Non-food legislation – September 2020
REACH and CLP
In August 2020, the EC published the 15th adaptation to technical progress (ATP-15) to the CLP Regulation to apply from 1 March 2022. It amends Annex VI, adding 37 new entries, revising 21 entries and deleting two entries. ATP-16 is also on its way as SGS reports that in July 2020, the EU informed the WTO.
FPF reports that the EC passed Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 that will amend the REACH Restriction List (Annex XVII) to include restriction of diisocyanates. The EU also notified the WTO of its intention to amend Annex XVII to include restriction of perfluorocarboxylic acids containing 9 to 14 carbon atoms in the chain (C9-C14 PFCAs), their salts and related substances.
ECHA has published a report (2.26 MB) on the impacts of REACH restriction and authorisation on substituting hazardous chemicals as well as a report (355 kB) on its own substitution-supporting activities.
EC publishes FAQ on Unique Device Identification (UDI) System for medical devices
The EC has published FAQs on the Unique Device Identification (UDI) System for medical devices.
US: FDA warning on hand sanitizers packaged in food and drink containers
The FDA is warning consumers about alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are being packaged in containers that may appear as food or drinks and may put consumers at risk of serious injury or death if ingested.
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and PFAS
UBA research has found that children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 in Germany have too many PFAS in their blood. An article (495 kB) about the research is published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.
CHEM Trust has published an EU policy proposal (1.14 MB) on how to protect people and wildlife from EDCs. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology recently published two articles on EDCs. In the first article (abstract), researchers at New York University summarise the evidence found in previous studies on EDC implications for human health. In the second article, (abstract) Duke University researchers examine regulatory approaches to limit EDC exposure.
Nanomaterials
ECHA reports that the OECD has published two documents for the testing of manufactured nanomaterials: Guidance 317 (2.49 MB) and Guidance 318 (1.91 MB). Both documents are applicable for testing under the REACH Regulation and can be used to cover specific information requirements for nanomaterials that entered into force on 1 January 2020.
The JRC has published a report (5.72 MB) about the Global Summit on Regulatory Science 2019 Nanotechnology and Nanoplastics.
NL: Cigarette packets same dark green-brown colour as of 1 October 2020
In the Netherlands, cigarette packets will all have the same dark green-brown colour as of 1 October 2020. The pictures will remain on the packets. For cigars and e-cigarettes, rules will also be drawn up for a standard packaging by 2022. More information can be found on the website (in Dutch) of the Dutch government.
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