Source: https://www.hermesworld.com/int/about-us/hermes-group/hermes-hansecontrol-group/news-news-archive/archives/
Timestamp: 2019-02-16 16:29:31
Document Index: 181590329

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3']

News Archive 2017 | Hermes
REACh: ECHA Verifies Compliance with Requirements
Furnishings, building materials, electronic appliances, or children’s toys: A multitude of chemicals are used in the manufacture of products for everyday use. In some cases, “Substances of Very High Concern” (SVHC) are also used to create the desired product properties. They could be carcinogenic, have hormonal effects, or pose a critical risk to the environment. For ten years, the European Chemical Regulation REACh has required companies to provide comprehensive information about such substances.
In November, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) declared that compliance with reporting and communication requirements for SVHC in products will now be verified in connection with a pilot project. Background information: Reports from national authorities and NGOs as well as the low number of notifications to date, indicate that the industry has not yet adequately fulfilled these obligations.
With the project, the ECHA intends to obtain a more accurate overview of the current level of implementation and identify reasons for any non-compliance with requirements. Awareness for legal requirements and the responsibility associated with them should be strengthened among the applicable companies. The focus will lie on suppliers of products for consumers, which likely contain the following SVHC:
Flame retardants (brominated and those containing phosphor)
UV-stabilizers (substance classification phenolic benzotriazole)
Aprotic polar solvents (e.g. dimethylformamide)
The project was launched in October 2017 and will run until the end of June 2018. A report on the outcome is expected by the end of November 2018.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative in the sales or order management department at the phone number +49(0)40 300 33 73 – 7310 or send us an E-mail.
National and European Standards: Keeping Track of Requirements
This year, there were also a number of changes to standards of particular relevance for manufacturers of consumer goods. Here is an overview of some updates:
As of January 1, 2017, DIN 79016 has come into force, which defines requirements for hiking, trekking, walking and touring ski poles as well as corresponding test methods. The different poles must fulfill a wide range of requirements, among other things, with respect to external design, grips and loops, puncture resistance, pull-off force for the grip, compressive and support forces, as well as durability.
With the publication in the joint ministerial paper no. 21 of June 26, 2017, p. 384 of the federal institute for occupational safety and health (BAuA), this standard is listed as a harmonized standard in connection with the german protection safety act (ProdSG). This means that it is used as a basis for GS tests and certifications.
The aforementioned publication can be accessed on the website of the BAuA.
In September 2017, the new version of DIN EN 1860-1 was published, which contains requirements and test methods for devices, solid fuels, and igniters for grilling. Information about the presumption of conformity has not been disseminated as of yet – neither on the national level (Product Safety Act) by the BAuAnor on a European level (Product Safety Directive) via the EUR-LEX page.
The European foreword summarizes important changes to the new version:
closed and open grilling devices were included in the definition of the term “barbecue grill,”
requirements in terms of thickness and measurements of the fuel container were supplemented,
new requirements were defined for “ash containers or ash trays,”
the maximum surface temperatures were adjusted for “handles or gripping fixtures,”
test methods were revised in some cases and, for example, a new thermal test under application conditions was included,
required safety warnings were translated into numerous languages and integrated into Annex A of the standards.
Another significant aspect, which is not mentioned in the European foreword, is the revised and supplemented section on labeling of the product, user manual, and packaging.
On December 1, 2017, the new DIN EN 15194 “Bicycles – Electric Power Assisted Cycles – EPAC” was published. This new version of the standard will also include the listing, that is, harmonization in connection with the Machine Directive. As a result, the presumption of conformity with respect to the fulfillment of the Machine Directive is assumed and the replacement or transitional period of the “old” DIN EN 15194 of 2012 is confirmed.
The new standard brings a number of changes with respect to the requirements for pedelecs and corresponding test methods, particularly with respect to the area of mechanical safety. It has been completely integrated in the set of standards. However, only requirements for pedelecs in the category trekking and city were specified in the new standard. Folding bikes are included; however, cargo, mountain, and road bikes are not. As a result, companies will likely have to continue referring to the next closest standard, DIN EN ISO 4210, for MTB and road bike pedelecs. The loads and requirements from this ISO standard are higher and as a result, also account for DIN EN 15194.
Furthermore, there is a number of “minor” changes in this area, for example, the order of the reverse shock test of the front fork. In this case, a fork design must undergo dynamic alternating load of two-stage shocks and a torsion test.
The section concerning electrical requirements is also supplemented by new requirements resulting from the requirements of the Machine Directive. As a result, the performance of risk analyses in accordance with DIN EN ISO 12100 will be obligatory in the future. The measures for preventing unauthorized use and manipulation must also be provided. The topic of manipulation must therefore be a significant part of the risk analysis, the configuration of the pedelec, and testing in accordance with DIN EN 15194. In this case, the task is to look out for “tuning” systems typically available on the market and, if applicable, to provide for corresponding safety measures.
The performance levels (PLr) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13849-1 now apply with respect to safety-relevant parts for preventing unintentional starting, accidental actuation, or a fire risk associated with the rechargeable battery. Furthermore, the requirements of labeling as well as the instructions have been expanded through the addition of items from the Machine Directive – among other things, CE marks, year of construction, type designation as well as mass (if greater than 25 kg) have been prescribed.
The new DIN EN 15194 does not introduce any relevant changes with respect to electromagnetic compatibility and corresponding tests.
