Category: United States

Microplastic Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be found in consumer products such as cosmetics, or toothpaste.

The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015f amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act to prohibit microbeads, which are a type of microplastics that are intentionally added to products such as rinse-off cosmetics. The reason is that microplastics can end up in waterways and harm fish and other marine life.

In this guide, we explain what microplastics are, which products may contain them, and how the FDA and various state regulations restrict some types of microplastics from being used in products.
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Hazardous Materials Regulations: An Essential Guide

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Hazardous Materials Regulations
The Hazardous Materials Regulations sets requirements related to the transportation of dangerous materials, which include substances and products – such as batteries.

In this guide, we explain what the general requirements are and how US importers and manufacturers can use the Hazardous Materials Table to find relevant information concerning the requirements for their specific hazardous materials or product. We also provide a case study, focusing on the requirements for lithium batteries.
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Bisphenol A (BPA) Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic chemical used to improve durability and heat resistance in plastics. As such, it has long been used when manufacturing plastic products, from kitchen utensils and toys to certain medical devices.

That said, studies show that BPA may interfere with hormones, and cause other damage to the human body. It’s therefore not surprising that BPA is regulated in the United States, especially in food contact products designed for children.

In this guide, we explain what importers and manufacturers must know about BPA restrictions, including FDA 21 CFR, California Proposition 65, and other state regulations.

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Essential Oil Regulations in the United States: An Overview

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Essential Oil Regulations United States

Essential oils imported and manufactured for sales in the United States are covered by various regulations. These set requirements concerning substances, labelling, packaging, and testing.

In this guide, we take a closer look at Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), and California Proposition 65, and how these relate to essential oils in various ways. We also list several procedures and standards that can be used when testing essential oils.

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List of Products Covered by CPSIA: An Overview

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CPSIA Products List

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requires importers and manufacturers of children’s products, such as toys, bassinets, and pacifiers, to comply with relevant documentation, labeling, and testing requirements.

In this guide, we list different categories of children’s products covered by the CPSIA, examples of such products, and relevant standards.
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List of FCC Lab Testing Companies: Our Top 11 Picks

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FCC Testing Companies

Lab testing is generally necessary to ensure that your electronic and electrical products comply with the requirements set by the FCC, which regulates the electromagnetic radiation and other aspects of such equipments in the United States. This includes both products products that intentionally emit radio frequency energy (e.g. bluetooth speaker) and unintentional radiators (e.g. wired mouse).

This guide list some of the leading testing and certification companies that offer FCC testing and other related services. It includes companies based in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Continue reading List of FCC Lab Testing Companies: Our Top 11 Picks

PFAS Regulations in the United States: An Essential Guide

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Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that can be added to certain materials to enhance their ability to resist water, stains, and flames. Products that might contain PFAS include non-stick cookware, apparel, furniture, and building materials.

In recent years, some federal and state regulations in the United States have been regulating PFAS due to their toxicity to humans and the environment. In this article, we explain what PFAS are, as well as how these substances are restricted in the United States.
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Packaging Recycling and Sustainability Symbols in the US: An Overview

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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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