likelihood that any of the applicable limit- values are exceeded. Limits are either given as total content of a particular substance or as a maximum allowed migration of the substance under specified test conditions. It is important not to confuse these types of limits. In the case of materials/substances which are not subject to restrictions, these can be divided into two categories: 1. Materials/substances that are classified as hazardous (1272/2008) (but not covered by any specific restriction)
2. Materials/substances that are not classified as hazardous (1272/2008) (and not covered by any specific restriction)
Category 1 must be evaluated in terms of how the user is exposed to the substance during foreseeable use. Category 2 could be substances that are not classified since they are considered ‘safe’, but this category could also include substances that are subject to discussion, e.g. for future classification as hazardous.
The conclusion of the safety assessment should indicate whether the toy can be considered safe in terms of chemical properties.
Challenges ahead with the new EN71-3 (Migration of certain elements) Eurofins’ experts closely track the developments in the relevant standardisation committees as well as participating in the development programs.
This also applies to the new requirements for the chemical safety of toys which are planned to apply from July 2013 onwards. By that time, the products must be free from carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) substances. These new regulations will affect around 1,500 substances.
So what’s different with the new standard EN71- 3?
Lead and other toxic metals have long been regulated in paint for children’s products, but new regulations now require even lower levels, and extend to more than just paint and toys. Now the substrate that the paint covers also needs to be tested to ensure it meets acceptable levels, and an expanded list of products sold to children age 12 and under is included: • Current restrictions cover eight heavy metals • The new standard restricts the use of 19 metals and compounds
•
In the new standard the permitted limits on these metals and compounds are now split into three categories or toy materials:
• Dry brittle, powder-like or pliable materials (e.g. chalk)
• •
Liquid or sticky material (e.g. bubble solution, slimy balls)
Scraped off material (e.g. paint coating, plastics)
• Because of the chemical elements involved and the need to measure to very low quantifiable limits, changes to the analysis
and calibration of the equipment is required to screen for:
• 17 of the elements
• Hexavalent Chrome (Cr (VI)) • Organic Tin.
How can you minimise the impact of the new demands for chemical compliance? EN71-3 does not permit composite testing, as chemicals in different materials can react and give false-negative results. However, cross-referencing is allowed where there is sufficient evidence, so careful consideration on the materials you use when developing a toy can result in significant savings.
Although the demands of the new requirements
are not retroactive, the new chemical requirements apply to any toy item put onto the European market after the 20 July 2013. It is important that there is sufficient traceability to be able to demonstrate when the specific toy item was placed on the market, not just identical models of the toy. To help clients assess the risk of future non-compliance, we have developed an EN 71-3 screen test that takes into account the future limits for the 17 heavy metals. It is particularly useful for toys that have a long life-cycle or for raw materials and components that are intended to be used in the manufacture of toys by July 2013, giving our clients enough time to re-think their product design or find alternative materials if future chemical non-compliance is found.
Your Industry Our Focus
When you need confidence and a service you can trust, let us care for you through supporting your business with our
worldwide network of laboratories
Call us for UKAS/ CPSIA accredited Product Testing and Certification of Toys • Nursery Products • Textiles Contact: Derek Hepburn • Tel: +44 (0)161 868 7600 Fax: +44 (0)161 868 7699 • Email:
toys@eurofins.co.uk
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