline of EN 71-8:2017 Safety of Toys - Part 8:…

Philippines’ House of Reps Passes Bill for Safe and Non-Hazardous…

The Philippines’ House of Representatives (HoR) unanimously approved a bill that aims to protect children from hazardous chemicals that can…

Turkey Releases Product Safety and Supervision: 2018⁄10 Import Control Requirements…

The Ministry of Economy of Turkey has released Product Safety and Supervision: 2018/10 Importer Control Requirements for Toys. This notice…

Qatar 2022 World Cup will honour workers’ rights with the…

Qatar will host a World Cup which honours workers’ rights after agreeing to end the notorious kafala system in the…

Investors urge big brands to back safety of Bangladesh garment…

A group of socially responsible investors has urged 160 major retailers who source clothes from Bangladesh to back the extension…

Hidden Chains – Rights Abuses and Forced Labor in Thailand’s…

This report documents forced labor and other human rights abuses in the Thai fishing sector. It identifies poor working conditions,…

Vietnam’s garment workers dangling on a thread at bottom of income…

Vietnam's garment sector accounts for the country's largest workforce, but many of its employees are forced to work hard to…

Modern Slavery: An exploration of its root causes and the…

Slavery, long banned and universally condemned, persists in many corners of the world, victimizing tens of millions of people. Half…

ILO: Unemployment and decent work deficits to remain high in…

According to the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2018, the global unemployment rate has been stabilizing after a rise…

Venezuela migrants prey to forced labour, abuse in Brazil

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have crossed the border into neighbouring Brazil in the past year, seeking to escape a…

World’s first green supply chain map links brands to factories…

Further increasing much needed transparency in the supply chain, a new interactive map shows the connections between international buyers like…

Canada creates watchdog to oversee companies’ conduct abroad

Canada said on Wednesday it is creating an independent watchdog to monitor and investigate claims of human rights abuses by…

Oman issues human rights handbook for workers amid labor abuse…

A handbook on human rights has been issued for expat workers in Oman after a series of complaints were made claiming abuse, Times…

Vermont Proposes Revisions on Chemicals of High Concern in Children’s…

The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) is proposing to amend the Chemicals of High Concern in Children's Products Rule under…

EC Restricts Two Substances Used In Wash-Off Cosmetic Products

The European Commission (EC) has issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/35 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the…

EC Publishes Commission Regulation (EU) 2018⁄79 on Plastic Materials and…

The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/79 amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on Plastic Materials and Articles…

Confronting Root Causes: Forced Labour in Global Supply Chains

Forced labour is all around us, but not how you think. 'Confronting root causes' pulls together research from across the…

Maritime Industry & Human Rights

Maritime industries continue to face serious human rights and labour rights abuses, from modern-day-slavery in the fisheries industry to labour…

Russia’s hidden world of North Korean labor

The United Nations has expressed concern that this money — totaling $500 million a year from North Korea's expatriate workers…

Slime Toys: Key Points for the European Market

Due to the skin contact and the potential for ingestion of the slime ensuring the formulation is safe and suitable…

How to Sell Your Products in China; An interview with…

John Tong is the Managing Director of King Bee Ltd, a company focused on developing Mainland China for branded consumer products.…

Brazil Consults on Bill Establishing Maximum Limit of Lead in…

The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) of Brazil has drafted a bill establishing the maximum limit of…

New Zealand Publishes SNZ MP 10377:2017 Consumer Product Safety Standard

Standards New Zealand has published SNZ MP 10377:2017 Consumer Product Safety - It's Your Business. This guide follows international best…

UPDATE: ASTM’s Revision of ASTM F2057 — 17 Standard Safety…

ASTM International published the ASTM F2057 - 17 Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units on October 1, 2017. The…

Philippines Sets Disapproval of Applications with Incomplete Documentary and/or Technical…

The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set disapproval notice for all applications with incomplete documentary and/or technical requirements.…

Chile Amends Food Health Regulations

Chile’s Ministry of Health has proposed amendments to Articles 13, 14, 66 and 107 of the Food Health Regulations. This…

South Korea Revises Food Labeling Standards

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea has issued Notification No. 2017-99 Partial Amendment to the…

ISO Publishes Technical Standard for Labeling Food and Beverage as…

The International Standardization Organization (ISO) has published ISO/TS 19657:2017 Definitions and Technical Criteria for Food Ingredients to be considered as…

South Korea Drafts Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and…

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has drafted Notice No. 2017-440 Notification on the Draft Revised Standards…

Taiwan Drafts Labeling for 11 Food Allergens

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has issued draft labeling of food allergens. This draft proposes to add five more…

Japan Revises Food and Additive Specification Standards

The Ministry of Health of Japan has published Announcement No. 1124 Revision of Food and Additive Specification Standards. The revisions…

India Issues Guidelines for Food Recalls

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued Guidelines for Food Recalls on November 28, 2017. This…

UK Releases Guidance for Food Date Labeling and Storage

UK’s Food Standard Agency (FSA) has released Labeling Guidance: Best Practice on Food Date Labelling and Storage Device. This document…

European Commission Consults on the Evaluation of Food Contact Materials…

The European Commission is seeking feedback from the public on the Evaluation of Food Contact Materials (FCM) which was published…

China Approves Six New Food Contact Material Substances

The Food and Drug Administration of China has approved new varieties of six-related products including three new additives of food…

GCC Drafts Technical Regulation for Household Detergents

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has drafted GSO Draft Technical Regulation on General Safety Requirements of household detergents for public…

Taiwan Issues Testing Method for Determining Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics…

The Environmental Protection Agency of Taiwan has issued testing methods for determining the presence of plastic microbeads in cosmetics and…

Taiwan Prohibits Cosmetic Products Containing 15 Ingredients

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has prohibited the importation, manufacture, sale, supply or intended sale of cosmetics containing the…

