Nepal sets standards for chemicals in toys

Nepal has promulgated toy standards governing specific chemicals in toys. The mandatory standard will take effect on July 16, 2017...　　 [Chinese and foreign toy network May 11, 2017 news] Nepal promulgated toy standards for the control of specific chemicals in toys. This mandatory standard will take effect on July 16, 2017.　　 In January 2017, a press release from the Nepal Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED)[1] announced the national mandatory toy standards for specific chemicals in toys for children aged 0-16. The new standard controls nine heavy metals, bromine, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Among the nine types of heavy metals, eight are the same as ASTM F-963 Consumer Standard Safety Specifications: Soluble Elements in Toy Safety. The limit of the ninth heavy metal zinc is specified as not exceeding 3.75 mg/kg.　　According to the translation of the Ministry of Population and Environment Announcement (MOPE) in the Nepal Bulletin published by the International Persistent Organic Pollutant Elimination Network (IPEN) organization, toys are defined as goods for children aged 0-16 to play. These products include: 　　-collectibles, modular setsˉ dolls and miniatures-electronic and educational toys-flying, rolling and transportation vehicles-promotional products and game puzzles. The bulletin also developed many restricted/prohibited chemical analysis methods. Including: 　　-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) for heavy metals 　　-High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for BPA 　　-Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) for phthalates An inspection certificate is required for each batch of toys produced overseas, and test results are required for each batch of toys produced in Nepal.　　 The toy standard will take effect on July 16, 2017; that is, 181 days after the announcement in the Gazette.　　 Table 1 summarizes the key contents of the bulletin.　　>Information provided: SGS Technical Services Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Branch (SGS) 　　 Through our global laboratory network, we are able to provide a series of services, including analysis, testing and consulting of controlled substances in toys in Nepal and international markets. Please contact us immediately for detailed information.　　Contact information: 　　Toys and infant products service　　Shenzhen Tel: +86 (0)755 2532 8315　　 Qingdao Tel: +86 (0)532 6899 9188