As of November 1, 2017, the safety requirements for batteries are also in effect. The set of standards “Secondary cells and batteries with alkaline or other electrolytes not containing acid – safety requirements for portable gas-tight secondary cells and batteries made from them for use in portable devices” has now been split into two parts: part 1 contains the requirements of nickel systems while part 2 contains the requirements of lithium systems. The DIN EN 62133, which has applied to date, provides for a transitional period up to mid-March 2020.
Specifically for parties in the area of electromobility, the following changes to part 2 are relevant:
allocation of nickel systems to a separate part 1,
inclusion of requirements of button cells,
revision of section 5.6 Assembly of cells into batteries,
inclusion of the mechanical test (Vibration 7.3.8.1, Shocking 7.3.8.2),
addition of IEC/TR 62914 to the list of references.
The safety requirements for rechargeable batteries as per the new DIN EN 15194 have been specified for pedelecs with the following comment: “Testing the battery e.g. in accordance with EN 62133 or EN 50604-1 can be considered a sufficient test for fulfilling this requirement.” This means: testing the Li-ion battery pack in accordance with DIN EN 62133-2 or EN 50604-1 in the respectively valid version forms the basis for verifying the battery pack safety.
These two standards shall also apply to Li-ion batteries in other electromobility products such as hoverboards or e-scooters.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative in the sales department or order management department at the phone number +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 6124 or by email.
Seminar Recommendation: REACh Double-Pack
The European Chemicals Regulation REACh (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restrictions of Chemicals) imposes duties on all parties along supply chains. The companies are required to reliably collect information about substances of very high concern (SVHC) and to pass it on to consumers. This still creates considerable uncertainty among companies.
Our two-part seminar package on the topic of REACh gives you an overview of legal requirements and describes suitable measures that can be put into practice within companies:
The REACh information day on March 6, 2018 will describe the fundamentals of the regulation and provide information about the roles and duties it entails.
The “REACH for products – implementation in company practice” seminar will take place on March 7, 2018. It will focus on measures, collecting information, and documentation in connection with company quality assurance.
The seminars can be booked individually or as a package.
Here you will find all the important information about content and conditions for participation (only in German). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by calling +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 13 30 or by sending an email.
TIC Industry at a Turning Point: Hermes Hansecontrol Expands
While China was considered the number one procurement country a few years ago, today more and more manufacturers and vendors are relocating their production sites to countries in Southeast Asia such as India and Myanmar. Digitalization and globalized supply chains are also giving rise to complex changes in industry and retail. This transition is also affecting the TIC industry. Independent test institutes like Hermes Hansecontrol are confronted with the task of helping to shape these developments.
Thus, being present in the country of production is extremely important. After all, product safety is being monitored to an increasing degree at the production site. Manufacturers and distributors also benefit from the possibility of further improving their goods in the country of production. Products can be reworked during the product development phase. For this reason, Hermes Hansecontrol will continue with its expansion efforts by tapping the markets of Bangladesh and Turkey in the coming year. “Corresponding plans have been approved and I am confident that Hermes Hansecontrol will be present on location in 2018,” explains Lutz Lehmann, CEO of the Hermes Hansecontrol Group.
The test programs used are also being continually refined as a result of changing legal guidelines. The expansion of lab services, both with respect to their breadth and depth, are increasingly being called for and, particularly in the area of pollutant analysis, there is an increasing need for new pollutants to be tested.
Furthermore, labs today must work on the basis of increasingly stringent limits. Substantial investment is required for the ultra-sensitive technical equipment. “Only in this way can we keep pace with the latest state-of-the-art technology,” adds Lehmann.
As the result of digitalization and using the Internet as a sales channel, test institutes are also being confronted with significantly more complex inquiries. An increasing number of customers are requesting simultaneous evaluations of product safety for the markets of the EU, America, China, and other areas. With this in mind, networking various locations is of critical importance. “Customers want more transparency as to which goods from their establishment have already been tested in our laboratories,” explains Lehmann.
In the future, the task of the TIC industry will be to further network services and also provide a “supply chain management solution” in order to offer customers a comprehensive solution for their supply chain. “True to the motto ‘Understanding, Knowing, Making Things Possible’, we at Hansecontrol have to understand both our customers and their supply chains while making knowledge and expertise available in order to establish this service and harness the possibilities for successful implementation of our solutions,” notes Lehmann.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative or our order management department by calling +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 6124 or by email.
Seminars Offered in 2018: Focus on Product Safety and Marketability
Hermes Hansecontrol will also offer you a wide range of seminars for 2018 in line with the current needs of our customers and with a special focus on practical relevance. The topics of product safety and marketability will take center stage. After all, we would like to support our customers when it comes to implementing legal requirements and, at the same time, help them to avoid disputes under competition law as well as governmental intervention.
The seminar “Product Labeling of Textiles” on January 25, 2018 will kick things off. This will focus on labeling in accordance with EU regulation 1007/2011. All other labeling regulations for textiles will also be addressed.
On January 30, 2018, you will receive detailed information about “Safety of Children's Apparel in Accordance with DIN EN 14682:2015-03”. In addition to the “cord standard”, other aspects of mechanical safety will be considered and information regarding risk assessment will be provided.
Our “REACh package” consisting of the info-day “REACh – Basics, Roles, and Duties” on March 06, 2018, as well as the seminar “REACh for Products – Implementation in Professional Practice” on March 7, 2018, will address the comprehensive regulations relating to registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals in consumer goods.
In out seminar titled “Product Safety Act, Evaluation of CE Conformity, and Product Safeguarding in Practice” on March 15, 2018, we will provide you with information about the relevant laws, basic requirements, and terminology in the European Single Market, along with suggestions on how to apply these rules in practice.