South Korea Proposes Revisions of Nickel Limits Used in Cosmetics

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has proposed revisions to Regulations on Cosmetic Safety Standards. This draft…

EU Enacts Regulation (EU) 2017⁄2228 on Cosmetic Products

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2228 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the…

New Zealand Bans Microbeads in Cosmetic Products

New Zealand’s Ministry of Environment has enacted Waste Minimization (Microbeads) Regulations 2017. The regulation prohibits the sale and manufacture of…

South Korea Proposes Standards and Specifications for Cleansing & Hygiene Products

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has proposed enactment to the Standards and Specifications for Cleansing &…

South Africa Proposes Bill to Prohibit Animal Testing on Cosmetics

The National Assembly of South Africa has proposed PMB-2017 Animal Protection Amendment Bill. This bill aims to amend the Animals…

US FDA Drafts Guidance Document on Gluten Labeling in Drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration has drafted a guidance document on gluten labeling in drug products. This draft guidance…

Canada Issues Guidelines on the Use of Triclosan

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued Federal Environmental Quality Guideline (FEQG) for Triclosan. This guidance document provides restrictions on…

Saudi Arabia’s SASO Drafts Standard for Woven Carpets Used for…

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has drafted a new standard, Draft No. 30465/2017 Woven Carpets Used for Masjids.…

EC to Restrict Certain Substances in Child Care Articles and…

The European Commission (EC) has issued a draft screening assessment restricting the use of TCEP, TCPP and TDCP in flexible…

ISO Update on Children’s Cots Standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released standard updates for November 2017. The updates as of November 30, 2017…

Vietnam Consults on Proposed Technical Regulation for Toys

The Office for Standards and Metrology of Vietnam is consulting for comments on the draft national technical regulation on safety…

US CPSC Drafts Rule To Mandate ASTM F963 for Toys

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has drafted a rule that mandates ASTM F963 – 17 Standard Consumer Safety…

U.S. Government Efforts To Advance Business and Human Rights in…

The U.S. government is committed to supporting and advancing respect for human rights among businesses, and has continued to take…

US Lawmakers Express Intent to Strictly Ban Slave-made Goods

US Lawmakers and advocates have expressed their intent to strictly ban slave-made goods after knowing that more than $140 billion…

New UN Migration Agency Report Sheds Light on Migrants’ Vulnerabilities…

There are specific risk factors associated with increased migrant vulnerability to exploitation, violence, abuse and human trafficking, according to a…

US CPSC Initiates Rulemaking for Clothing Storage Unit Tip Overs

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has initiated advance notice of proposed rulemaking to address the risk of injury…

Proposition 65: Chlorpyrifos & N-Hexane Listed As Known to the State…

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added chlorpyrifos (CAS No. 2921-88-2) and n-hexane (CAS No. 110-54-3) to…

US CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Children’s Folding…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new safety standard for children’s folding chairs and stools. The…

The Global Gender Gap Report 2017

Gender parity is fundamental to whether and how economies and societies thrive. Ensuring the full development and appropriate deployment of…

Lawmakers push for US ban on slave-made goods

A law banning slave-made goods from entering the United States has failed, lawmakers and advocates said, as they push border…

RJC Adds Silver to its Scope

Landing Copy: The Responsible Jewellery Council has announced the expansion of its scope to include silver. The RJC said its expansion…

Chocolate makers agree to stop cutting down forests in West…

At COP23, the UN climate talks in Bonn, Germany that wrapped up last week, top cocoa-producing countries in West Africa…

Know the Chain 2018 Benchmarking Survey

Know the Chain is a resource for companies and investors to understand and address forced labor risks within global supply…

What She Makes: Poverty and Power in the Fashion Industry

OXFAM Australia launched a report called “What She Makes: Poverty and Power in the Fashion Industry” to draw attention to…

“We put ourselves in God’s hands” – a Honduran banana packer…

Between 11 and 13 October 2017, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) held its 3rd World Women’s Organizing Assembly in…

IOM Joins UN SG in Call to End Libya Migrant…

IOM, the United Nations Migration agency, welcomes the remarks Monday of UN Secretary General António Guterres concerning recent news reports…

Unions Call for Political Courage and Stronger Governance to Eliminate…

The International Trade Union Confederacy (ITUC) has welcomed the outcomes of a major international conference on eradicating child labor, held…

Ranking corporate action on conflict minerals sourcing in Dem. Rep…

The Enough Project’s 2017 conflict minerals company rankings examine 20 of the largest companies, as defined by market capitalization, in…

ASEAN to sign document on migrant worker rights protection

ASEAN leaders have agreed to step up efforts to provide better protection for migrant worker rights in the region through…

Counterfeiters are using AI and machine learning to make better…

It's terrifyingly easy to just make stuff up online these days, such is life in the post-truth era. But recent…

China reports more than 1,500 counterfeit cases this year

China is doing its part to cut down on the significant number of fakes that flood the global market after…

ILO decision herald’s new era for workers’ rights in Qatar.…

The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) decision to close the complaint against Qatar, following the government’s commitments to dismantle the kafala…

Child labor returns to Uzbekistan’s cotton fields

In recent years, Uzbekistan has increased the number of public-sector workers required to pick cotton, because the country nearly ended…

Europe Wanted Migrants Stopped. Now Some Are Being Sold as…

African migrants in Libya face “unimaginable horrors,” the United Nations human rights commissioner declared. “Despicable,” the chairman of the African…

Game-changing cocoa framework a model for other commodities?

