New Threshold Values for PAH

As of December 27, 2015, new threshold values in the EU apply to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in consumer products, as defined in Regulation (EU) 1272/2013. It is a regulation amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as regards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. According to the regulation, products are no longer allowed on the market when the concentration of specific PAH exceeds 1mg/kg. Eight PAH are defined for the analytical determination. For toys and articles for infants and small children, the highest allowable value is set at 0.5 mg/kg.

In fact, studies of accessories and children’s clothing (German only) show the continued presence of PAH. In most cases, however, the threshold value has not been reached. In general, all items that contain rubber, such as bicycle handlebars, bathing shoes, garden gloves, and rubber boots, contain PAH.

PAH are carcinogenic, can affect genetic material, and are toxic to reproduction. They do not degrade in the environment and accumulate in organisms.

You can find additional information on PAH in this brochure (German only) issued by the German environmental ministry.

Make sure that you do not exceed the threshold values and ensure the chemical compliance of your products. We would be pleased to advise you at reach@kft.de.