You can look forward to these topics and more in the coming year. The seminars we are offering are continually expanded and can be viewed at any time here (only in German). In addition to open seminars at our location in Hamburg, we of course also offer training courses tailored to your needs right at your location.
Kitchen & Household: Comprehensive Product Tests in Accordance with the Latest Standards
Whether an electric stove, washing machine, or vacuum cleaner: Products that make everyday life easier and also meet high quality standards are in demand. They should be safe, reliable, chemically innocuous, and easy to use, among other things. As an independent provider of test services, Hermes Hansecontrol helps its customers extensively when it comes to all legally prescribed tests – and has even expanded the range of testing services it offers in the areas of household appliances, cookware, and cutlery. From performance characteristics (including measurements of energy efficiency, energy consumption, and compliance with eco-design requirements) to energy class labeling, up to and including electrical safety and EMC, the service portfolio of Hermes Hansecontrol covers all relevant quality tests – also with respect to distribution within international markets.
drying racks, tents
ironing boards, decorative products
camping equipment, stationary
clocks and transport boxes
suitcases, bags, backpacks, trollies
lanterns, torches, charcoal grills, gas grills
strollers, baby bottles
sunglasses, reading and safety glasses
brooms, scrubbers, mops
buckets, tubs, baby tubs...
Competitive Advantages with Certified Quality
Short test times – extensive experience: With the services from Hermes Hansecontrol, manufacturers of kitchen and household appliances can increase the trust in the quality of their products while gaining competitive advantages thanks to the neutral Hansecontrol test mark. Furthermore, our experts always keep track of the latest market and legal requirements. This allows manufacturers to focus on their core area of business and avoid conflicts with regulatory authorities. Currently, the following standards must specifically be observed for the areas of household appliances, cookware, and cutlery as well as kitchenware:
DIN EN 60456:2017-05: Washing machines for household use – method for measuring the performance characteristics
change to the test method when measuring power input and power consumption when the device remains switched on
new annexes ZZA and ZZB, which account for the connection between the standard and regulations 1015/2010 and 1061/2010
E DIN EN 60350-2:2017-07: Electrical cooking appliances for household use – part 2: Hobs – method for measuring performance characteristics
newly adopted measurement methods
additional requirements with respect to measurements for low power settings
E DIN EN 50242/DIN EN 60436:2016-10: Electrical dishwashers for household use – method for measuring performance characteristics
introduction of an assessment of the cumulative cleaning and drying performance
new data for expanded measurement uncertainty (annex ZB)
new annexes ZZA, ZZB, and ZZC
DIN EN 60350-1:2016-10: Electrical cooking appliances for household use – part 1: Stoves, ovens, steam cookers and grills – methods for measuring performance characteristics
change to a method for ensuring the oven temperature as well as other improvements to methods
adjustment of the German version to current standard rates
DIN EN 50229:2016-07: Electrical washer-dryers for household use – test method for measuring performance characteristics
revised structure for improved readability
updated references with respect to EN 60456:2011 and EN 61121:2013
clear instructions on determining the load to be dried
clear instructions on the composition of partial loads – splitting the basic load
revision of tables in the “Test report – data to be provided”
adoption of a method for additional drying
DIN EN ISO 8442-2:2017-09: Work materials and objects in contact with food – cutlery and tableware – part 2: requirements for silver-plated and non-rusting cutlery
Federal Court of Justice Decision: Test Marks Must Be Transparent
Many manufacturers of consumer goods use test marks to advertise the quality and environmental friendliness of their products. But consumers are not always entirely aware of what they stand for or of the test criteria for the applicable product. This may pose a problem for companies. In a decision on 21 July 2016, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) clarified that test marks must contain information regarding sources. This means that anyone advertising without at least providing a link to additional information on the Internet is acting in breach of competition law.
The reason for the judgment of the BGH was a case involving a retailer who had advertised a product on the Internet with the test marks “LGA tested quality” and “LGA tested safety.” The appliance had in fact undergone testing, however, neither the advertisement nor the test marks themselves contained any information about certification (that had actually been performed). The BGH decision is relevant for different sectors. As a result, the mark “OEKO-TEX Standard 100” is frequently used in the fashion industry – also without a link to a website where the respective test criteria are summarized.
The test marks from Hermes Hansecontrol ensure that companies are on the safe side. They certify that the applicable products have undergone stringent tests performed by an independent testing institute and contain individual keywords – such as “fit for use” – which clarify the type of tests. Via a QR code, consumers can also directly access the Hermes Hansecontrol online certificate database. At www.myhansecontrol.com, they can verify the authenticity of the test mark and obtain detailed information about the test scope as well as the specific criteria. This ensures transparency at all times and the test mark offers a genuine additional benefit for the company and its customers.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative or our order management department by calling +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 7310 or by email.
Seminar Recommendation: Quality Management Certificate Course 2018
Quality must be up to standard – only if this is ensured can companies in the consumer goods industry keep their customers satisfied and remain profitable over the long term. High, reliable quality standards require efficient structures as well as systematic process optimization in turn. In order to handle these complex tasks and avoid any competitive disadvantages, an increasing number of companies are hiring well-trained quality managers – ideally with university certification.