One of the more interesting, and potentially game changing, announcements to emerge at the COP23 meeting in Bonn was that…

Diverse Coalition Commits to Establishing Centre for Sport & Human Rights…

On the eve of international Human Rights Day (December 10th), a commitment was made today to launch a new independent…

World Social Protection Report 2017–19: Universal social protection to achieve…

This ILO flagship report provides a global overview of recent trends in social protection systems, including social protection floors. Based…

A Missed Opportunity: Employing Syrian Refugees in Jordan

According to the agreement, 52 Jordanian products are exempted from rules of origin stipulations on the condition that they are…

China must enhance protection of intellectual property rights: Premier Li

It is strategically important for China’s economy that the country enhances protection of intellectual property rights, the state news agency…

FRANCE’S CORPORATE DUTY OF VIGILANCE LAW — A Closer Look at…

This article focuses on the two remaining penalties, which have received less commentary to date: periodic penalty payments [astreintes] and…

European Union Aims to Cut Down on Fakes with New…

The European Commission will initiate efforts to identify the countries and online marketplaces that serve as the most significant producers…

China Consults on Administrative Rules on the Recall of Defective…

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of People's Republic of China is consulting the public on the Administrative…

Proposition 65: Two Chemicals Listed As Known to the State…

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has listed two chemicals that meet the requirements for listing perfluorooctanoic…

ECHA Releases Enforcement Project to Check Compliance with the Obligations…

ECHA – a pilot project to verify compliance with the notification and communication obligations of substances (SVHC) in articles in…

Australia Releases Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard 2017. This notice prescribes…

Israel Notifies WTO on the Draft Standard for Children’s Jewelry

Israel has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the proposal to mandate SI 6558 part 1 -Jewelry safety: Children's…

German Federal Network Agency Announces Ban on Children’s Smart Watches

The Federal Network Agency has announced the prohibition of the sale of children’s watches with interception and listening function to…

EC Drafts Regulation for Follow-on Formula

The European Commission (EC) is consulting the public on the Draft Commission Delegated Regulation with regard to Protein Requirements for…

EC Issues Regulation 2017⁄2158 for Reduction of the Presence of…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 Establishing Mitigation Measures and Benchmark Levels for the Reduction of…

GCC Drafts Technical Regulations for Food Packages, Food Supplements and…

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has drafted technical regulations intended for food packages, food supplements and food. The regulations are:…

Singapore Proposes Amendments to the Regulations for Infant Formula

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore has issued Amendments to the Regulations for Infant Formula. This draft amendment…

Taiwan Proposes Revised Nutritional Labeling in Packaged Foods

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has issued Proposed Amendments to the Provisions on the Inclusion of Nutritional Labeling in…

China Clarifies Print Labels on Prepackaged Food

The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China has issued Announcement No. 735 Incorporation of Printed Matter into…

Taiwan Issues Guidelines on Nutritional Labeling On Food Packaging

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidelines on labeling positive nutritional information on packaging food. This guide document…

US FDA Lists Calcium Carbonate as Safe Color Additive

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized the listing of calcium carbonate as safe color additive. This final…

US FDA Drafts Guidance Document On Menu Labeling

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a draft guidance for menu labeling on food establishments. This guidance…

China Approves 12 New FCM Substances

The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China has approved twelve substances intended for food contact materials. The…

Jamaica Drafts Standard Specification for General Purpose Disinfectant

Bureau of Standards Jamaica has drafted DJS 282: 201X Draft Standard Specification for General Purpose Disinfectant. This standard specifies general,…

Canada Proposes Updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

Health Canada is consulting the public on the release of the proposed updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. This proposal…

China Publishes Voluntary Standards for Personal Care Products

The Standardization Administration of China (SAC) has published voluntary standards for personal care products through Announcement No. 29 of 2017.…

Uganda Drafts Standards for Baby Oils and Deodorants

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has drafted two standards intended for baby oils and deodorant specifications. The standards are:…

EC Requests Scientific Opinion on Hair Dye Chemicals

The European Commission (EC) has published a request for scientific opinion on hair dye chemicals: hydroxypropyl p-phenylenediamine and its dihydrochloride…

China FDA Establishes Draft Administrative Measures for Drug Standards

China’s Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) has issued Administrative Measures for Drug Standards (Draft). This draft establishes general formulation, revision,…

Japan Designates Two Chemicals as “Shitei Yakubutsu”

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has released Designation of “Shitei Yakubutsu” (designated substances) based on the Law…

US FDA Issues Guidance on Aspirin-Containing Drug Products

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Notification on Recommended Statement for Over-the-Counter Aspirin-Containing Drug Products Labeled…

US FDA Consults on New Dietary Ingredient

US Food and Drug Administration is consulting the public on the premarket notification for a new dietary ingredient. This notice…

CEN Issues Standard for Protective Clothing against Cold

European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued EN 342:2017 Protective Clothing - Ensembles and Garments for Protection against Cold. This…

Kenya Issues Draft Standards for Different Textile Products

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) has issued draft standards open for public consultation. The draft standards are: KS 1062:2017 Infants…

Mexico Updates NMX-A-3758-Inntex-2014 Textile Care Labeling Standard

Mexico has issued NMX-A-3758-INNTEX-2014 Textiles-Code of Generation of Care Labels the Use of Symbols. This Mexican Standard establishes a system…

ACCC Publishes Consumer Goods (Baby Bath Aids) Safety Standard 2017

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published Consumer Goods (Baby Bath Aids) Safety Standard 2017 on the Federal…

CEN Publishes EN 71–8:2017 Safety of Toys — Part 8:…

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published EN 71-8:2017 Safety of Toys - Part 8: Activity Toys for Domestic…

New Zealand Withdraws Three Standards for Toys

Standards New Zealand (SNZ) has withdrawn three (3) standards intended for toy safety. The withdrawn standards are: NZS 5820:1982 Specification…

New Zealand Releases AS/NZS 8124.7:2017 Safety of Toys for Finger…

Standards New Zealand (SNZ) has released AS/NZS 8124.7:2017 Safety of Toys - Part 7: Requirements and Test Methods for Finger…

