What is RoHS 3?
Are you prepared for RoHS 3 compliance? During 2019 there will be increased focus on RoHS compliance. On July 22, 2019 RoHS 3 becomes effective. RoHS 3 includes the addition of 4 phthalates, which are as follows: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). The limit for each of the phthalates is 0.1%. DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP are already regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on the Candidate List of Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC), and on the California Proposition 65 List. Therefore, there has already been heightened concern regarding the phthalates being added to the RoHS list.
VOC Testing Update
ATS recently acquired a micro-scale chamber to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The micro-chamber allows ATS to test samples such as dried/cured paints and rigid materials to meet our client’s specific requirements for targeted VOCs. Samples are frequently tested for per ASTM D7706, Standard Practice for Rapid Screening of VOC Emissions from Products Using Micro-Scale Chambers. In addition to testing consumer products utilizing the micro-chamber, ATS also frequently performs VOC emissions screen analysis for the automotive industry.
California Proposition 65 Testing Update
During 2018 ATS assisted several of our clients with Proposition 65 compliance. The new warning label law went into effect in August 2018, which requires manufacturers/importers to be more specific with the warning label: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/new-proposition-65-warnings. Many of our clients do not want to place a warning label on their product and therefore test for specific Prop 65 items of concern to determine if the warning label is necessary. ATS partners with toxicologist/attorneys to help our clients ensure compliance with the Prop 65 labeling law.