Chemical Testing
Our capabilities on chemical testing are as follows:
California Proposition 65 (CA Prop 65)
Proposition 65 (Prop 65), known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, was enacted in California in 1986. It is to protect drinking water sources from toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects and to reduce or eliminate exposures to those chemicals. The State of California manages a Prop 65 list of the potentially harmful chemicals.
Prime Testing Group Ltd. offers analytical lab testing services for Proposition 65 chemicals. By monitoring Proposition 65 actions and settlements, we help you take a proactive and comprehensive approach to compliance.
California Air Resources Board (CARB) - Formaldehyde Emission Testing
For organizations wanting to trade in composite wood products in the US, we offer a range of services to help them achieve California Air Resource Board (CARB) ATCM Certification.
CARB introduced regulation of composite wood products in 2007, these products were one of the major sources of exposure to formaldehyde, which is classified as a toxic air contaminant. On April 18, 2008, the ATCM to control formaldehyde emissions was approved by the office of Administrative Law, the following needs to comply with the requirements:
- Hardwood plywood (HWPW)
- Particleboard (PB)
- Medium density fiberboard (MDF)
- Furniture and other finished products made with composite wood products
With our reliable and cost-efficient testing services, Prime Testing Group Ltd. can provide you with formaldehyde emission testing services for wood products in accordance to CARB regulations.
Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act
The Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act is a labeling law which covers children’s jewelry, toys, and child care articles. A warning label is required if the lead content of an applicable component is more than 40 ppm but less than the upper limit of the Federal requirement. The lead content requirements of the Act apply to:
Children’s jewelry – Surface coatings and substratesToys – Surface coatings only
Child care articles - Surface coatings and substrates
By the testing services we provide, we can help you overcome the challenges related to the lead content requirement of this Act.
Heavy Metals
Prime Testing Group Ltd. offers heavy metals testing services, we offers testing services to evaluate your materials or products for toxic or restricted heavy metals including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Barium (Ba), Chromium (Cr), Antimony (Sb), Selenium (Se), Arsenic (As), Aluminium (Al), Boron (B), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Tin (Sn), Organic tin, Strontium (Sr), Zinc (Zn), Bromine (Br), Iron (Fe), Vanadium (V), Titanium (Ti), Chlorine (Cl), etc. We have the technical pedigree in heavy metals testing to ensure fast and accurate support.
We offer the heavy metals testing services according to the following laws / regulations / standards:
USA:
16 CFR 1303
CPSIA
ASTM F963
California Proposition 65 (CA Prop 65)
Illinois Lead Poisoning Prevention Act
Toxics in Packaging – CONEG requirements
CPSC-CH-E1001-08.1 Total Lead (Pb) in Metal Children’s Products (including Children’s Metal Jewelry)CPSC-CH-E1002-08.1 Total Lead (Pb) in Non-Metal Children’s Products
CPSC-CH-E1004-11 Cadmium (Cd) Extractability from Children’s Metal Jewelry
US FDA Compliance Policy Guides 7117.06(2005)-7117.07 (2005)
AOAC Official Method 973.32
AOAC Official Method 973.82
ASTM C738
ASTM C927
EU:
European Regulation (EC) No.1907/2006 of REACH, Annex XVII
EN 71-3
EU RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
Directive 2006/66/EC
Directive 94/62/EC
DIN 53314
BS EN ISO 17075
BS EN ISO 20344
64 LFGB B82.02-11
EN 1811
EN 16128
EN 12472
64 LFGB B82.02-6
64 LFGB B82.02-7
UK Ceramic Ware (Safety) Regulations 1988 SI 1647
BS 6748
DIN 51032
DIN EN 1388-1
DIN EN 1388-2
EN 1122
Denmark Statutory order 858 05/09/2009
Denmark Statutory order 856 05/09/2009
Denmark Statutory order 627 01/07/2003
Canada:
Canadian Toys Regulations SOR/2011-17
Total Lead & Mercury Content in Surface Coatings SOR/2011-14
Lead in Children’s Jewelry SOR/2011-19
Consumer Products Containing Lead (Contact with Mouth) Regulations (SOR/2010-273)
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (S.C.2010, c.21)
Glazed Ceramics and Glassware Regulations SOR/2009-179
Australia/ New Zealand:
AS/NZS ISO 8124.3International:
ISO 8124-3
ISO 6486-1
ISO 6486-2
Phthalates
Phthalates are a large family of chemical compounds used as plasticizers (softening agents) in a wide variety of products. Their primary use is to make products soft and pliable without sacrificing durability. Common uses of phthalates include personal care products, cosmetics, detergents and surfactants, building materials, automobile components, and other plastic objects including toys and baby products.
A number of phthalates are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, including the most common phthalate: di-exylhethyl phthalate (DEHP). Endocrine disruptors are toxins that interfere with the normal activities of the endocrine system, which regulates hormone levels in the body.
