As of 1 October 2018, the amendments to the EAEU Technical Regulation on the Safety of Products for Children and Adolescents entered into force.
The amendments clarified the definition of a “type sample”. The previous version of the TR required one separate type sample for each age group, even though the products were made by one manufacturer from the same materials and according to the same technical documentation.
The amendments provide for the possibility of using one type sample for several age groups, as well as samples of materials from which the product was made, as a model for small-sized products. This allows manufacturers to significantly reduce costs of conducting a conformity assessment procedure.
In addition, clarifications were made on the division of clothing for children and adolescents into the second and third layers. In accordance with the changes, any suits, including school uniforms, will be considered a second layer if the lining is missing or occupies less than 40% of the top area of the product, and accordingly to the third layer if it is at least 40% of the area. The division of clothing into the second and third layers is fundamental, since technical regulations set more stringent requirements for products belonging to the second layer. For example, for the age group of children from 7 to 14 years old, the increased hygroscopicity of the clothing of the second layer has been established. This figure is 7%. The air permeability indicator of the clothing of the second layer should be at least 100 dm2 / m2, and for the third - at least 70 dm2 / m2 (for lining).
In addition, instead of limiting the use of all artificial materials, the changes only limit the use of artificial leather in the lining of children's shoes. Thus, the amendments allow the use of modern artificial materials with improved consumer properties in the lining of children's shoes.
These and other amendments aim to help businesses improve production efficiency while respecting the safety requirements applicable to children's products.
For a smooth transition to new requirements, there is a transition period established by the decision of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission in November 2017.
Conformity assessment documents for children's and teenage goods, issued before September 25 2018, will remain valid until the end of their validity period. On the basis of these documents, manufacturers will be able to produce products that will remain on the Union’s market for a fixed service life or shelf life period.