What is the difference between REACH and California Proposition 65?

Posted on Leave a comment

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.
Continue reading What is the difference between REACH and California Proposition 65?

What is the difference between REACH and RoHS?

Posted on Leave a comment

difference between REACH and RoHS

The REACH Regulation and RoHS Directive restrict the usage of various substances. There is also some overlap in terms of the substances covered by RoHS and REACH, which can create some confusion. However, they differ in terms of product scope, substance restrictions, and labelling requirements.

In this guide, we explain and summarise what some of those differences are. We also include examples of restricted substances for both regulation, and the respective limits.
Continue reading What is the difference between REACH and RoHS?

EU Batteries Regulation: An Essential Guide

Posted on 1 Comment

The Batteries Regulation is a new regulation that sets requirements for batteries and waste batteries placed in the EU market. It covers all types of batteries unless an exemption applies.

In this guide, we explain when the regulation will begin to apply, and its differences from the prior Batteries Directive. We also outline documentation, labelling, EPR and other requirements.
Continue reading EU Batteries Regulation: An Essential Guide

General Certificate of Conformity (GCC): A Practical Guide

Posted on 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.

Continue reading General Certificate of Conformity (GCC): A Practical Guide

Amazon Product Compliance Document Requests and Removals

Posted on 2 Comments

Amazon sometimes contacts sellers to request test reports, label photocopies, and product certificates, for the sake of verifying that the product is safe and fully compliant with the national regulations in the concerned marketplace. Such a review can be trigged when listing a new product, consumer complaints, or by Amazon’s own internal compliance review team.

In this guide, you will learn why Amazon requests compliance documents from sellers, and what they normally expect. We also cover real-life case studies, to demonstrate how products are subject to different types of compliance document requests. Continue reading Amazon Product Compliance Document Requests and Removals

Cookware Regulations and Standards in the United States

Posted on 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.

Continue reading Cookware Regulations and Standards in the United States

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

Posted on Leave a comment

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.
Continue reading Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Guide

CPSC Substantial Product Hazards List: An Overview

Posted on Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading CPSC Substantial Product Hazards List: An Overview

Food Contact Materials Regulations in the United States: An Overview

Posted on 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.
Continue reading Food Contact Materials Regulations in the United States: An Overview