Consumer Products Insight Bulletins

As part of our commitment to support and add value to our customers, Intertek regularly publishes and distributes important information about the consumer products industry in the form of our Insight (formerly known as Sparkle) technical bulletins. Insight provides updates on quality and safety requirements of consumer products for every country across the globe. Each Insight includes a detailed synopsis of continually changing standards and how they affect your business, to supply you with the knowledge and potential solutions to stay competitive in today's global marketplace.

Vol. 1523 | 09 Feb 2026

U.S. – January 2026 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis

In January 2026, there were 512 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, of which 63% of the notices (320 notices) served were for the category of Lead, 10% of notices (51 notices) were served for the presence of Phthalates, 27% of the notices (140) were for the presence of other chemicals, and 0.2% of the notices (1 notice) for the combined presence of Lead and Phthalates.

Vol. 1522 | 09 Feb 2026

EU REACH – ECHA Adds Two Hazardous Chemicals to the Candidate List

n-hexane and BPAF added to SVHC. SVHC now contains 253 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks of these chemicals and giving customers and consumers information on their safe use.

Vol. 1521 | 05 Feb 2026

EU published corrections on the regulations of use of BPA in food contact articles

Regulation (EU) 2026/250 corrects BPA Regulation 2024/3190, clarifying the transition periods of repeat-use article sell-through to 2027/2029, removing "salts" from BPA definition, and clarifying DoC for intermediate materials. Effective February 23, 2026.

Vol. 1520 | 02 Feb 2026

EU – Cobalt is permitted to be used under Toy Safety Directive

Commission Directive (EU) 2026/192 amends Toy Safety Directive to limit CMR cobalt to specific toy applications (stainless steel, electrical components, secure magnets), with national transposition by July 29 and application from August 29, 2026.

Vol. 1519 | 02 Feb 2026

Japan – Approved Restriction on PFHxS-Related Substances

Japan's Cabinet Order No. 416 of 2025 regulates PFHxS-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under CSCL, prohibiting their manufacture, import, use, and banning specific products from June 17, 2026.

Vol. 1518 | 22 Jan 2026

India published the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order 2026

India's 2026 QCO mandates BIS certification for aluminium utensils (IS 1660:2024) and beverage cans (IS 14407:2023), removing stainless steel utensils and certain cans from previous requirements.

Vol. 1517 | 22 Jan 2026

EU published guidance on BPA in food contact articles

EU guidance for Regulation 2024/3190 details BPA bans across food contact materials, restrictions on hazardous bisphenol substitutes, DoC requirements, 1 μg/kg detection limits, and material-specific transition periods for compliance demonstration.

Vol. 1516 | 22 Jan 2026

U.S. – December 2025 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis

In December 2025, there were 403 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, of which 66.75% of the notices (269 notices) served were for the category of Lead, 12.9% of notices (52 notices) were served for the presence of Phthalates, 20.1% of the notices (81) were for the presence of other chemicals.

Vol. 1515 | 19 Jan 2026

Canada - Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 (SOR/2025-270)

The Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 (SOR/2025-270) is Canada's updated federal rule under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) that replaces the 2012 regulations.

Vol. 1514 | 19 Jan 2026

U.S. – November 2025 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis

In November 2025, there were 316 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, of which 61.1% of the notices (193 notices) served were for the category of Lead, 12.7% of notices (40 notices) were served for the presence of Phthalates, 25.9% of the notices (82) were for the presence of Other Chemicals.

Vol. 1513 | 14 Jan 2026

U.S. – October 2025 California Proposition 65 – 60-Day Notices Analysis

In October 2025, there were 593 60-day notices for violation of Prop 65, of which 46% of the notices (271 notices) served were for the category of Lead, 10% of notices (58 notices) were served for the presence of Phthalates, 44% of the notices (263) were for the presence of other chemicals.

Vol. 1512 | 06 Jan 2026

France – Update on Prohibition of Clothing Textile Products, and Footwear Containing PFAS

France’s PFAS decree No. 2025-188 and implementing decree No. 2025-1376 prohibited PFAS in specified product groups from January 1, 2026, introduce residual PFAS thresholds, and allow specific exemptions for PPE, PPE-related waterproofing agents, and clothing/footwear with at least 20% post consumer recycled material.

Vol. 1511 | 04 Jan 2026

OEHHA issues Information Letter on Vinyl Acetate

Under OEHHA’s Vinyl Acetate guidance, only exposure to the free monomer—based on realistic use conditions—triggers Proposition 65 warnings, while Vinyl Acetate polymers and copolymers themselves are not directly subject to the warning requirement.

Vol. 1510 | 23 Dec 2025

U.S. California issues Information Letter on Bisphenol S (BPS)

OEHHA’s BPS guidance clarifies that thermal receipts and labels with BPS create consumer product exposures under Proposition 65, triggering pre purchase warnings off the receipt itself. Standard safe harbor language is acceptable, and businesses must also evaluate occupational exposure for workers handling BPS-containing paper.