We offer testing services on phthalates as follows:
USA
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA):
The BBP, DBP & DEHP content requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 Section 108(a) Prohibition On Sale of Certain Products Containing Specified Phthalates.
The DNOP, DIDP & DINP content requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 Section 108(b)(1) Prohibition On Sale of Certain Products Containing Specified Phthalates.California
California Health & Safety Code 108935 BBP/DBP/DEHP content
California Health & Safety Code 108935 DNOP/DINP/DIDP contentEU
European Regulation (EC) No.1907/2006 of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Annex XVII: Item no. 51 and 52 – Phthalate content: BBP, DBP, DEHP, DNOP, DIDP & DINPCanada
Toys Regulations SOR/2011-17 Section 27(3)(d): Phthalate content Phthalates Regulations (SOR/2010-298)Australia
Australia Consumer Protection Notice No. 11 of 2011 (DEHP Content)Taiwan
Chinese National Standard CNS 15138 Phthalates of plastic toys under 14 yearsOther Phthalates:
Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
Dipentyl phthalate (DPP)
Dinonyl phthalate (DNP)
Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
Dipropyl phthalate (DPrP)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP)
Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP)Bisphenol A (BPA)
The chemical 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, more commonly known as Bisphenol A (BPA), is a chemical compound used to make plastics and is used in some plastic additives. Bisphenol A’s primary use is in the manufacture of plastics (primarily epoxy resins and polycarbonate). Polycarbonate is used in food contact materials such as beverage bottles, infant feeding bottles, food containers, processing equipment and other articles. Epoxy resins are used in protective linings for variety of canned foods and beverages, including infant formula.
Some States in the USA have passed regulations limiting or banning BPA in consumer products. For example, Minnesota's regulation was effective in 2010. The City of Chicago adopted a similar ban in 2010.
In EU, toys under 36 months or intended to be placed in mouth should meet the Bisphenol A requirement in 2014/81/EU of 23 June 2014 amending Appendix C of Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC.
Regarding Bisphenol A, the Government of Canada is taking action to enhance the protection of infants and young children. It is recommended that the general principle of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) be applied to continue efforts on limiting BPA exposure from food packaging applications to infants and newborns, specifically from pre-packaged infant formula products as a sole source food, for this sensitive segment of the population.
Flame Retardants
USA State Laws
Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)
Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl)phosphate (TCPP)
Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP)
Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (Tris[2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl] phosphate ) (TDCPP or TDCP)
Tris-2,3-Dibromopropyl-Phosphate (TRIS)
Pentabromodiphenylether (pentaBDE)
Octabromodiphenylether (octaBDE)
Decabromodiphenylether (deca BDE)
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)Canada
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (S.C.2010, c.21) Schedule 2, item 10: Tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TDBPP)
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (S.C.2010, c.21) Schedule 2, item 16: Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)EU
2014/79/EU of 20 June 2014 amending Appendix C of Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC, Flame Retardants – TCEP, TCPP, TDCP, their full chemical names:
Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate ) (TCPP)
Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (Tris[2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl]phosphate) (TDCPP or TDCP)
Restricted by some EU retailers:
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)
Tris-(aziridinyl-Phosphine Oxide (TEPA)
Tris-2,3-Dibromopropyl-Phosphate (TRIS)
Octabromodiphenylether (OctaBDE)
TetraBDE
PentaBDE
HexaBDE
HeptaBDE
Cadmium Content
REACH regulation Annex XVII Item 23 (EC) No1907/2006 and its amendments
German Chemical Prohibition Ordinance Paragraph 18
Netherlands Cadmium Decree WMS: 1999 – No.149
Swedish Ordinance SFS: 1998-994
United Kingdom Environmental Protection (Controls of injurious substances) (No. 2) Regulation 1993 No. 1643
EN 1122 Method B
Organotins
Organotin compounds are chemical compounds based on tin with hydrocarbon substituent’s. A variety of uses has been found for organic and inorganic tin compounds, as fungicides, as stabilisers in plastics, moluscicides, and miticides. Some of these compounds, which have biocidal properties, can be used in anti-fouling and paints or in a broad range of consumer goods. Some organotin compounds can have adverse health effects and are known to be toxic to both human health and the environment.
The EU restricted the use of organotin compounds, the requirement is stated in Annex XVII to the EU Regulation (EC)
1907/2006 on REACH.We provide the testing service for onorganotins and organotin compounds (ISO 17353) to help you demonstrate the product's compliance to the regulations.
Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO)
A test method is established for determining even traces of APEO in textiles. The extract from sample is analysed with combined high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry with positive mode electro spray ionization (HPLC/MS).
