Chemical Regulatory Updates – Latest Global Changes

National Food Safety Standard of the P.R.C.: Milk Protein

Distribution date: 11 July 2024 | Final date for Comment: 09 September 2024

This standard applies to milk protein. This standard stipulates the terms, definitions, technical requirements, etc. of milk protein.

Products Covered: Milk protein

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Human health Food safety

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1874 of 8 July 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235 laying down rules for the application of Regulations (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards model animal health certificates, model official certificates and model animal health/official certificates, for the entry into the Union and movements within the Union of consignments of certain categories of animals and goods, and official certification regarding such certificates (Text with EEA Relevance)

Distribution date: 11 July 2024 | Final date for Comment: 21 April 2025

The Implementing Regulation updates the model certificates for entry into the EU of gelatine, highly refined products and composite products intended for human consumption.

Products Covered: Gelatine, highly refined products and composite products intended for human consumption

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Human health Animal health Food safety Animal diseases

Draft Notification of the Ministry of Industry on Prohibiting Factories from Using HCFC-141b (Dichlorofluoromethane) in the Production Process of Polyols for Foam Production or in the Production Process of All Types of Foam, B.E. 25xx(202x)

Distribution date: 17 July 2024 | Final date for Comment: 21 April 2025

This Draft Notification is in compliance with the obligations under the Montreal Protocol, which Thailand has joined as a member party, to control the substance HCFC-144b (Dichlorofluoromethane) in the production process of polyols for foam production or in the production process of all types of foam.

Products Covered: Hazardous Substances (2903.73.00)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Modification to the List of permitted sweeteners to extend the use of sucralose

Distribution date: 17 July 2024 | Final date for Comment: 24 September 2024

Health Canada's Food and Nutrition Directorate completed a premarket safety assessment of a food additive submission seeking authorization for the use of sucralose in liquid protein preparations represented for use under medical supervision and by individuals 18 years of age or older. The results of the premarket assessment support the safety of sucralose for its requested use. Consequently, Health Canada has extended the use of sucralose as described in the information document by modifying the List of permitted sweeteners, effective 11 July 2024. The purpose of the information document is to publicly announce the Department's decision in this regard and to provide the appropriate contact information for those wishing to submit an inquiry or new scientific information relevant to the safety of this food additive.

Products Covered: Sucralose (ICS code: 67.220.20)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Human health Food safety

The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations 2024

Distribution date: 23 July 2024 | Final date for Comment: 21 September 2024

These regulations propose to introduce a ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic. There will be exemptions for wet wipes intended for medical and industrial uses, and for business-to-business sales. The legislation provides a transition period of 18-months for businesses to make necessary adjustments. Under these regulations “plastic” means a material consisting of polymer as defined in Article 3(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), to which additives or other substances may have been added, and which can function as a main structural component of final products, with the exception of natural polymers that have not been chemically modified. A “wet wipe” is defined as a non-woven piece of fabric which has been soaked and stored in liquid and which is not designed or intended to be re-used, including but not limited to baby wipes, cosmetic wipes, moist toilet tissues, personal hygiene wipes and wipe-based cleaning products. These regulations will apply in Scotland. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (the other nations of the UK) will introduce their own legislation of the same intent and scope to ban wet wipes containing plastic in each of their respective nations.

Products Covered: Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin (other than medicaments), including sunscreen or suntan preparations; manicure or pedicure products. (CCCN 3304990000) Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401. (HS 3402) Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators, disinfectants and similar products, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles (for example, sulphur-treated bands, wicks and candles, and fly-papers). (HS 3808)

Regulation Type: Regular notification