CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

Canada strengthens safety on children’s jewellery and products containing lead

may 2018 - Relevant for: Hardlines, Softlines, Children's products INDUSTRY

Canada published in the Gazette the updated consumer product regulations on children’s jewellery¹ and products containing lead² on 2 May 2018. The amendments are in line with the consultation ended in 2017.

To protect children against serious risks of adverse health effect from toxic chemicals, the regulations are enhanced by expanding the product scope and introducing new requirements. Both regulations will come into force on 2 November 2018.

Children’s Jewellery Regulations (SOR/2018-82)

The current regulations³ restrict the lead content in children’s jewellery items under 15 years of age to 600 mg/kg total lead and 90 mg/kg migratable lead, but do not include any limit on cadmium. The upcoming restriction replaces the lead limits with a single total 90 mg/kg limit, and add a 130 mg/kg total cadmium limit for children’s jewellery items with small parts. Health Canada comments the newly introduced 130 mg/kg cadmium limit is comparable to the EU’s 100 mg/kg for costume jewellery.

Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations (SOR/2018-83)

In addition to products whose may come contact with mouth⁴, the new regulations extend further on specific products which children are most likely to be exposed like clothing, accessories, toys, books or printed product and childcare products.