ISO Approves Revised Final Draft of Toy Safety Standard

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has approved the final draft of the revised ISO/FDIS 8124-1 Safety of toys — Part…

New Zealand Drafts Standard for Electric Toys

Standards New Zealand is consulting the public on the release of draft standard, AS/NZS 62115:2018Electric toys – Safety. This standard…

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs…

Details UNITED STATES – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new safety standard for children’s folding…

Europe Wanted Migrants Stopped. Now Some Are Being Sold as…

African migrants in Libya face “unimaginable horrors,” the United Nations human rights commissioner declared. “Despicable,” the chairman of the African…

Top Fashion Companies Come Together to Improve Children’s Rights

Together with Unicef, the world’s biggest wealth fund is setting up a network with some of the top fashion companies…

Vietnam Issues National Technical Regulations for Formaldehyde and Azo Colorants…

Vietnam has issued QCVN 01: 2017 / BCT National technical regulation on the contents of formaldehyde and certain aromatic amines…

Canada Proposes to Amend Regulations on Magnetic Toys

The Health Canada consults on amending the Magnetic Toys Regulations to help protect the health and safety of Canadians, particularly…

Korea Issues Two Notices to Amend Safety Confirmation of Infant’s…

Korean’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy had released two notices that aims to amend safety confirmation specific to infant’s…

UL Enters a Formal Collaboration with Gübelin Gem Lab

As one of the world’s largest providers of supply chain auditing and monitoring services, UL is pleased to announce its formal collaboration…

UL is a ZDHC Accredited Trainer

UL Consumer & Retail Services (CRS) is accredited by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation to be their…

The Importance of Buying Safe Children’s Toys — Useful Tips…

All children love to play with toys. And toys actually play a significant part in a child’s development. Through playing…

UL and DDI Begin Official Partnership

UL Consumer and Retail Services has entered a formal relationship with the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) with the signing of…

ILO Publication: Global Estimates of Child Labour: Results and trends,…

The current report, the fifth edition of the ILO’s quadrennial report series on global estimates of child labor, charts how…

Myanmar labor unions seek minimum wage hike

Labor unions and labor rights organizations in Myanmar are pushing for a higher daily minimum wage. The current daily minimum…

Qatar signs bill to protect foreign workers

The Qatari government has passed a new bill aimed at supporting and protecting foreign workers in the country. The bill…

Living Wage Report: Ghana Lower Volta Area: Context Provided in…

The Global Living Wage Coalition, a group comprised of ISEAL members, has released a living wage report for the Ghana…

Zambia: Tackling Child Labour in Agro Sector

As Zambia’s agriculture industry has grown, so too has its use of child labor. While child labor is an issue…

Brand protection “getting harder”, says new survey

A new survey conducted by the International Quality and Productivity Center’s (IQPC) Legal IQ has found that a majority of…

Uproar over ‘slavery’ on Zimbabwe farms

Recent legislation has allowed Zimbabwe farms to employ farmworkers for up to four and a half years on short-term contracts.…

World Campaign to Clean Torrents of Plastic Dumped in the…

The UN is building up its effort to clean up the seas, and remove the hundreds of thousands of tons…

Despite abuses, expelled Ethiopians hope to be smuggled back to…

Human rights violations have not stopped some Ethiopian migrant workers from hoping to get smuggled back into Saudi Arabia. Around…

Myanmar: New report warns of potential land conflict epidemic

A new report from the International Federation of Human Rights shows that Myanmar may soon face a land conflict epidemic.…

Tackling Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, & Intersex People: STANDARDS…

The UN Human Rights Office, in collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Business, has developed five new Standards…

ILO Guide to Myanmar Labor Law

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a Guide to Myanmar’s Labor Law. The Guide was funded by the European…

India turns to tech with online portal to end child…

India’s government has launched a new online portal as part of their efforts to eliminate child labor. The portal, Platform…

ITC launches Sustainability Map to increase transparency and connectivity in…

The International Trade Centre (ITC) has created a new way for businesses and producers to work towards sustainable trade. The…

US Dept. of Labor launches 2016 child labor report & mobile…

The U.S. Department of Labor has released its annual report on child labor. Produced by the Department's Bureau of International…

Great Success for UL During the Italian Toy Fair “G!…

“G! come Giocare” is the most important italian toy fair dedicated to final consumers, families but above all children. This event…

UL to present on EU Conflict Mineral legislation at the…

The 2017 CIBJO Annual Congress had over 150 official delegates and over 300 participants from every sector of the global…

CPSC Proposes Rulemaking on Magnet Sets

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received a petition requesting for the creation of a rulemaking for magnet sets.…

Canada Permits the Use of Benzene as Flame Retardant

The Department of Environment of Canada has released Ministerial Condition No. 19124 for the Manufacture or Import of the Substance…

OEHHA Issues Fact Sheet for Proposition 65 Safe Use Determination…

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued fact sheet for Proposition 65 Safe Use Determination (SUD) process.…

EC Amends Draft Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Draft Commission Regulation Amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of…

EC Consults on Proposed Decisions on SVHCs

The European Commission (EC) is consulting the public on the proposed decisions concerning substances of very high concern. The drafts…

California’s DTSC Announces Priority Product Work Plan for 2018–2020

California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has announced Priority Product Work Plan Announcement 2018-2020. This work plan identifies and…

California Enacts Food Waste Reduction and Date Labeling Act

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed Assembly Bill 954 Food Waste Reduction and Date Labeling Act. This regulation directs the…

US FDA Proposes Extension of Compliance Dates for the Nutritional…

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed the extension of compliance dates for the nutritional and supplement facts…

Taiwan Lists 13 Substances as Toxic Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Taiwan has listed 13 substances as toxic chemicals. This announcement lists 13 substances as…

