The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking public input by 17 June on a proposal to revise the current mandatory safety standards for bassinets and cradles to ensure they provide the highest level of safety feasible.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking public input by 11 April on whether certain recent revisions to ASTM’s voluntary safety standard for infant and cradle swings improves the safety of these products. If an affirmative determination is made in this regard, the CPSC will update its mandatory standard for these products accordingly.
On 8 November 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (‘ECHA’) announced that its investigation has revealed that substances causing cancer, genetic mutations or harming reproduction are present in childcare products, such as car seats, bibs and baby changing mats. The investigation will henceforth assist the European Commission (‘Commission’) in preparing an EU-wide restriction to limit such chemicals, with the aim of safeguarding children’s health.
Interested parties may submit input by 26 December on a proposed rule that would establish a mandatory safety standard for infant and infant/toddler rockers. Separately, the standard for the flammability of clothing textiles has been amended effective from 22 April 2024 to clarify existing provisions, expand permissible equipment and materials, and update equipment requirements.
On 23 August 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that it has drafted an investigation report on the assessment of the presence of CMR substances in childcare articles. The ECHA report supports the European Commission in preparing a restriction proposal for carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR, cat 1A or 1B) substances that may be present in childcare articles under the REACH Regulation. Interested parties are invited to have their say on the draft report until 29 September 2023.
The State of Oregon recently adopted a number of changes to its reporting requirements under the Oregon Toxic-Free Kids Act for children’s products that contain one or more high priority chemicals of concern for children’s health if found at or above specific levels in those products.