Tag: compliance us

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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Textile 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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Möbius Loop Guide for the US, EU and UK

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Möbius Loop Symbol

The Möbius loop is a widely recognized symbol that generally indicate packaging recyclability. The requirements for using the Möbius loop symbol differ depending on whether you sell in the EU, US, or UK.

For example, some regulations – such as 16 CFR Part 260 in the US – set requirements and guidance on how to use the Möbius loop symbol. For instance, importers and manufacturers might need to provide proof of their packaging’s recyclability or qualify their recyclability claims.

In short, you should not use the Möbius loop symbol unless you have something to support it. Even then, the requirements are not always crystal clear.

In this guide, we explain the meaning of the Möbius loop symbol, and how guidance regarding its usage varies across the EU, the US, and the UK.

Note that we always refer to “packaging” because, in the official documents we could find, the provided examples usually concern packaging products (e.g. cardboard boxes or food containers).

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UN 38.3 Requirements for Lithium Batteries: A Practical Guide

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UN 38.3 guide

If you are planning to ship lithium batteries in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, or Canada, you should be aware that there are restrictions, due to the fact that lithium batteries might be dangerous. For example, they might explode or catch fire.

In this guide, we explain what importers and manufacturers should know about UN 38.3 compliance requirements in practice. Note that other markets might regulate lithium batteries as well.
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Reese’s Law – Guide to Button Cell Battery Safety Requirements

Posted on by Yvette Shen — 5 Comments

Reese's Law
Reese’s Law, enacted in honor of a toddler who lost her life due to the ingestion of a button cell battery, intends to protect users from similar tragedies. It mandates the establishment of a safety standard, which in turn sets requirements for button cell and coin batteries, and products that might contain such batteries.

This guide explains the background and purpose of Reese’s Law. It also covers 16 CFR Part 1263, the safety standard proposed by the CPSC as a result of the law. This guide also covers the standard’s product scope, as well as requirements regarding performance, labeling, testing, and certification.
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