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NASPGHAN calls for ban of high-powered magnets in toys
The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) recently issued a survey on ingestion of high-powered magnets by infants, children, and teenagers.
The survey found that, in the past 10 years, there have been 480 cases of magnet ingestions, with nearly half of those in the last 12 months. The majority of magnet ingestions occurred in children aged 1-6, though they also occurred among adolescents and teenagers, who use the magnets to mimic tongue, lip, and nose piercings.
The ingestions involved high-powered magnets commonly sold in sets of 100 or more balls about 3-6 mm in size. Most are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron, and exhibit a strong attractive force. If one or more magnet is swallowed, the magnets will attempt to reconnect with each other inside the body, which can tear holes in the stomach and bowel.
Based upon these results, NASPGHAN advises that warning labels are ineffective at preventing ingestion of high-powered magnets. Further, the association calls for an outright ban on these products.
Robert Noel, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist and lead author of the study advised, “Despite improved warnings, the prevalence of high-powered magnet ingestions is increasing. The most effective way to prevent ingestions is to ban the sale of high-powered magnet sets.”
For more on magnets in toys – including insight into jurisdictions which have restricted or banned these products – contact us!
EU Commission publishes Decision on the safety requirements for certain seats for children pursuant to Directive 2001/95/EC
On the 9th of November the EU Commission published a Commission document on the safety requirements to be met by European standards for certain seats for children pursuant to Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on general product safety. The text has EEA relevance
This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. C&R will be tracking the progress of this decision and can help you with any queries you may have. If you would like further information please contact us
Adoption of new chemical safety measures in Switzerland
On 8 November 2012, the Swiss Federal Council adopted amendments to the country’s chemical ordinance on risk reduction related to chemical products (ORRChem). The revised text aims to ensure a high level of protection of health and the environment; to prevent technical barriers to trade and to align with EU measures on substances of very high concern (SVHC) and harmonised classification and labelling (C&L).
The changes come into force on 1 December 2012 and will be phased in from 1 June 2015. For further details, please contact us.
UK Publishes Energy Efficiency Strategy
The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change has just published its Energy Efficiency Strategy today, following on from a public consultation which was held in February. For further details, please contact us.
Australia announces permanent ban on small, high powered magnets that are loose or separable
A permanent ban on small, high powered magnets that are loose or separable was announced by the Minister on 12 November and will come into effect later this month.
This ban applies to magnets that:
- are small enough to fit into the small parts cylinder used in the mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age.
- have a magnetic flux of 50 or more.
- are marketed by the supplier as, or supplied for use as any of the following:
- a toy, game or puzzle (including but not limited to an adult desk toy, an educational toy or game, a toy, game or puzzle for mental stimulation or stress relief)
- a construction or modelling kit
- jewellery to be worn in or around the mouth or nose.
This ban is relevant to anyone in the business of supplying small, high powered magnets, including:
- manufacturers
- importers
- distributors
- retailers.
Penalties and consequences:
Once this ban takes effect, supplying small, high powered magnets that meet the definition of this ban can make you liable for heavy fines and product recalls.
A consumer protection notice will prescribe requirements of this permanent ban. C&R will be tracking the progress of this notice and the consequential penalties. If you would like further information please contact us.
Commission proposes new F-gas regulation
The Commission has released a proposal that would replace Regulation 842/2006 on fluorinated greenhouse gases. The proposal aims to further the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction by discouraging the use of F-gases with a significant impact on the environment, and further regulating the placing on the market and treatment of equipment containing F-gases. This would include fire protection systems and extinguishers, refrigerators and freezers, and air conditioning equipment.
As currently drafted, the new regulation would apply from 1 January 2014. New restrictions on F-gas containing equipment would be phased in from 2015 to 2020.
C&R will be tracking the progress of this proposal through the EU Parliament and Council. For further information, please contact us.
Korean REACH Update
The 2011 South Korean draft Act on chemicals registration and evaluation is on track for adoption in early 2013 with an estimated entry into force date of 2015, according to the Korean National Institute of Environmental Research. For further details on this or the draft Korean REACH, please contact us
AAFA releases 11th edition of its Restricted Substances List
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has released the 11th edition of its Restricted Substances List (RSL).
The RSL is a matrix summarizing global approaches to chemical management. The List covers chemicals and other substances restricted through regulation or law in apparel, footwear, travel goods, home textiles, and other fashion accessories.
The RSL has been updated to include new information about Washington State’s Children’s Safe Products Act reporting, a link to the AAFA List of Non-Regulated Substances Contained in Apparel Footwear International RSL Management (AFIRM) RSL, and other additions.
The AAFA RSL is available to members and non-members alike, via the AAFA website.
For more on restricted substances in the apparel, footwear, home textiles, or other industries, contact Compliance & Risks today!
Macedonia issues list of possible WEEE products
The Macedonian Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning issued a list of the types of products that may fall into categories of electrical and electronic equipment, pursuant to Article 41(4) of the Macedonia Law on the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, 2012.
The Law lists the fees to be paid by manufacturers who place equipment on the market in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as manufacturers who import equipment into the Republic of Macedonia as an end user in respect of these categories of equipment.
The list was published on October 26 and became effective the day after.
For more on WEEE in Macedonia – or elsewhere! – please contact us.
Free matrix on e-waste financing in some key jurisdictions
C&R has prepared a matrix outlining financial responsibility in e-waste regulations in certain key jurisdictions
This matrix outlines the scope and financial responsibility imposed by e-waste legislation in some key jurisdictions including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, India, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan and the USA. It looks at the products covered, financing and the recycling fee for consumers where applicable. Get the free matrix now.