Perfuorooctane Sulphonate (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)
PFOS is a fully fluorinated anion, widely used as the surface treatment of textiles, leather products, paper, furniture
and carpets for its waterproofing and oil-resistance. PFOS was classified as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts are suspected to have a similar risk profile to PFOS.Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
We provide testing and analysis services for Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic compounds. Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds which have two or more benzene rings in their structure. The PAH groups that are generally required in environmental testing are US EPA 16 Priority PAHs.
The EU also has the requirement as below.
EU No. 1272/2013 amending REACH Annex XVII, entry 50 of PAH
List of 8 PAHs:
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) CAS No.50-32-8
Benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) CAS No. 192-97-2
Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) CAS No. 56-55-3
Chrysen (CHR) CAS No. 218-01-9
Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbFA) CAS No. 205-99-2
Benzo[j]fluoranthene (BjFA) CAS No. 205-82-3
Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkFA) CAS No. 207-08-9
Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBAhA) CAS No. 53-70-3Halogen
Halogen-free products are driven by industry initiatives and legislations, in order to protect our environment. “Halogen-free” means the product contains less than the maximum concentration of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine or any of the elements in group VII of the periodic table.
We can provide halogen testing services based on the standards EN 14582 and IEC 61189. This testing is a chemical method used to determine if electronic products are halogen-free.
Denmark
Cadmium Denmark Statutory order 858 05/09/2009
Lead Denmark Statutory order 856 05/09/2009
Mercury Denmark Statutory order 627 01/07/2003
Germany
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: German Food and Feed Act Section 30
Allergenic and carcinogenic dyes: German Food and Feed Act Section 30
Formaldehyde: GermanBedarfsgegenständeverordnung of December 1997
DIN 53704 Testing of plastics - determination of the free phenol in phenolic moulding materials - photometrical method
Disperse dyes (DIN 54231)
Disperse dyes are organic dyes of low watersolubility and are suitable for dyeing fibres such as polyester, nylon and
acrylic. Abut twenty disperse dyes are known to have the potential to cause an allergic reaction when in contact with the skin. We offer testing service for allergenic disperse dyes by using the German test method DIN 54231.
Disperse Dyes are also covered under EN 71 Part 9 (Safety of toys), which gives requirements for a number of compounds that are prohibited for use in toys. We offer such testing services as well.Canada
SOR/2011-14 Total Lead & Mercury Content in Surface Coatings
SOR/2011-17 Item 23(b) Leachable Metals in Surface Coatings
SOR/2010-273 Lead in Substrate Materials
SOR/2011-19 Lead in Children’s Jewelry
SOR/2010-298 Phthalates (Vinyl Materials)
Textile
Forbidden amine (Azodye) in textile products:
German Ordinance on Commodities Annex I, No7,
64 LFGB B 82.02-2
64 LFGB B 82.02-4
64 LFGB 82.02-9
REACH regulation Annex XVII Item 43 (EC) No. 1907/2006 and its amendmentsEN 14362-1
EN 14362-3
Formaldehyde:
AATCC Test Method 112
ISO 14184-1
JIS L1041 – Method BLeather
Forbidden amine (Azodye) in leather products:
REACH regulation Annex XVII Item 43 (EC) No1907/2006 and its amendmentsISO 17234-1
ISO 17234-2
German Ordinance on Commodities Annex 1, No 764 LFGB 82.02-3(V)
64 LFGB 82.02-9Chromium (VI):
DIN 53314
BS EN ISO 17075
BS EN ISO 20344
64 LFGB B82.02-11:2008Pentachlorophenol (PCP) content:
BS EN ISO 17070Wood
Formaldehyde:
EN 120
BS EN 717-3
Products Intended to Come into Contact with Skin
Release of nickel from products:
REACH regulation Annex XVII Item 27 (EC) No1907/2006 and its amendments
Consumer Article Regulation (BgVO) on Release of Nickel
BS EN 16128
EN 1811
BS EN 1811
DIN EN 1811
EN 16128
EN 12472
BS EN 12472
DIN EN 12472
64 LFGB B82.02-6
64 LFGB B82.02-7
Food Containers – Ceramic Ware, Glazed Ceramic and Glassware, Enamel Ware
Leachable lead and cadmium:
US FDA Compliance Policy Guides 7117.06 (2005)-7117.07 (2005)
Test procedures:
AOAC Official Method 973.32
AOAC Official Method 973.82
ASTM C738
ASTM C927
UK Ceramic Ware (Safety) Regulations 1988SI 1647
BS 6748
DIN 51032
DIN EN 1388-1
DIN EN 1388-2
ISO 6486-1
ISO 6486-2
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (S.C. 2010,c.21)
Glazed Ceramics and Glassware Regulations SOR/2009-179
Test procedures:
Health Canada Product Safety Reference Manual Book 5 – Laboratory Policies and Procedures Part B: Test Methods Section, Method C-10: Determination of Leachable Lead and Cadmium from Glazed Ceramics and Glassware (2009-10-07)