Professors and experts from practical fields have developed the “Quality Manager – University/Further Education (UFE)” course specifically for (aspiring) specialists and managers. The course consists of two modules business administration and quality management. The modules impart all knowledge required for recognizing potential for improvement in the company, optimizing processes, preparing quality certifications and audits as well as conducting evaluations. The standard period of study for each certificate course is 180 hours. 120 hours are intended for the tutor-accompanied independent-learning phase, 20 hours for the attendance phase, and 40 hours for participant-organized, tutor-accompanied exam preparation.
Hermes Hansecontrol will also be offering these university certificate courses as an accredited education provider in 2018. The attendance dates for business administration are from January 16, 2018 to January 18, 2018 and for quality management from March 20, 2018 to March 22, 2018. Interested persons can join at any time. There must, however, be at least three weeks between registration and the first day of the course. Professionals who do not have classic qualification to study at post-secondary institutes may also take part in this further education program. Those with advanced technical college certificates, German Abitur diploma, or who have completed vocational training and have accumulated three years of professional experience are also eligible.
Quality and Safety – Consumer Standards Are on the Rise
Fitness is all the rage, so cycling is also becoming more and more popular. This has led to a constant increase in pedelec-related sales. However, consumer standards have also increased: Bikes and exercise equipment should not only have an attractive design and appearance, but safety and proper quality as well. Sophisticated conceptions are also becoming increasingly important to potential buyers as decisive criteria when it comes to their decision to buy.
Hermes Hansecontrol's test lab is undergoing continual expansion. In the course of the hardlines lab expansion, the labs for sports equipment and leisure articles are being equipped with the latest high-tech test devices. This also includes technical upgrades, improvements, and increased efficiency as well as an expansion of the available test services. In the future, the fundamental tests of mechanical, electrical, and chemical safety as well as electromagnetic compatibility will be supplemented with life time testing for bikes, pedelecs, sports equipment, and sports articles as well as for children’s strollers and handcarts.
For the lifetime tests of bikes or trailers, the test parameters can be configured as target values on the flexible roller drum test rig in a variety of ways. This makes it possible to simulate mileage, shock impacts, driving speed, etc. and paves the way for new test scenarios. In the future, it will also be possible to test bike trailers as well as the combination of bikes with bike trailers attached, cargo bikes, and specialty bikes. In general, these tests can, depending on customer’s wishes, also be supplemented with fitness for use, rechargeable battery range, and environmental testing. Other European directives such as the directive on energy consumption (ErP) will also be considered depending upon the application.
“Our goal is to serve our customers by overseeing the quality assurance process in its entirety, executing it, and assisting them with comprehensive project services, also when it comes to introducing their products to the market”, explains Lutz Lehmann, CEO of the Hermes Hansecontrol Group, in regards to the institute’s expanded service portfolio.
Current and new standards for the areas of bikes, pedelec as well as sports, camping and leisure articles are e.g.:
DIN EN ISO 20957-4:2017-03 – Stationary training equipment – Part 4: Strength training benches, additional special safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN ISO 20957-5:2017-04 – Stationary training equipment – Part 5: Stationary exercise bikes and exercise equipment with a crank for the upper body, additional safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN ISO 20957-8:2016-09 – Draft – Stationary training equipment – Part 8: Steppers, stair climbers and climbers – Additional special safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN ISO 20957-9:2017-04 – Stationary training equipment – Part 9: Elliptical trainers, additional special safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN ISO 20957-10:2016-09 – Draft – Stationary training equipment – Part 10: Exercise bikes with a fixed wheel or without freewheel, additional specific safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN 15918:2017-05 Bicycles – Bicycle trailers – Safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN 50604-1:2017-05; VDE 0510-12:2017-05 Lithium secondary batteries for applications in light electric vehicles – Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN 1888-1:2017-01 – Draft – Articles for infants and small children – Means of transport on wheels for children – Part 1: Children’s strollers and children’s stroller attachments
DIN EN 1888-2:2016-11 – Draft – Articles for infants and small children – Means of transport on wheels for children – Part 2: Children’s strollers for heavy children
Furthermore, elaborations with respect to standards are also underway for hoverboards and PLEV (personal light electric vehicles):
OVE EN 60335-2-114:2017-05-01 – Draft – or BS EN 60335-2-114 – Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-114: Particular requirements for self-balancing personal transport devices incorporating batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes
DIN EN 17128:2017-08 – Draft – Not-type approved light motorized vehicles for transporting persons and goods and connected equipment – Personal light electric vehicles (PLEV) – safety requirements and test methods
U.S. CPSC Publishes Exemption Provision for the Testing Obligation of Phthalates in Plastic Materials
On August 30, 2017 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a finalized provision according to which some plastic materials are exempt from the testing obligation on the part of independent laboratories.
The provision (16 CFR 1308 – Prohibition of Children’s Toys and Child Care Articles Containing Specified Phthalates: Determinations Regarding Certain Plastics) takes effect on September 29, 2017 and releases manufacturers from the testing obligation for the phthalate plasticizers in toys and child care articles provided for in CPSIA 2008 Section 108.
The following materials containing the corresponding additives must still be tested:
Polystyrene (PS, including impact-resistant types MIPS, HIPS, SHIPS)
The following additives/additive groups are also specified for further definition with a different classification:
Various plasticizers, e.g.:
The testing obligation of manufacturers for toys and child care articles or their components made of the aforementioned plastics will be omitted in the future. This requires, however, that the composition of the materials used be known.
As with all exemption provisions in connection with CPSIA 2008, the provision 16 CFR 1308 does not, however, release them from their obligation to comply with the requirements of Section 108 concerning the limitation of the aforementioned phthalates.