EU Drafts Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Sodium

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has drafted a scientific opinion on the dietary reference values for sodium. The draft…

California Enacts Cleaning Product Right to Know Act Of 2017

The State of California has enacted SB-258 Cleaning Product Right to Know Act Of 2017 into law on October 15,…

South Korea’s MOE Publishes Guidelines for Ingredient Disclosure of Chemical…

South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) has published guideline for the disclosure of all ingredients in the voluntary agreement on…

Canada Drafts Screening Assessment Acrylates and Methacrylates Group

The Environment and Climate Change of Canada has drafted a screening assessment acrylates and methacrylates group used in personal care…

Taiwan Regulates Cosmetics Tested on Animals

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of Taiwan has issued Regulations Governing the Application of Animals Testing for the…

Taiwan Proposes Regulation to Limit Use of Cadmium and Barium…

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of Taiwan has proposed a regulation limiting the residue limit for impurity heavy…

Taiwan Drafts Regulations for Hair Dyes

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of Taiwan has drafted regulations intended for hair dyes. The regulations are: Regulatory…

EC Drafts Sector Agreement on Microplastics in Consumer Products

The European Commission (EC) has drafted sector agreement to support the replacement of microplastics in consumer products. This draft agreement…

US FDA Updates Product-Specific Guidance for Generic Drug Development

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated their product-specific guidance for generic drug development. This guide aims to…

GCC Drafts Technical Regulation for Food Supplements and Essential Nutrients…

GCC Standardization Organization has drafted technical regulations for food supplements and essential nutrients to foods. Draft Technical Regulation for Food…

Rhode Island Enacts SB 166 Child Products and Upholstered Furniture

Rhode Island has enacted Senate Bill 166 Child Products and Upholstered Furniture on October 3, 2017. Beginning on July 1,…

Israel Consults on Amended Standard for Textile Carpets

The Ministry of Economy of Israel is consulting the public on the release of an amended standard for textile carpets.…

ASTM International Updates Standard for Infant Inclined Sleep Products

ASTM International has updated ASTM F3118 - 17a Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Inclined Sleep Products. This standard establishes…

San Francisco Amends Environment Code to Ban Upholstered Furniture and…

The City and Country of San Francisco Board of Supervisors has passed File #: 170867 Ordinance Amending to Ban the…

Botswana Proposes to Adopt ISO and IEC Standards for Toy…

Botswana’s Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry is proposing to adopt toy safety standards released by the International Organization for…

Israel Consults on Draft Standards for Safety of Toys

The Standards Institution of Israel has released two draft standards open for public consultation. The drafts are: Notification on Safety…

Uganda Drafts Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has drafted DUS 1813: 2017 Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing. This…

ASTM International Re-approves Standard for Soft Contained Play Equipment

ASTM International has re-approved ASTM F1918 - 12(2017) Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment. This standard specifies…

US CPSC Issues Guidance on Organohalogen Flame Retardants

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a statement that provides guidance for manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers…

CEN Publishes Amended Standard for Finger Paints

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published an amended standard intended for finger paints. The amended standard is entitled…

US CPSC Proposes Rule on Children’s Products, Children’s Toys and…

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notified the Federal Register of a proposed rulemaking on October 13th: Children’s Products, Children’s…

Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act

On November 7, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidance on meeting Section 321 of the Countering America’s Adversaries…

Toy Safety and the Millennial Shopper

I had the opportunity recently to spend time with some millennial generation professionals who market heavily to their own cohort…

Bangladesh’ Commitment to Textile Worker Safety

Bangladesh will extend an agreement to protect garment workers drawn up in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster and…

ICCR launches new Alliance to amplify global investor influence on…

The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) announced the formation of the Investor Alliance for Human Rights, a new initiative…

GCC Notifies WTO on Proposed Regulations for Food Contact Materials

GCC Standardization Organization has published a notification on Draft Technical Regulations for Food Contact Materials – Food Packages Part 1:…

Two Major China Food Packaging Standards Take Effect

China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) has updated two major food packaging standards: GB 9685-2016: Uses of Additives…

US CPSC Issues Final Rule on Children’s Toys and Child…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rule prohibiting phthalates in children’s toys and child care…

Testing Fabric Flammability

The way fabric burns depend on several factors—fiber content, weight, finished design and whether the fabric has been treated with…

ZDHC has Granted Provisional Acceptance to UL CRS Laboratories

Starting from October 1st 2017, ZDHC has granted the below list of UL laboratories a provisional acceptance for wastewater and…

STEM Toys: Balancing Curiosity with Safe Play

More than a fancy acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEM is a way of thinking about and understanding…

How Safe are Fidget Spinner Toys? Part II

Fidget spinners have been labeled as a tool to help you focus, a symbol of revolution, hypnotic, and in some…

Jewelry Companies Importing Gold: New EU Conflict Minerals Regulation

The recently approved EU regulation on conflict minerals - Regulation (EU) 2017/821 - seeks to limit opportunities for armed groups…

Washington Adopts Children’s Safe Products Reporting Rule

The State of Washington Department of Ecology has added 20 chemicals and removed three others, from the list of substances…

Learning About Green Services, Software Solutions and the Chinese Market…

The UL Italian Fashion Brands Summit was on September 28th in Milan (Italy), covering topics from Chemical Management to Chinese market…

Trinidad and Tobago Consults on Two Standards for Labelling Goods

Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) is consulting on two standards intended for labelling of goods. The standards are:…

Canada Issues Tariff Rules on Origin for Casual Goods Regulations

The Canadian’s Ministry of Finance has issued SOR/2017-176 CETA Rules of Origin for Casual Goods Regulations. This regulation specifies that…

OEHHA Amends Notice of Violation Section in Proposition 65

California’s Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has released Amendments to Section 25903(b)(2)(E) and Appendix A and Adoption…

