The EU recently published Regulation 2015/2030, which amends Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), regarding the prohibition of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, C10-C13 chloroalkanes).

Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 is intended to protect human health and the environment from POPs by prohibiting, phasing out, restricting the production of and placing on the market and use of these substances. Annex I of the regulation provides the summary of prohibited POPs that may be restricted to use on their own, preparation and/or contained in articles.

Regulation (EU) 2015/2030 amending Annex I, defines the prohibition criteria of SCCPs in substances and mixtures:

• The production, placing on the market and use of substances or preparations containing SCCPs in concentrations lower than 1 % by weight shall continue to be allowed.

However, the amendment also introduces a new requirement regarding articles that will be applicable to consumer products. The new restriction states:

• Articles containing SCCPs in concentrations equal to or greater than 0.15 % by weight shall be prohibited.

SCCPs have been used in leather processing and can also be used as a plasticizer in rubber, paints, adhesives, flame retardants for plastics including vinyl flooring, carpet backing and in wire and cable coatings.

This restriction shall enter into force on 4 December 2015.

Intertek Softlines focuses on textile and footwear service, which is one of the earliest businesses that Intertek developed in China. Starting from 1989, Intertek Softlines has set up laboratories and offices in textile and footwear industry clusters, and now can support its customers through its network of more than 20 laboratories and offices and over 2000 experts and professionals around China.

We can not only offer testing and certification services for finished products including textile and garment, shoes and leather goods, but also help companies to ｅｘｅｃute quality control over the whole industry chain from raw material to finished products.

Our Main Services:

• Textile, Apparel and Accessories testing
• Footwear and Material testing
• Handbag & Leather Goods testing
• Individual Protective Equipment (PPE) testing and certification
• Restricted substances testing

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

www.intertek.com.cn