Phthalates
Little Pro on 2016-07-17
Phthalates are a group of chemical substances used to soften plastics. They are also called plasticizers and can be found in many articles and consumer products. Some phthalates have shown adverse effects on reproductive system and endocrine system. In this article, we will summarize known phthalate restrictions in articles and consumer products in EU and other countries.
Phthalates and REACH Annex XVII
Phthalates are included in REACH Annex XVII restricted substances list (entry 51 and 52). Currently 6 phthalates are restricted in plasticised material in toys and childcare articles. The restriction conditions are listed as follows:
| Substance | Product | Limit |
|---|---|---|
|
Use in PVC and other plasticized materials in all toys and childcare articles. | DEHP+DBP+BBP<=0.1% |
|
Toys and child care articles which can be placed in the mouth by children | DINP+DIDP+DNOP<=0.1% |
Phthalates and EU RoHS 2
On 4 June 2015, the EU commission has published a new Directive (EU) 2015/863 to amend Annex II to EU RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU) to add the following 4 phthalates onto the list of restricted substances under EU RoHS 2.
- Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): <= 0.1%;
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): <= 0.1%;
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): <= 0.1%;
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): <= 0.1%.
DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP will be restricted from 22 July 2019 for all electrical and electronic equipment apart from Category 8 (medical devices) and Category 9 (monitoring and control equipment) that will have an additional two years to comply by 22 July 2021.
Phthalates Restrictions in USA
US Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has also banned 6 phthalates in children's toys and child care articles. The restriction limits are listed as follows:
| Product | Limit |
|---|---|
| Children's toys and child care articles. | DEHP, DBP, BBP<=0.1% |
| Any children's toythat can be placed in a child's mouth and child care articles. | DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP<=0.1% |
It should be noted that DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIDP are also on California Proposition 65 list. The State of California require manufacturers of articles and consumer products (including non-toys and non-childcare products) containing listed chemicals to place "reasonable warnings" on product packaging to alert purchasers.
Phthalates Restrictions in Other Countries
| Country | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Japan |
|
References
- ANNEX XVII to REACH – Entry 51 for Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP)
- ANNEX XVII to REACH – Entry 52 for Phthalates (DINP, DIDP, DNOP)
- Phthalates and CPSIA
- Revision of Japan Toy Safety Standard ST-2002 by BV
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Tags: Topics - Restriction, Substance Restriction in Articles