Added two PAH substances to the GS Mark testing list
With the decision of the Committee for Technical Working Appliances and Consumer Products (AtAV) dated 20th November 2007, and in conjunction with the appraisal of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), testing for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) is required for the GS Mark certification, a crucial mark for the European Market Access. The establishment of the PAH testing list is to ensure the harmful potential of PAH substances will be taken into account in the course of application.
Recently, the AtAV committee expanded the current PAH testing list from 16 to 18 and the list applies to all product categories. The newly added PAH substances for testing including:
1) Benzo[j]fluoranthen
2) Benzo[e]pyren
UL is the recognized certification body and our experts can provide manufacturers with the following services for PAH testing:
- risk assessment
- categorization
- test and evaluation
The official documents ZEK / 01.2-08, Testing and Validation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the course of GS Mark Certification is now under revision and there will be a six-month transition period starting from the publication date.
PAH substances are commonly found in elastomers (plastic and rubber), black or dark colored polymers, coatings and varnish, and materials treated with conservation agents (naphthalene) such as leather products, wood and so on. The PAH requirements apply to all equipment which have surfaces that can be touched, or put into the mouth during intended or foreseeable misapplication or misuse. Some examples for high-tech products include cameras, handheld household appliances, scanners, notebook computers, printers and hand-held information technology equipment.
It is important for manufacturers to evaluate all product samples and materials and determine which parts are accessible as well as the duration of time that these products can be touched.
If you need any assistance in meeting the new GS requirements, contact
North America: Nicole Tatum, Engineering Leader, UL USA
Europe, Latin America & Africa: Karina Christiansen, Program Manager, Europe, Latin America & Africa Certification
Asia: Chris Lin, Global Market Access Lead for High-Tech industry
THESE UPDATES ARE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY LEGAL OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. USE OF THE INFORMATION IN THESE UPDATES IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. PLEASE CONTACT LOCAL COUNSEL FOR LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING THE REGULATIONS DISCUSSED HEREIN.