You can obtain further information from the Federal Register or by getting in touch with your respective sales representative in the sales department or our order management by calling +49(0)40 300 33 73 - 4444 or by email.
Seminar Recommendation: "The Authorities Have Come Calling – What Now?"
The market regulation activities of national authorities are an important instrument for ensuring product safety and consumer protection. However, an audit can also have unpleasant consequences for product managers, vendors, “quasi manufacturers” and importers: The blocking of goods, prohibitions of sale or even recall campaigns are some of the potential consequences.
Through our seminar “The Authorities Have Come Calling – What Now?” on November 2, 2017 in Hamburg, you will gain an overview of the institutions and the correlations of processes involving active and reactive market regulation. You will also learn how to systematically comply with your obligations vis-à-vis authorities and respond in a responsible manner.
Expansion of the Service Range in Connection with Furniture Testing
In the area of hardlines, we are now once again substantially expanding our test portfolio for product safety: In the future, a wide range of indoor and outdoor furniture (for example, furniture for the living room and nursery, kitchen or bathroom as well as beds, sofas and mattresses up to and including office and school furniture) can be tested and certified as finished products.
In connection with this expansion, we are investing in ultra-modern technology. The selection of unique test scenarios ranges from strength tests for office chairs up to and including simulating the effects of weather on outdoor furniture.
Even more highly specialized test machines will be available for this in the future. Our teams of competent experts and experienced employees are happy to support you with all your projects.
Legislation is in a state of constant flux. In order for you to keep up-to-date, we are providing you with an overview of current changes and new developments.
Standards relating to furniture, which have been recently issued or amended:
DIN EN 16890:2017-08 – children’s furniture – mattresses for children’s beds and cribs – safety requirements and test methods
DIN EN 716-1:2017-08 – Furniture – children’s beds and children’s travel cots for living areas – part 1: Safety requirements
DIN EN 716-2:2017-08 – Furniture – children’s beds and children’s travel cots for living areas – part 2: Test methods
DIN EN 16955:2017-08 – furniture components – conical pressure pipes for self-supporting gas springs to adjust the height of seating furniture – test methods and requirements for firmness and durability
DIN EN 1022:2017-06 – furniture – seating furniture – determining stability
DIN EN 581-1:2017-07 – outdoor furniture – seating furniture and tables for camping, domestic and residential use – part 1: General safety requirements
DIN EN 581-2:2017-01 – outdoor furniture – seating furniture and tables for camping, domestic and residential use – part 2: Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating furniture
DIN EN 581-3:2017-04 – outdoor furniture – seating furniture and tables for camping, domestic and residential use – part 3: Mechanical safety requirements for tables
DIN EN ISO 9227:2017-07 – Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres – salt spray tests
Furthermore, as of July 13, 2017, sec. 24 VerpackG [German Packaging Act] (provisions concerning the central body: founding and legal form; foundation charter) and sec. 35 VerpackG (transitional provisions) have taken effect and now apply in addition to the provisions of the German Packaging Regulation. The latter will be replaced by the German Packaging Act (Act governing the Sale, Return and High-quality Recycling of Packaging (Packaging Act – VerpackG) on January 1, 2019.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your rexpective sales representative or our order management department at the phone number +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 6124 or by email.
Technical Documentation Now Also Available from Experts in Hong Kong
Technical documentation at the end of the product development cycle is often time-consuming and complex, which prompts many manufacturers and distributors to neglect this topic. This can result in claims vis-à-vis the manufacturer in the event of damages caused by defects. After all, in addition to the German Product Safety Act, EC directives and product standards stipulate which symbols and information such as warning notes, information regarding storage and disposal are to be specified in the instructions and on the packaging. It clearly stipulates how the product itself is to be labeled and which notes the packaging and user manual must contain.
Our technical editing team offers customers a complete worry-free package in the direct vicinity of the production site. In Hong Kong, the product to be documented goes right from the plant to the desk of our editors, who are native speakers of German and English – without any delays due to prolonged delivery times or customs handling. Our Chinese employees also support communication with the plants and even ensure that things go smoothly.
Our service portfolio includes among other things:
Product packaging and graphics
Testing of existing packaging and instructions
We prepare all instructions in accordance with DIN EN 82079-1, the international standard for preparing user manuals as well as in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines. This is verified by our certificate “User-friendly instruction manual”. Generally, our technical translators (certified in accordance with DIN EN 15038) translate into their mother tongue and specialize in a wide range of technical fields, which ensures that our customers always get the very best quality.
This added value will also be reflected in consumer satisfaction. After all, user manuals, which are comprehensible and have a logical structure, not only help to ensure that a product is used efficiently, they also significantly reduce unwanted customer complaints and customer service orders. This significantly increases the value of the brand as well as the overall quality of the product.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, please feel free to get in touch with your responsible contact person in sales or send us an e-mail.
Seminar Recommendation: Fit for Detox
International campaigns, increasingly stringent legislation and political alliances put pressure on many, particularly the textile industry, to take corresponding steps: The use of toxic chemicals is to be prohibited. This not only means being able to provide information or being ready to respond with respect to the current detox campaign, but in particular taking a credible, sensible approach to dealing with the topic of chemicals management in one’s own company. Oftentimes, possibilities for vendors and brands to exercise any influence in complex, globally networked procurement structures appear to be limited.
Our Two-part Seminar Package on October 17 and 18, 2017 in Hamburg also provides you with methodical expertise in addition to the required basics – and makes you FIT FOR DETOX!