OEHHA Publishes Notice to List Vinylidene Chloride under Prop 65

California’s Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has published a Notice of Intent to List a Chemical under…

EC Enacts Regulation Concerning CMR Substances

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1510 Amending the Appendices to Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No…

ECHA Launches Proposal on Identifying Nine New Substances of Very…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched ECHA/NI/17/28 Proposal on Identifying Nine New Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). This…

Philippines Releases Notice of Disapproval of Applications with Incomplete Documentary…

Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released Notice of Disapproval of Applications with Incomplete Documentary and/or Technical Requirements. This…

Singapore Drafts Proposed Changes to Food Regulations

The (AVA) Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore has drafted and proposed changes to Food Regulations. This regulation specifies amendments…

FSSAI Issues Regulations for Food and Beverage

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued three regulations intended for food and beverage. The regulations are: Food…

Health Canada Issues Notice of Modification on Prohibiting the Use…

Health Canada has issued NOP/ADP-C-2017-3 Notice of Modification: Prohibiting the Use of Partially Hydrogenated Oils in Foods. This notice specifies…

Vietnam Proposes Regulation on Safety Requirements for Container and Packaging…

Vietnam’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed QCVN 12-1:2017/BYT National technical regulation on the limits safety of synthetic resin…

US FDA Releases Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and…

The US Food and Drug Administration has released Guidance for Industry: Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of…

Peru Publishes Manual on Health Warnings, Pursuant to Regulations Implementing…

The Ministry of Health of Peru has published Manual on health warnings, prepared pursuant to the Regulations implementing Law No.…

Canada Releases Notice on Manufacturing and Importing of Substances for…

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources of Canada has released Ministerial Condition No. 15893 Manufacture or import of the…

California Senate Passes California Cleaning Product Right to Know Act…

California Senate has passed SB-258 California Cleaning Product Right to Know Act of 2017 on September 13, 2017. This law…

Vietnam Publishes Draft Circular Promulgating Lists of Active Insecticides and…

The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has published Draft Circular promulgating lists of active insecticides and disinfectants used for domestic…

Kazakhstan Drafts Amendments to Standards for the Common Sanitary and…

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy has drafted two standards intended for common sanitary and epidemiological and hygienic requirements for disinfectants,…

Wales Proposes to Ban Cosmetics and Personal Care Products containing…

The government of Wales has proposed to ban cosmetics and personal care products containing plastic microbeads. This proposal bans on…

Uganda Proposes Specifications for Baby Oils and Glycerine Use for…

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has proposed specifications for baby oils and glycerine use for cosmetics. The specifications are:…

Canada Posts Notice on Non-Prescription Availability of Low-dose Codeine Products

Health Canada has issued Notice to interested parties — Non-prescription availability of low-dose codeine products for public consultation. This notice…

US Federal Trade Commission Posts Update on Rules for Fur,…

US’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has posted updates on Fur, Textile and Wool Labeling Rules. This rule is being updated…

CEN Publishes Standard for Size Designation of Clothes

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has published EN 13402-3:2017 Size designation of clothes - Part 3: Size labelling based…

Rhode Island Senate Votes to Pass Bill 166 on Child…

Rhode Island Senate has voted to pass Bill 166 on Child Products and Upholstered Furniture on September 19, 2017. This…

US CPSC Issues Safe Sleeping Tips for Babies

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued Bare is Best: Safe Sleep Tips to provide parents and consumers with…

CEN Issues Standard for Mattresses Used In Cots and Cribs

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued EN 16890:2017 Children's furniture - Mattresses for cots and cribs - Safety…

US CPSC Approves New Federal Standard for Infant Bouncers

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal mandatory standard to improve the safety of infant bouncer…

ASTM International Releases Standard for Children’s Chairs and Stools

ASTM International has released ASTM F2613 - 17Standard for Children's Chairs and Stools. This standard establishes testing requirements for structural…

EC Drafts Regulation to Amend Chromium VI Migration Limits to…

European Commission (EC) has published a notification on the Amendment of the Toy Safety Directive to Adapt the Migration Limits…

Suffolk County, New York Reviews Toxic Free Toys Act

The Department of Health and Services of Suffolk County, New York has reviewed Intro Res. No. 1682-2017 Local Law to…

Jamaica Issues Standard Specification of Toys and Playthings

Bureau of Standards Jamaica has issued DJS 90: 2017 Jamaican Standard Specification for Safety of Toys and Playthings for public…

Ukraine Drafts Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers “On Approval…

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine has drafted Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On…

40 million in modern slavery and 152 million in child…

New research developed jointly by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Walk Free Foundation, in partnership with the International…

Malaysia next in bid to legalize migrant workers

A campaign to legalize Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand could be repeated in Malaysia if it proves successful, the Labor…

Standards New Zealand Issues Amended Standard for Children’s Nightwear and…

Standards New Zealand has issued AS/NZS 1249:2014 A2 Amendment 2: 2017 Children’s nightwear and limited daywear having fire hazard to…

EU Proposes to Amend Regulation on Plastic FCM

The European Commission (EC) has proposed to amend regulation on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with…

US CPSC Votes to Begin Rulemaking Process for Flame Retardants…

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Commissioners narrowly voted 3-2 in favor of Rulemaking on Certain Products Containing Organohalogen Flame…

Women pickers toil unprotected in Pakistan’s cotton fields, hands of…

Widow Amina Batool has laboured in Pakistan's scorching cotton fields for nearly eight years to eke out a living and…

Thailand-Laos discussion on labour import concluded successfully

Thailand and Laos have concluded an academic seminar on the import of labor, with the goal of streamlining the legal…

The dark side of granite. Modern slavery, child labour and…

India is one of the top five producers of natural stone worldwide. Around 10% of the natural stone traded on…

