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Trade and Industry Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Brand Hong Kong - Asia world city
MY COLOUR

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 intoforce since 28 July 1999. Products affected include :

  1. 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
  2. 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.

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.