Tag: compliance us

PFAS Regulations in the European Union: An Essential Guide

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Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been used in certain consumer products for their ability to resist water and stains.

Such products include cookware, clothing, furniture, and building materials. In recent years, PFAS has been restricted by various regulations in the European Union because of their toxicity to humans and the environment.

In this article, we list examples of products that might contain PFAS, as well as regulations that restrict them, including REACH, the POPs Regulation, and the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
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Packaging Recycling and Sustainability Symbols in the US: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 3 Comments

In the United States, there are various recycling and sustainability symbols for packaging materials like paper and plastic. Some symbols are codes that indicate material type, while others claim environmental attributes or responsibly sourced materials from audited forests.

In this guide, we explain what you need to know regarding Resin Identification Codes, Environmental Claims (16 CFR Part 260), USDA Certified Biobased Product Labels, and FSC Recycled Labels.
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Magnet Safety Standards and Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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Magnet Regulations United States

Magnets and magnet-containing products may pose serious safety hazards to consumers – especially young children. As a result, it is important to fulfill the relevant product compliance requirements, including physical, substance, labeling, and testing requirements.

In this guide, we outline what importers and manufacturers of magnets (including products with magnets) need to know about 16 CFR Part 1262, ASTM standards, RoHS, and California Proposition 65.

We also cover Amazon’s prohibition of certain magnets.
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What is the difference between REACH and California Proposition 65?

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REACH California Proposition 65 comparison

REACH and California Proposition 65 are two regulations restricting dangerous substances in the EU and in the US State of California, respectively. These two regulations overlap to a large extent in terms of the substances that are subject to restrictions.

That being said, the two differ in terms of the specific bans, limitations, test methods, labeling, and registration requirements that apply.

In this guide, we summarize the main differences between the regulations and feature some examples of restricted substances.
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General Certificate of Conformity (GCC): A Practical Guide

Posted on by Fredrik Gronkvist — 4 Comments

Issuing a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) is mandatory for certain non-children’s (general use) products sold in the United States. Examples include carpets, apparel, and bike helmets.

In this guide, we explain when you need a GCC, the required information, and lab testing requirements.

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Cookware Regulations and Standards in the United States

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 2 Comments

Cookware Regulations in the United States
Cookware such as frying pans and woks are covered by food contact material regulations such as 21 CFR or even guidance documents, which for example might regulate lead or cadmium contamination in ceramic products.

Different requirements apply depending on the material, some of which are not even related to food contact materials. For example, specific requirements apply to wooden products and by extension wooden cookware.

In this guide, we cover relevant requirements for cookware such as substance restrictions, labeling, and testing.

Note that the products listed as examples in this guide might not always be specifically mentioned by the regulations. This is because the scope of most relevant regulations is based on specific substances or materials, not products.

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Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Guide

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FIFRA Guide

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) apply to pesticide products, such as insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides, as well as pesticidal devices (e.g., ultrasonic devices).

This guide explains what you need to know about making pesticide claims, registering a pesticide product or device, and labeling your products. We also cover packaging, lab testing, and other requirements.
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CPSC Substantial Product Hazards List: An Overview

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CPSC Substantial Product Hazards

The CPSC Substantial Product Hazards List contains consumer products that include features that might present a risk to the general public. As an example, children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings might present a risk of strangulation for kids.

As such, importers and manufacturers should ensure that their products, if mentioned on the list, adhere to the requirements of appropriate standards.

In this guide, we explain what substantial product hazards are. We also list them, including their definition, relevant standards, and more.

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Food Contact Materials Regulations in the United States: An Overview

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 3 Comments

Food contact materials comprise products and packaging that are meant to come into contact with food or drinks. This includes cookware, cutlery, and food containers. While the main focus of food contact materials regulations is the restrictions of substances that are deemed to be dangerous (e.g. heavy metals), other requirements might also apply – such as labeling.

In this guide, we summarize various food contact material regulations in the United States, including substance restrictions, labeling, documentation, and testing requirements.
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Textiles Labeling Requirements in the United States

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Textile Labeling Requirements in the United States

Products containing textile fibers, fur, and wool, that are imported or manufactured in the United States, are covered by the labeling rules and requirements outlined in 16 CFR Parts 303, 301, and 300.

Additionally, care labeling might be required for some products (e.g. wearing apparel), according to 16 CFR Part 423. Other regulations such as CPSIA or the Flammable Fabric Act also sets labeling requirements for textiles products based on the age group or fabric characteristics.

In this guide, we explain what products are covered by the relevant regulations, and what are the labeling requirements. Note that, while some of these regulations might also contain documentation, testing, and other requirements, in this article we focus on the labeling requirements.

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