Foreign Farmworkers in Canada Fear Deportation if They Complain

Desperate to provide for his family, Hilario Mendoza leapt at the chance to leave Mexico to pick cherries on a…

African countries move to protect children exposed to mercury

Gold mining in African countries takes place in unlicensed or small scale mines, where thousands of children work in hazardous…

12,000 officials disciplined and 18,000 companies punished in China’s sweeping…

Teams led by ministerial-level officials are completing inspections of environmental protection efforts across China, with the results having already affected…

California Designates Children’s Foam-padded Sleeping Products as Priority Products

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has released its priority product under the Safer Consumer Products. DTSC designates…

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Infant Bouncers

Details UNITED STATES – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new Safety Standard for Infant Bouncers.…

UL First Laboratory To Gain NABL Accreditation For New Toy…

UL FIRST LABORATORY TO GAIN NABL ACCREDITATION FOR NEW TOY SAFETY STANDARD UL Helps Toy Manufacturers Meet Mandatory IS 9873…

Canada Proposes Regulatory Approach for Formaldehyde Emission from Composite Wood…

The Environment and Climate Change of Canada has proposed regulatory approach to reduce emissions of formaldehyde from composite wood products.…

India Releases Rules for Packaged Commodities

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs of India has released G.S.R. 629(E) The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules 2017. The…

EU Issues Notice on the Market Surveillance of Products Sold…

The European Union (EU) has issued Commission Notice on the market surveillance of products sold online. This notice concerns the…

OEHHA Proposes to List Chlorpyrifos and n-Hexane under Proposition 65

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is proposing to list chlorpyrifos and n-hexane to the list of chemicals…

Vietnam Consults on the National Technical Regulation on Quality of…

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration of Vietnam is consulting the public on the National Technical Regulation…

Singapore Opens Consultation for the Proposed Amendments to Consumer Protection…

Spring Singapore has opened the public consultation for the proposal to amend Consumer Protection Safety Regulations. This notice proposes to…

Oman Mandates ASTM Standards for Children’s & Adult Jewelries

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Oman has issued Mandatory Standard Specifications for Consumer Product Safety for Children’s and…

UNBS Drafts Standards for Food Contact Materials

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has drafted three standards for food contact materials. The standards are: DUS 1679:…

Turkey Issues Guidance Document on Food Labeling and Consumer Information

The government of Turkey has issued Turkish Food Codex: Food Labeling and Consumer Information Guidance on Regulation on August 4,…

US FDA Publishes Guidance Documents for the Implementation of Food…

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published guidance documents for the implementation of Food Safety Modernization Act. The…

India Enforces New Food Safety and Standards Regulations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has enforced two new food safety and standards regulations. Part III…

Belize Drafts Standard Specification for Labeling of Prepackaged Food

Belize Bureau of Standards has released Draft Belize Standard Specification for Labelling Part 3: Labelling of Prepackaged Food. The draft…

Italy Releases Decrees for Labeling of Rice and Pasta

Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has released two decrees intended for the labeling of rice and pasta. Decree…

New Zealand Bans Wash-Off Products Containing Plastic Microbeads

New Zealand Gazette has announced the ban of the sale and manufacture of wash-off products containing plastic microbeads. The ban…

Uganda Drafts Standards for Reusable Sanitary Towels and Disposable Adult…

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has drafted two standards for reusable sanitary towels and disposable adult absorbent products.…

Brazil Senate Approves Rules for the Marketing of Organic Cosmetics

Brazil Senate has approved Draft Law No. 532 amends Law No. 6.360, of September 23, 1976 which provides for the…

US FDA Issues Guidance Document for Consumer Antiseptic Wash

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Guidance for Industry: Consumer Antiseptic Wash Final Rule Questions and Answers. This…

ECHA Opens Survey on the Restriction of the Placing on…

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is inviting manufacturers of tattoo ink and permanent make-up to answer a survey that will…

EC Enacts Regulation to Update Restricted Substances for Cosmetics

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1410 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009…

EC Enacts Regulation to Add Zinc Oxide as Authorized Colorant

The European Commission (EC) has enacted Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1413 amending Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the…

India Enforces Amended Toy Import Requirements

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of India has enforced DGFT Notification…

US FDA Issues Guidance Document for Generic Drug Development

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Product-Specific Guidance for Generic Drug Development. This document sets product-specific guidance…

US FDA Drafts Guidance on Drug Supply Chain Security Act

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released Draft Guidance Document on Identifying Trading Partners under Drug Supply Chain…

Taiwan Drafts Regulation on the Labeling of Health Food

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has drafted a regulation on the labeling of health food. Draft Regulations Governing…

SASO Drafts Technical Regulation of Textile Products

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has drafted Technical Regulation of Textile Products. This draft regulation labeling and conformity…

Uganda Consults on DUS 1687 Draft Standards for School Clothing

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is consulting on the release of draft standards intended for school clothing. Part…

China Implements Standard for Woven Garments for Infants; Two Textile…

Standardization Administration of China (SAC) has implemented GB/T 33271-2016 Woven Garments for Infants beginning July 1, 2017. This standard specifies…

EU Issues Standard for Size Labelling Of Clothes

European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued EN 13402-3:2017 Size designation of clothes - Part 3: Size labelling based on…

MEXICO — UL CRS Signed Strategic Partnership with AsemhLab Laboratory

UL Consumer & Retail Services is expanding its global footprint by signing a partnership agreement with AsemhLab, a third-party Mexican…

SOUTH AFRICA — UL CRS Signed Strategic Partnership with ATS Laboratory

UL Consumer & Retail Services (CRS) continues expanding its footprint into Africa by signing a partnership agreement with the South…

CEN Updates Standards for Playground Equipment for Children

The European Committee for Standardization is set to update standards intended for playground equipment for children. The standards are: EN…

