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The European Commission notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) about the plan to restrict four Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP) in toys and childcare articles as well as in any plasticized material having contact with human mucous membranes or prolonged contact with human skin.
By Bureau Veritas Technical Services 1 minute read
Since years, three Phthalates, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dibultyl phthalate (DBP), and Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), are restricted in toys and childcare articles under REACH (EC 1907/2006). Now the European Commission notified the World Trade Organization about a planned amendment of Entry 51 of the Annex XVII of REACH.
The restriction of Phthalates will be extended to four phthalates by adding Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) to the list. Therefore, plasticized materials in toys and childcare articles may not contain more than 0.1% (1000 mg/kg) of the sum of DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP.
Furthermore, this restriction will be extended to any plasticized material having contact with human mucous membranes or prolonged contact with human skin.
In the sense of this restriction
(a) "plasticised material" means the following homogeneous materials:
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC), other polymers such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and polyvinyl acetate (PVA), as well as any other plastics, except polyolefins,
- rubber, except silicone rubber and natural latex coatings,
- polyurethanes and any other foam rubber or foam plastic,
- surface coatings, non-slip coatings, finishes, decals, printed designs,
- adhesives, sealants, paints and inks.
(b) “prolonged contact with human skin” means continuous contact of more than 10 minutes duration or intermittent contact over a period of 30 minutes, per day.
(c) "childcare article" shall mean any product intended to facilitate sleep, relaxation, hygiene, the feeding of children or sucking on the part of children.”
Some derogations are provided. The proposal is expected to be published in the second half of 2018. Proposed date of entry into force will be 20 days from publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Application of the restriction would be deferred for 18 months after entry into force.
Additional Information:
WTO notification:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/FE_Search/ExportFile.aspx?id=244152&filename=q/G/TBTN18/EU564.pdf
