Feature Stories

EC Notifies WTO its Intention to Revise Plastic FCM Regulation

The European Commission (EC) has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its intent to revise EU Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 for plastic materials and articles that come in contact…

Jun 16, 2015

EC Regulation 1272/2008: Classification, Labelling and Packaging

As of June 1, 2015, EC Regulation 1272/2008: Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) is the only legislation applicable to the classification and labeling of both substances and…

Jun 16, 2015

EC Reviews Toy Safety Directive for Update

The European Commission (EC) is reviewing the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC to determine if revisions are needed on said rules. This directive is designed to provide safety criteria for…

Jun 16, 2015

ECHA Calls for Evidence on Proposal Not to Restrict Musk Xylene and MDA

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released a call for evidence on the conclusions of two Annex XV reports, which propose not to initiate restrictions for the following, under Article…

Jun 16, 2015

ECHA Drafts Commission Implementing Decision on Three Substances as Existing Active Substance

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has drafted three Commission Implementing Decisions on three substances to be identified as existing active substances for use in Biocidal Products. The…

Jun 16, 2015

ECHA Publishes Consumer Exposure Example to Help REACH Compliance

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a consumer exposure example to substances in articles, to help companies seeking compliance with Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation…

Jun 16, 2015

EPA Issues SNURs for 25 Chemicals

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) for 25 chemicals that were the subject of pre-manufacture notices under the Toxic Substances…

Jun 16, 2015

FDA Issues Proposed Rule on Antimicrobial Sales and Distribution Data by Animal Species

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has opened a public consultation regarding its proposed rule mandating that all antimicrobials sold or distributed for use in food-producing animals…

Jun 16, 2015

INMETRO Releases Ordinance for Regulation Baby Dummies

The Brazil-based National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) has released Ordinance Nº. 241 on May 18, 2015, establishing rules that prohibit the manufacture, import…

Jun 16, 2015

Italy Notifies EC of Revising Testing Conditions for Stainless Steel Dining Cutting Implements and Objects in Contact with Water

Italian Ministry of Health’s has notified the European Commission of its intention to revise Health Ministry decree of 21 March 1973 on "Hygiene rules for packaging, containers and utensils…

Jun 16, 2015

MFDS Issues Revision on Food Standards and Specifications

The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued a set of amendments for food standards and specifications. The main revisions presented in the draft include: Requirements…

Jun 16, 2015

Minnesota Governor Signs Bill on Flame-Retardants Chemicals in Children’s Products and Furniture

Governor Mark Dayton has signed Minnesota Senate Bill 1215 banning manufacturers or wholesalers from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, distributing for sale, or distributing for…

Jun 16, 2015

MoT Issues Draft Order for Food Contact Materials with Certain Chemicals

The Tunisia Ministry of Trade (MoT) has issued draft copy to the Order of the Ministers of Trade; Health; Industry, Energy and Mining; and Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries…

Jun 16, 2015

New York Introduces Bill Prohibiting the Sale of Jewelry with Small Magnets

The State of New York has introduced Senate Bill 5552 prohibiting the sale of jewelry containing small magnets, meant to mimic a tongue, lip or nose piercing. The bill also requires…

Jun 16, 2015

NHFPC Releases National Food Safety Standard for Food Contact Materials

The National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHFPC) released a draft of the National Food Safety Standard: General Safety Requirements of Food…

Jun 16, 2015

SCCS Concludes Safety of D5 in Cosmetic Products

The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has released its opinion on the use of cyclopentasiloxane (D5) in cosmetic products, concluding that it is safe,…

Jun 16, 2015

Taiwan Revises Food Utensils, Containers and Packaging Testing Methods

The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare has revised the “Methods of Test for Food Utensils, Containers and Packages – Test of Glass, Porcelain and Enameled Products” (MOHWU0009.02). This…

Jun 16, 2015

US Senator Proposes Legislation on the Mandatory Recall Authority over Contaminated Meat and Poultry

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has proposed the Meat and Poultry Recall Notification Act, giving the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) authority to recall contaminated meat and…

Jun 16, 2015

USDA Announces Development of New GMO-Free Foods Certification and Label

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the development of new certification and labeling of products that are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A…

Jun 16, 2015

Westchester County Approves Toxic Toy Ban Legislation

The Westchester County New York Board of Legislators has unanimously approved the Children’s Product Safety Act introduced by Majority Leader Catherine Borgia, which was signed by the…

Jun 16, 2015