The Newcomer Seminar on October 17, 2017 deals with the fundamental questions of managing chemicals within a company. How can one refrain from using harmful chemicals in the production process? What suitable steps can be taken to this end? Are there any hurdles that must be overcome along the way? What is the best way to reach the plants and their management? How can on-site production conditions be improved and what has to be done in one’s own company?
The Advanced-level Seminar on October 18, 2017 takes at look chemicals management along the supply chain and provides answers to the questions regarding the specific implementation of detox. How should chemicals be stored? How does one read a safety data sheet? How can one fulfill MRSL requirements? Why is a chemicals manager required for a dyeing factory? What information does an inventory list have to contain? How is it possible to substitute hazardous chemicals? What protective clothing is appropriate? When and how is wastewater and sludge tested? How can the "right to know" principle be fulfilled?
REACh: New Regulation for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has a firm place on the candidate list for substances of very high concern (SVHC). The chemical is classified as bioaccumulating, toxic and carcinogenic. Among other things, PFOA is used in fire fighting foams as well as dirt or water-repellent textiles. To minimize the health risk and possible environmental damage, a limit of 2 ppb (parts per billion) for the concentration of PFOA in other substances, mixtures and products was proposed.
However, this doesn’t go far enough for the EU Commission. As a result, the annex to the REACh regulation has been amended accordingly by the Regulation (EU) 2017/1000 of June 13, 2017 – with far-reaching consequences for the consumer goods industry. According to the regulation, PFOA may neither be manufactured nor distributed as of June 4, 2020. The same goes for perfluorooctanoic acid as part of another substance, as a mixture or as an article in a concentration of PFOA and its salts, which is equal to or higher than 25 ppb or a concentration equal to or greater than 1,000 ppb for a PFOA precursor compound. Companies wanting to stay on the safe side can have their products tested for PFOA by the independent testing institute Hansecontrol.
Seminar Recommendation: Product Safety of Toys
When it comes to the safety of children, consumers and control authorities are extremely wary. The monitoring of the market by the authorities is focusing on this group of products is reflected not lastly by the EU’s RAPEX rapid alert system. The largest number of warnings (26 %), as was the case in 2016, was also attributed to toys; countless products had to be taken off the market due to safety defects. The media also regularly reports on potential risks.
Against this backdrop, it is imperative for manufacturers and distributors of toys to be aware of current legal stipulations and market requirements and to provide for them accordingly. In our seminar Product Safety of Toys on September 7, 2017 in Hamburg, we will give you an overview of the safety requirements imposed on toys, your duties as well as sensible measures you can take to protect yourself against liability risks.
Sun Lounger, Camping Kettle and Related Products – Hermes Hansecontrol Tests All Hardline Products
Right in time for the outdoor season, Hermes Hansecontrol is expanding the test services it offers in the area of hardlines. The Hamburg institute now tests the full range of indoor and outdoor furniture, household appliances as well as premium-segment articles. In addition to sofas, sun loungers and camping gear, goods subject to strict regulations such as child safety gates or mattresses are also tested.
By offering a broad range of accredited product tests, Hermes Hansecontrol is meeting the rising demands in this area. Consumers expect reliable and safe products that pose no harm to health, which is also reflected by the increasingly strict legal regulations prevalent in consumer goods markets. It is therefore important for the responsible company to safeguard their products to prevent damage to their image not to mention competitive disadvantages. Corresponding chemical and physical quality tests by independent test institutes are a good investment in this context. Successful certification also provides a decision-making aid for vendors and is an important purchase criterion for many consumers. As an experienced partner of the consumer goods industry, Hermes Hansecontrol offers its customers extensive knowledge of current market requirements and legal regulations. In addition to the GS mark for certified safety, other test marks such as its very own, recognized “Fit for Use” or “Tested for harmful substances” test marks can also be awarded.
In connection with the expansion of its portfolio of test services, Hansecontrol has invested in ultra-modern technology. In the future, specialists will have more precise devices at their disposal in order to accurately render the different test scenarios such as simulating long-time loading or the effects of weather. Qualified personnel is no less important, which is why the number of test specialists has been increased by nearly 30 percent.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respecrtive sales representative or our order management department at the phone number +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 6124 or by email.
Phenol in Toys: European Commission Sets New Limits
Children’s bodies are particularly sensitive to harmful substances. However, not all products that our little ones come into contact with are free of chemicals posing a health hazard. Phenol is one such example: The colorless, crystalline substance is used by industry particularly for the manufacture of plastics. It can, for example, occur in PVC or resin bonded wood or be used as a preservative in liquid toy materials such as soap bubble liquids and water-based inks. Phenol is highly toxic, causes damage to organs and is suspected of being germ cell mutagenated.
In order to protect children at the best, the European Commission has amended the Toy Directive 2009/48/EC and set new limits for the use of phenol in toys. According to Annex II Appendix C of the Directive, the following limits will apply in the future:
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative or our order management department at the phone number +49 (0) 40 300 33 73 - 6124 or by email.
Bikes and Pedelecs: New Regulations
In addition to “normal” pedal-driven bikes, an increasing number of electrically assisted bikes are on roads as well as bikes with trailers, cargo bikes, three-wheel bikes, etc. But what exactly qualifies as a bike when it comes to road traffic regulations? And e.g. what kind of lighting should it have? In document 771/16, the Federal Council enacted the “52nd ordinance amending road traffic regulations”, which answers questions relating to bikes and pedelecs and in some cases, sets down new regulations for them.
