California approves restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in juvenile products for infants and children under the age of twelve years.
The State Governor signed AB 652 into law on October 5, 2021, adding a new Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 108945) to the state’s Health and Safety Code under Part 3 of Division 104.
Under the terms of the law, PFAS are restricted to less than 100 ppm (as total organic fluorine). The new restrictions come into effect on July 1, 2023. Stakeholders should be aware there are exemptions for:
- Second hand juvenile products
- Internal components of juvenile products that do not come into direct contact with a child’s skin or mouth during reasonably foreseeable use and abuse of the product
- Children’s electronic products, including, but not limited to, personal computers, audio and video equipment, wireless phones and handheld devices incorporating a video screen or any associated peripherals
- Medical devices
- Adult mattresses
The law has the following definitions:
- PFAS – a family of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom
- Juvenile products – product for use by infants and children under 12 years of age, includes:
- Baby and toddler foam pillows, nursing pillow, polyurethane foam pillows
- Bassinets, crib mattress, infant sleep positioners, nap cot, travel bed, bedside sleepers, toddler mattress
- Booster seats, highchair and pad, infant seats, portable hook-on chairs
- Changing pad, portable foam nap mat
- Child-restraint system for use in motor vehicles and aircraft
- Floor playmats, bouncers, infant swings, infant walkers, playmat, playpen and play yard
Stakeholders are advised to now ensure their products conform to the last requirements for PFAS.
SGS Childcare Product Services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Childcare Product Services.
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For further information contact:
Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
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Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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