| Commercial Information Circulars
24-hour hotline: 23
922 922
Ref : EIC 213/2
15 October
1999
Dear Sirs,
Commercial
Information Circular No. 156/99
Norway
: Total Ban on the Use of Phthalates in Toys and Childcare Products
Further to Commercial
Information Circular No. 134/99 of 6 September 1999, we have received
information from the Norwegian authorities on their total ban on the use
of phthalates in toys and childcare products. A copy of the Norwegian
regulation imposing the ban, in draft form,
is appended to this circular for reference. We understand that there are
no substantial differences between the draft and the final regulations.
DETAILS
| 2. |
The Norwegian
regulation prohibits the manufacture, import, export or sale of
toys and childcare products, if phthalates, defined as esters of
o-phthalic acid, are added. It has entered into force since 28 July
1999. Products affected include :
| a. |
toys
and parts of toys which are marketed at children under three
years old or are expected to be used as toys by children in
this age group; and |
| |
|
| b. |
products
for infants and small children which are designed, manufactured
or sold for purposes entailing sucking or chewing by children
under three years old, e.g. dummies (pacifiers) and plastic
bibs. Products intended to be used in contact with foodstuffs,
e.g. baby bottle/dummy teats, cups and spoons are excluded as
they are being regulated under different regulations. |
|
| |
|
| 3. |
Non-compliance
with the regulation is punishable by fines and other penal provisions.
As a transitional measure, the products concerned which have been
manufactured in Norway or imported into Norway before 28 July 1999
may be sold until 1 January 2000.
|
ENQUIRIES
| 4. |
For
enquiries about the contents of this circular, please contact the
undersigned at telephone number 2398 5684.
|
Yours faithfully,
(Miss Helen YUNG)
for Director-General of Trade
Note : While every
effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, the Department
cannot guarantee this to be so and will not be held liable for any reliance
placed on the same.
|
