Category: European Union

Extended Producer Responsibility (PRO) is covered by provisions of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC. In practice, EPR requires producers (which includes brands, importers, or manufacturers) to finance packaging waste collection.

This is managed on a national level, by approved organisations. In France, Léko is one such Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).

In this guide, they share what businesses selling products in France must know about the EPR registration process, fees, Triman, and other packaging waste instructions.
Continue reading Extended Producer Responsibility in France – Q&A with Léko

Essential oils can contain substances that are subject to various restrictions. These restrictions concern substances that are flammable, harmful to humans, labelling requirements, and documentation.

In this guide, we explain how regulations such as the CLP Regulation, Cosmetics Regulation, and REACH relate to essential oils. We also list a few standards and test methods relevant to essential oils.
Continue reading Essential Oil Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation classifies and regulates substances, mixtures and some articles in order to protect people and the environment.

The scope of the regulation also includes consumer products mainly composed of substances, such as candles, or finger paints.

In this guide, we explain how the CLP Regulation applies to those substances and products, including requirements regarding labelling, packaging, and lab testing.
Continue reading Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation: An Overview

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.
Continue reading PFAS Regulations in the European Union: An Essential Guide

The Machinery Regulation lays down health and safety requirements for machinery, as well as partially completed machinery. As the definition of machinery includes products with moving parts, the regulation is also relevant for consumer products such as e-bikes or trademills.

In this guide, we explain what importers and manufacturers should know about the Machinery Regulation, including documentation, CE marking, labelling, and testing requirements.
Continue reading Machinery Regulation: An Essential Guide

Practically all consumer products sold in the European Union are subject to regulations governing the use of heavy metals, chemicals, and other substances. Specific bans and restrictions on substances like lead and phthalates apply to essentially all consumer products – including textiles, childcare items, toys, cosmetics, and kitchenware.

Despite bans and restrictions, some products sold in the EU continue to contain high concentrations of restricted chemicals.

In this article, we list some of the most important EU regulations that cover substances in consumer products. We also explain how you can check if a product contains regulated or prohibited substances.
Continue reading Chemical Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

Magnets and products that contain magnets are potential safety hazards. As such, ensuring compliance with applicable safety standards, substance restrictions, and warning labelling requirements is essential.

Products that contain small magnets might be particularly dangerous. For example, there have been cases of children who swallowed magnets and required urgent surgery.

In this guide, we cover requirements for magnets such as those listed in the REACH Regulation, the Toy Safety Directive, EN 71-1 and the General Product Safety Regulation.
Continue reading Magnet Safety Standards & Regulations in the European Union: An Overview