The EU's heavy metal standards for consumer products are considered "the most stringent in the world". Recently, the European Parliament Environmental Council has voted on two prohibitions. Since 2014, mercury has been banned in button batteries, and cadmium containing batteries have been banned in cordless tools since 2015.

In September 2012, the European Union's REACH regulations added restrictions on 5 kinds of benzene mercury compounds; in January 2013, a press briefing was issued to consider extending the cadmium restriction clause to all that might be involved. Plastic material In March, consideration was given to the incorporation of six valent chromium in leather products into the list of prohibited substances in the REACH regulations; in April, the EU Member States Textile and clothing The nickel content of medium metal parts and accessories has started to adopt the new standard (EN 1811:2011). In July 20th, the EU toy safety new directive will be fully implemented, and the sensitizing aromatherapy and carcinogenic substances will be included in the regulatory scope.

The EU's largest trading partner, the EU's heavy restrictions on the consumption of heavy metals in consumer products will have a greater impact on China's exports of related products to the European Union. First, the cost pressure of enterprises has increased steeply. The EU calls for the harmless production of consumer goods to control the whole process from upstream resources to downstream sales. In order to achieve the production without harmful substances, the cost of export enterprises will be greatly improved. Two, the cost of customs clearance will increase substantially.

As related products need to be increased before exports Heavy metal elements Testing is bound to increase the customs clearance cost of products. Take Quanzhou as an example, after July 20th this year, the specific heavy metals increased from 8 to 19, the cost of detection increased from 480 yuan to 1000 yuan, and three, the export risk increased significantly. In May alone, the EU informed 4 cases of heavy metal consumption in Chinese consumer goods, and the risk of exporting consumer goods to the European Union will be bigger and bigger.

For this reason, the Quanzhou Shishi Office of the entry exit inspection and Quarantine Bureau suggested that the manufacturers should attach importance to the changes in the new standards of the EU, focus on the control range, limit requirements and testing methods of the heavy metal instructions, conduct sampling inspection and quality supervision according to the new standard, do quality control well, and avoid the risk of return claims.

At the same time, we should strengthen the management and control of heavy metals in consumer goods, and improve the regulatory system of chemicals in China as soon as possible, with the principle of precautionary principle as the leading factor to reduce, limit and ultimately eliminate the use and discharge of toxic and harmful heavy metals.