On 14 October 2020, the European Commission adopted the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. The strategy is the first step towards the zero-emissions target for a pollution-free environment announced as part of the European Green Deal. The strategy will foster and promote innovative solutions for safe and sustainable chemicals and increase the level of protection of humans and the environment from hazardous chemicals. This includes a ban on the most harmful chemicals in consumer products such as toys, childcare articles, cosmetics, detergents, food contact materials and textiles, unless they can be shown to be essential for the general good or public welfare.

According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) supports the proposal to restrict the use of skin-sensitising substances in textiles, leather, imitation leather and fur articles placed on the market for the first time.

In order to validate the REACh declaration, trade-e-bility will assist you with the document analysis. The declaration must be absolutely correct without fail, otherwise conventional penalties or claims for damages may be filed by customers and the goods cannot be sold as planned.

The long list of rules makes it clear why now is the right time to tackle the topic of the Market Surveillance Regulation. You do not need to be concerned, however. After all, we have taken precautions for you and have developed business solutions over the last several years which are now available to you to deal with the daunting Market Surveillance Regulation.

As of 1 September 2020, TMK Retail Service & Consulting GmbH has a new name: trade-e-bility GmbH. In addition, seven new services were added to the service portfolio as part of the realignment.

Manufacturers and distributors must inform consumers on request about “substances of very high concern” in products within the legal deadline of 45 days. European supervisory authorities criticise the inadequate fulfilment of the obligation to provide information. The free Scan4Chem app now enables consumers to address enquiries to product suppliers. To be able to ensure that the deadline is met, it is advisable to make preparations.

As reported by the news magazine Umweltruf/Europaticker, the number of follow-up measures of hazard notifications to the EU Rapid Alert System such as recalls or destruction of products increased by 10 per cent year-on-year, to reach 4,477 cases. In addition, the Commission is stepping up its work on product testing with the EU member states. The Commission will further modernise the Rapid Alert System to encourage consumers to consult the alert database and make safe buying decisions. TMK Retail Service & Consulting GmbH is available to answer your questions - please call +49/40/54090410-8 or send an e-mail message to info@retailconsult.info.

Our Belgian WEEE take-back system has published an updated list of electrical and electronic devices that will be valid as of July 2020. The main change is the extension of the product list, which now includes some additional equipment that was not previously covered by Belgian WEEE legislation. Please check whether your products are affected.

Since the corona-related interruption, take-e-way and TMK Retail Service & Consulting GmbH have developed a new comprehensive seminar programme for you in 2020, which we will gradually expand in the coming months.

Distributors of e-cigarettes must always ensure that all ingredients they contain are known and declared. Germany’s state investigation offices carry out random checks in this regard. Recommendation: Not only does e-cigarette hardware need to be marketed in full legal compliance; special attention must also be paid to the liquids used.