Recently, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) investigated 48 different ** pieces of information and found that child care products may contain carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxicity (CMR) substances. Metals such as cobalt and lead, as well as phthalates such as DEHP, are the most common CMR substances found in child care products. This investigation will help the European Commission develop an EU-wide restriction to limit these chemicals to protect children.
What is a CMR substance?
CMR substances are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, commonly known as "three-way substances", which are the first category of toxic and harmful substances in the EU REACH regulation, which may have long-term and serious effects on human health.
The main content of the ECHA report.
1. CMR 1A and CMR 1B substances in Annex VI of the EU CLP regulation appear in child care products, and the concentration of substances in any homogeneous material is limited to no more than 0 by default001 %（10 mg/kg）；Taking into account the technical means and stricter regulatory requirements, some substances have their own specific limits, such as formaldehyde is limited to 30mg kg (formaldehyde emission in wood is 0.).1 mg m3), the limit of bisphenols is 1 mg kg, etc.
2. Redefine child care products more clearly and provide an indicative list of examples.
3. Specific exemption lists: (i) used child care products, (ii) substances that appear in child care products but are inaccessible to children in any form, including inhalation, and (iii) articles covered by the Medical Device Regulation.
4. ECHA points out that a transition period of 12 to 18 months has been granted for the addition of new substances of CMR 1A or CMA 1B to Annex VI of CLP, so an additional transition period for the enactment of this regulation is not consideredFor substances that are added to Annex VI of the CLP in the future, they are automatically granted a transition period of 12 to 18 months after the entry into force of the classification.
Common range of CMR substances.
CMR is most commonly found in items such as car seats, bibs, toiletry-related products, and bedding and mattresses.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has produced a report on this, which provides elements to support the European Commission's preparation for possible future restrictions. This information includes how child care articles are defined, what the restrictions may cover, potential exemptions, recommended concentration limits, and implementation timelines.