ASTM International Issues Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Baby Changing…

ASTM International has issued ASTM F2388 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Baby Changing Products for Domestic Use. The topics include:…

UK Transposes British Standard EN 716–1:2017 Children´s Cots and Folding…

UK British Standards Institution (BSI) has transposed BS EN 716-1:2017 Furniture. Children's cots and folding cots for domestic use. Safety…

EU Issues Revised Standard for Toy Safety

European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued revised EN 71-3:2013+A2:2017 Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements.…

CPSC Issues Safety Tips for Fidget Spinners

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued Fidget Spinner Safety Information. This document provides guidance for the safe use…

EC Drafts BPA Regulation Intended for FCM

The European Commission (EC) has drafted a regulation on the use of bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings intended to…

ASTM International Publishes F963-17 for Toy Safety

ASTM International has published ASTM F963 - 17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety to replace ASTM F963-16 as…

CPSC Finalizes Rule for the Prohibition of Children’s Toys and…

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued 82 FR 41163 - Prohibition of Children's Toys and Child Care Articles…

Malaysia next in bid to legalise migrant workers

A campaign to legalise Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand could be repeated in Malaysia if it proves successful, the Labour…

UL Launches Eyewear Testing Laboratory in Shenzhen, China

The new laboratory will provide comprehensive testing services for eyewear products to meet global regulatory requirements. UL’s new eyewear testing…

Of Slaves and Slave Masters: Strategic Litigation to Address Forced…

Modern slavery in Qatar and other Gulf countries has received a lot of attention in light of the upcoming 2022…

Addressing Risks of Forced Labor in Supply Chains

With increasing attention to forced labor, trafficking, and modern slavery issues throughout supply chains, including new laws and regulations, FLA-affiliated…

Five corporations pledge to change their supplier codes of conduct…

Five major corporations—Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Hormel Foods, Marriott International, and Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.—have committed to changing…

Myanmar workers march to call for minimum wage rise

About 2,000 workers have marched for a daily minimum wage increase and also called on the government to provide them…

U.S. Exposure to Forced Labor Exports from China

China maintains a network of prison labor facilities that use forced labor to produce goods intended for export—a violation of…

Stained Trade

Global Witness followed the 9,000-mile journey of rainforest timber from Papua New Guinea, where illegal logging is rampant, through China…

New European standard EN 16890 – MATTRESSES FOR COTS AND…

The new standard EN 16890 specifies safety requirements and test methods for mattresses including mattress bases (cot base and a…

EN 14988 – CHILDREN’S HIGH CHAIRS — Revision and updating…

The standard EN 14988 specifies safety requirements and test methods for free standing children's high chairs that elevate children to…

EN 1272 –TABLE MOUNTED CHAIRS — Revision and updating of…

The standard EN 1272 specifies safety requirements and test methods for table mounted chairs, intended for children who are able…

EN 716 – CHILDREN’S COTS AND FOLDING COTS FOR DOMESTIC…

The standard EN 716 specifies safety requirements and test methods for children's cots for domestic use with an internal length…

China Proposes Rule for Compulsory Certification of Household and Similar…

Accreditation and Certification Administration of P.R.C of China has proposed a rule for compulsory certification of household and similar equipment…

ECHA Issues Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment. This guidance describes the information…

OEHHA Consults on the Amendments to Certain Sections of Article…

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has released for public consultation the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Amendments…

CEN Issues Standard for Child Protective Products

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has issued EN 16948:2017 Child protective products - Consumer fitted child resistant locking devices…

Australia Releases Table of Highly Processed Wooden Articles

Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has released the table of highly processed wooden articles. The following articles and…

EC Consults on the Draft Regulation for 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone

The European Commission (EC) has issued Draft Commission Regulation amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European…

EC Drafts Regulation with regards to CMR Substances

The European Commission (EC) has issued Draft Commission Regulation amending the Appendices to Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006…

Singapore Proposes to Control Polychlorinated Naphthalenes (PCN) and Trichlorfon

National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore is proposing to control polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCN) and trichlorfon as Hazardous Substances (HS) under…

EC Issues Implementing Decision on the Identification of Four Substances…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1210 on the identification of DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP…

OEHHA Lists Pentabromodiphenyl Ether Mixture DE-71 (Technical Grade) under Proposition…

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has added pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)] to the list…

Health Canada Proposes Change to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

Health Canada has proposed changes to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. This proposal aims to inform the industry on substances that…

Sweden Proposes Ordinance to Prohibit Microplastics in Cosmetics

The Ministry of Environment and Energy of Sweden has proposed M2017/01733/R Ordinance amending the Chemicals Products (Handling, Import and Export…

EC Extends Dossier Submission on the Restriction of Certain Chemicals…

The European Commission (EC) has extended the dossier submission on the restriction of certain chemicals in tattoo inks and permanent…

EC Drafts Regulation on Cosmetic Products

The European Commission (EC) has issued Draft Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009…

EC Issues Regulation on Rinse-off Products

The European Commission (EC) has issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1224 amending Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the…

Federal Gazette of Malaysia Updates List of Chemicals for Cosmetics…

The Federal Gazette of Malaysia has released Poisons (Amendment of Poisons List) (No.3) Order 2017. The order applies to chemicals…

EC Issues Regulation on Organic Silicon and Calcium Phosphoryl Oligosaccharides…

The European Commission (EC) has issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1203 about Organic Silicon (monomethylsilanetriol) and Calcium Phosphoryl Oligosaccharides (POs-Ca®) Added…

Uganda Consults on Footwear Standards

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is consulting on the release of a draft standard, DUS 1688:2017 Footwear —…

Australia Drafts Standard for Textile Floor Coverings

Australia has drafted DR AS/NZS 3733:2017 Textile floor coverings - Cleaning maintenance of residential and commercial carpeting. This draft standard…