Safety of rubber and plastic parts in products meant for consumers
Customs examines rubber and plastic parts of consumer products for contents of PAH compounds (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). PAH compounds can be present as impurities in raw materials used in products. Some compounds are carcinogenic.
Rubber and plastic parts of consumer products which come into direct contact with human skin or the oral cavity must not contain more than 1 mg/kg of PAH compounds.
Consumer goods include
- sports equipment
- household equipment
- pushcarts
- walking frames
- tools
- clothes
- footwear
- gloves
- sport outfits
- watch bands
- wrist bands
- masks and
- headbands
Plastic parts in toys, including activity toys, must not contain PAH compounds in excess of 0.5 mg/kg.
This restriction is included in Annex XVII designation i50 of the REACH Regulation.