The core points include a modified description of bikes in sec. 63 as well as the completely revised sec. 67 on bike lighting equipment. It also states that pedelcs, that is electric bikes with assisted pedaling up to 25 km/h and motor output of no more than 250 W, are equivalent to conventional bikes in a legal sense. If the energy source and lighting system are attuned to one another such that the voltage is compatible, no usage restrictions of any kind apply to the lighting. As a result, dynamo, battery, rechargeable battery and special e-bike lighting are all considered equal. Bike and e-bike tail lights may be equipped with a brake light function and, in the case of multi-lane bikes or pedelecs, flashers indicating the driving direction may be fitted. Furthermore, sec. 67a provides for the lighting equipment on bike trailers.
New RED Directive: Transitional Period Is Ending Soon
On June 13, 2017, the transitional period for the radio & telecommunications terminal equipment directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE) will expire – it is therefore imperative that the provisions of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) are observed and implemented.
In the future, products that use the radio spectrum can only be made available on the market if they comply with the rules of the RED directive. This includes, as in the past, active wireless products such as Bluetooth and WIFI devices or products that transmit at 433 MHz within the frequency band and relay data. Receiver functions – such as radio and television receivers – also fall under RED.
The specialists from Hermes Hansecontrol are happy to assist you with the required product tests. Furthermore, our seminar “Conformity of electrical devices with directives” on June 27, 2017 in Hamburg offers you a good overview of the current legal situation as well as suitable measures for the applicable companies.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative or our order management department at the phone number +49 (0)40 300 337 361 24 or by e-mail.
Lead in Children's Toys: Limits to Be Lowered
Chalk, modeling clay, or stuffed animals – toys must not harm the health of children. In particular, this is provided for by the EU Toy Directive. But where exactly is the limit separating what is tolerable and what is harmful to health? In the case of the heavy metal lead, which can result in neurological developmental disorders in children, the EU has been calling for stricter limits for some time. On March 27, 2017, the “Council of the European Union” has now ruled to reduce the migration limits for lead in toys.
According to new scientific findings, toys should not account for more than five per cent of the daily intake of lead. This results in new limits: The migrating concentration of lead in dry, brittle, powdery or pliable toy materials must not amount to any more than 2 milligrams per kilogram in the future; for lead in liquid or adhesive toy materials, the limit amounts to 0.5 mg/kg and to 23 mg/kg for lead in scraped off toy materials. To secure themselves legally, manufacturers and distributors of children’s toys can have their products tested with respect to the new provisions. By October 28, 2018, the directive must be implemented in national law.
An overview of the amended limits:
in dry, brittle, powdery, or pliable toy materials (mg/kg)
in liquid or adhesive toy materials (mg/lg)
in scraped off toy materials
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative t or our order management department at the phone number +49 (0)40 300 337 361 24 or by email.
Seminar Recommendation: Safety of Children's Apprel
As convenient as cords and drawstrings are on clothing, they can quickly cause children to become trapped. In respect to numerous, in some cases even fatal accidents, the legislative body has implemented strict guidelines. As a result, the standard DIN EN 14682 provides for the use of cords and bands in clothing for children up to 14 years of age. As of March 2015, the revised version of the standard is in place.
Manufacturers and distributors of children’s apparel should not underestimate this topic. The European product safety directives stipulate that product managers on every production level can be held legally responsible if their products fail to meet safety requirements and cause accidents as a result. Dealing with existing standards in a safe manner and considering the specifications when designing products may be very crucial for companies in a competitive respect. Articles of clothing and accessories, which do not fall under the applicable domain of the standard, must be inspected with respect to their risk potential and handled accordingly.
In our seminar, "Safety of children’s clothing in accordance with DIN EN 14682:2015-03" on July 4, 2017 in Hamburg, you will obtain detailed information about the application of the standard and specific approaches for implementing it. Take advantage of the possibility of acquiring expert knowledge “first hand” and effectively prevent liability risks. As a member of the European standards committee, the independent testing institute Hansecontrol actively took part in developing and revising DIN EN 14682.
Electromagnetic Compatibility - New Regulations for LED Lights
According to lawmakers, companies that place electronic devices on the market in the EU must guarantee their electromagnetic compatability (EMC). This means that they must not generate unwanted electric or electromagnetic effects that interfere with other devices or vice-versa. The applicable protective requirements or limits are provided for in the relevant standards.
In March 2017, a new draft for the next revision of the DIN EN 61000-3-2 was published. It addresses harmonic currents of devices intended for connection to a public low voltage power supply grid. For the first time, it also provides for specific tests for LED lights with an effective power between 5 and 25 W. Such harmonic current tests for LED lights in this power class have not been required to date and therefore confront manufacturers and importers with new challenges.
The revision of the standard is expected to be published by the end of this year. Hermes Hansecontrol is capable of performing the required harmonic current measurements and helping the affected companies meet the new requirements.
If you have any questions on this topic, please get in touch with your respective sales representative or with our order management hardlines department at the phone number +49(0)40 300 33 73 - 6124 or by email .
Seminar Recommendation: Safety of Electric Devices
Washing machines, hairdryers or cordless screw drivers – the product safety of electronic devices on the EU single market was at the very top of the agenda. Today, various directives provide for the duties of manufacturers, distributors and vendors. They aim to prevent interference, risks to the health and safety of users as well as to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impacts.
Economic operators are being held responsible to an increasing degree and, as a result, must deal with new legal requirements on an ongoing basis. It is therefore also imperative to observe new editions or amendments of existing EU directives with implementation requirements for 2016 and 2017.
