February 6th 2009
Denmark Finds Toys With Excess Lead Levels in RoHS Enforcement Sweep
OTTAWA, Feb. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Denmark's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the results of a recent crack-down on hazardous chemicals and substances in toys, with three toys found with lead above acceptable levels and the products removed from sale nationwide.
The Danish EPA conducted compliance testing against the EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) laws on 24 samples of electronic toys. Of these, three contained lead above the allowed concentration levels. Following the findings, the Danish EPA said that it plans to continue with similar enforcement of RoHS legislation in various product categories. The enforcement campaign was part of a joint action among other Northern European countries' equivalent enforcement authorities. Similar results to the Danish Campaign have been found in other Northern European markets regarding various electronic and electrical products.
The greater government enforcement of product health and safety laws follows increased media and consumer scrutiny of the amount of chemicals in consumer products. This, together with moves by some governments to introduce further new product health and safety laws is placing pressure on product manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and suppliers to keep up with the cost and practicality of compliance. For example, new Consumer Product Safety legislation in the USA (CPSIA) has set very stringent limits, self declaration, and third party testing requirements for children's products for lead and phthalates. For manufacturers and brands in Europe supplying parts of products that may find their way to US shops, this law is relevant in addition to RoHS, REACH and other laws in-force.
"While many companies are highly attentive to global compliance requirements of today and tomorrow, many are not" states Torben Norlem, Chief Counsel of Intertek's Health and Environmental Services "Greater enforcement by governments and the passing of new laws with stricter requirements is increasing the implications and risks for companies that have not made compliance systems a priority". "Despite the internationalism of laws and enforcement, the approach to compliance can still be simple and straightforward and we work with companies on this basis" explains Norlem. "Compliance is ongoing, and can only be effectively ensured by reliable independent documentation and verification, combined with cost effective and targeted testing programs where necessary. Companies with a sound process of compliance and traceability across their supply chain are well positioned to handle the pressures of rising global legislation, enforcement in a more cost and time effective manner in the long-run".