Softlines & Leather regulatory updates November 2023
Toxic chemicals present in childcare products
On 8 November 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a news article which explained the results of ECHA’s investigation of toxic chemicals present in childcare products. This investigation found that substances such as cobalt and lead, along with phthalates like DEHP, are the most common CMR substances present in childcare products such as car seats, bibs, products related to toiletries, bedding and mattresses. For this reason, ECHA’s report provides elements to support the European Commission in the preparation of a restriction proposal for the use and presence of hazardous chemicals in childcare products based on Article 68 of REACH.
For more information, please refer to the EHCA official publication here.
A system is established for the specific protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products
On 27 October 2023, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and amending Regulations (EU) 2017/1001 and (EU) 2019/1753.
This new publication establishes a Union system for the protection of geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products. The aim is to register, protect and control in relation to geographical indications designating artisanal products and industrial products with a quality, reputation or other specific characteristic linked to their geographical origin.
On the other hand, geographical indications registered in the international register shall be established in accordance with the Geneva Act of the Agreement Lisbon Act on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications (hereinafter "Geneva Act") administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
This Regulation applies to craft and industrial products, and it does not apply to agricultural products, foodstuffs or spirit drinks.
This regulation will be applicable from 1 December 2025.
The below table summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):
(*) Date of withdrawal: The latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.
CEN |
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Reference |
Title |
Date of withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
|
Leather - Requirements for the determination of the origin of leather production |
31 March 2024 |
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Textiles - Quantitative chemical analysis - Part 4: Mixtures of certain protein fibres with certain other fibres (method using hypochlorite) (ISO 1833-4:2023) |
30 April 2024 |
Relevant publications related to ERP and AGEC Law
The latest publications in relation to Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) and AGEC Law by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition are summarised in the table below:
Date |
Publication |
18 October 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
18 October 2023 |
Order of 12 October 2023 laying down specifications for approval of eco-organizations, individual systems and coordinating organizations of the sector with extended responsibility for the producer of furnishing elements designated in article R. 543-240 of the code of the environment. |
6 November 2023 |
Info-tri information for the consumer and professionals |
17 November 2023 |
Framework for environmental claims and consumer information on products. |
Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source “Safety Gate (RAPEX)”) and the U.S. (Source “CPSC”).
Safety Gate (RAPEX) (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities)
The following 13 alerts regarding clothing, textile and fashion items were reported between week 43 and 46 of 2023.
Type of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
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Toiletry bag |
Rain boots |
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Children’s flip-flops |
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Wallet |
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Hat with lighting chain |
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Tracksuit |
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Hooded sweatshirt |
OPSS issues Product Safety Alerts on the UK market.
The following 2 alerts regarding clothing, textiles and fashion items were reported between week 43 and 46 of 2023.
Type of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
|
Baby dungaree set |
|
Baby snowsuit |
From 2 November 2023 to 22 November 2023, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) published the following recalls: 2 recalls of textile & leather products
Hazard |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
|
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Children’s nightgowns |
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Women’s high-heeled sandals |