In our seminar “Conformity of Electrical Devices with Directives” on June 27, 2017 in Hamburg, we will inform you about relevant directives and regulations as well as fundamental requirements and terminology in connection with the European Single Market. In a single day, you have the chance to obtain a complete overview of your duties and learn how to reduce any liability risks.
The Control Sample: More Safety with Official Tests
The European Union requires manufacturers and importers to only introduce safe products to the market. The responsible supervisory authorities regularly sample products circulating on the market and check whether consumer goods such as toys or textiles comply with legal requirements. At the same time, a sealed sample is kept at the vendor’s location. If the product results in a complaint, the vendor has to right to have the official control sample or second sample tested to potentially dismiss the objections of the authorities.
The testing of the control sample is subject to strict regulations. Thus, mandatory deadlines must be observed and the specimen may only be opened by an authorized expert. Independent testing institutes like Hermes Hansecontrol offer their support for this purpose. The Hamburg specialist for product safety is authorized to test official control samples and, if necessary, prepares corresponding test assessments or statements regarding a complaint by the official body. This relieves the client of having to deal with the authorities and provides added legal security with respect to statutory requirements.
Migration Testing: Hermes Hansecontrol Implements Modified Regulations
In August 2016, the EU Commission published its amendment of (EU) no. 10/2011 of the plastic regulation, which it had announced well in advance. It contains some new regulatory content for the migration testing of materials and items made of plastic, which are intended for coming into contact with food. This is an issue of immediate concern to Hermes Hansecontrol and its customers.
For example, the guidelines for food simulants have been amended. To determine, for example, whether certain substances can migrate from packaging to food, these simulants are used in accordance with specifically defined criteria. Vegetable oil has been used to date for the category “Foods containing fat” – referred to as food simulant D2. According to Annex Section 3.2 of the new regulation, the two substitute simulants isooctane and 95-percent ethanol can be used instead of oil for migration testing. Hermes Hansecontrol already implemented this amendment in September 2016.
Tighter rules will apply to the testing of repeated use articles in the future: As of September 2017, for example, having a total migration under the legally prescribed threshold will no longer be sufficient. This is accompanied by the requirement that the total migration in the second test is less than in the first one and less in the third test than in the second one. Hermes Hansecontrol will presumably integrate the new mandatory processes beginning in July of this year.
As of September 14, 2018, new thresholds must be observed for the specific migration of metals from plastics. Among other things, the zinc migration threshold for materials in contact with food will be changed to 5 mg/kg of food; in Annex II, aluminum is supplemented with a specific migration threshold of 1 mg/kg of food. In our test laboratories, we want to consider these new regulations one year in advance beginning in September 2017.
Seminar Recommendation: When the Chemistry Is off – Footwear and Textiles
Mandatory transparency: By law, manufacturers, importers and vendors of textiles and footwear must now provide information as to whether their products comply with legal requirements – for example, with respect to harmful substances. The goal is to better protect consumers and to guarantee their safety.
However, unlike defects in workmanship or color defects, neither the vendor nor the consumer can determine at first glance whether “the chemistry is off or not”. In very few cases is it possible to determine which harmful substances may be in a blouse or sport’s shoe based solely on the odor. Only chemical testing of the product provides clarity.
On June 22, 2017, our seminar “When the Chemistry Is off - Footwear and Textiles” in Hamburg addresses this topic. We inform you about the relevant requirements for textiles and footwear on the European Single Market and offer you possible solutions for putting this into practice on an operational level. Our requirements profiles, for example, impart this knowledge in compact form to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Change to the REACh Regulation: The Flame Retardant DecaBDE Will Be Restricted as of 2019
The European REACh chemicals regulation requires manufacturers and importers to register chemicals and prohibits or restricts the use of “substances of very high concern”. This includes, among other things, persistent chemicals which accumulate in the body with the consumption of food or which are toxic even in small amounts. The same goes for the widely used flame retardant decabromdiphenyl ether (DecaBDE). As an additive, DecaBDE is used in particular in the plastics and textile industry; it is also present in glues, sealants, coatings and printing inks.
Numerous environmental and consumer associations have criticized the use of DecaBDE and Norway has already restricted it. The REACh Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 has now been supplemented accordingly in February 2017. After a two-year transitional period, new requirements will therefore apply as of March 2019: DecaBDE may neither be manufactured nor placed on the market as a substance. Furthermore, DecaBDE may neither be used nor placed on the market as part of another substance, mixture or as an article or part of an article in concentrations of more than 0.1 percent by weight.
Electric and electronic devices, which fall under the Directive 2011/65/EU, are excluded from the new restrictions. It already provides for the placement on the market of devices containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in concentrations exceeding 0.1 percent by weight. Other exceptions and transitional periods apply to the production of aircraft, vehicles and machines.
Seminar Recommendation: Jeans – Everyday Apparel with Cult Status
Jeans have firmly established themselves on the runways of Paris’ Haute Couture as much as they have in the working class boroughs of Europe or on the markets of Africa. A garment that continues to be reinvented and, for many, is an essential part of everyday life. Today, jeans production accounts for its own sector in the fashion industry – and manufacturing this garment also requires specialized expertise.
Our special textile training course on denim/jeans on April 27, 2017 in Hamburg explains what makes jeans so unique, their long-standing popularity as well as current technical possibilities. You will learn about all necessary production steps from the acquisition of raw materials to manufacturing threads and surfaces up to and including dyeing and finishing. Aspects relating to quality and ecology are considered in connection with the individual stages of production. This will provide you with a basis for making the right decisions in product development and purchasing.
No news in January 2017