Lead story

The UFI code - quicker advice in case of accidental poisoning

Did you know that more than half of calls to European poison centres involve children? And that, in approximately 40% of the calls, it has been difficult for the poison centres to identify the product involved in the accident quickly and accurately?

Since 1 January 2021, all new products classified for health or physical hazards, and sold to consumers in the EU, have had to bear a UFI (unique formula identifier) code. For products already on the market, there is a transition phase until 2025. The UFI code can be found on the labels of many everyday products, such as cleaning agents, paints, and adhesives.

With a caller now able to provide the UFI code, the poison centre can identify the product and its ingredients quickly, and give accurate advice to those in need.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched an EU-wide campaign to increase awareness of the code. We are backing the campaign on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3kmHSR4) and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3n06TTW). The campaign kicked off on 8 November and will run until 20 November 2021. The goal is to educate parents with small children on the UFI code is and how it can help if there is an accident.   More information is available at the UFI consumer page (https://bit.ly/3D3YCDR) and campaign page (https://bit.ly/3mYlGyo).

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ANEC replies to consultation on GPSR

ANEC has replied to the EC public consultation on the revision of the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). The revision is expected to lead to a General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). For our response, see https://bit.ly/3mYeDWa. It was drafted with BEUC through our joint WG on product safety.

We strongly support the proposed GPSR. We agree on the specific objectives and welcome:

- the safety net offered by the GPSR, and its reflection of the precautionary principle;

- the aim to achieve coherent market surveillance rules for harmonised and non-harmonised products, with new tools given to Member States;

-the intent to achieve stronger traceability in the supply chain and place added responsibility for safety on to online marketplaces;

- new provisions on connected products;

- clear rules on product recalls.

From a standardisation perspective, we believe:

- the implementing acts defining the specific safety requirements should be legally-binding and be detailed enough to be enforced directly if needed;

- the voice of consumers in the European Standardisation Organisations must continue to be supported and heard.

Separately, we also welcome the European Economic & Social Committee opinion on the GPSR (https://bit.ly/3wxdI2t), for which the Rapporteur was Martin Salamon of the Danish Consumer Council.

World Standards Day 2021

On 14 October, ANEC joined the global campaign to promote the theme, “Shared vision for a better world: Standards for SDGs” to which this year’s celebration of World Standards Day was dedicated.

Through a social media campaign, we focused on “How can standards contribute to building a sustainable, equal, and resilient world?”, looking especially at our work to help achieve SDG 9 “Industry, innovation, and infrastructure”, SDG 10 “Reducing inequalities”, SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, SDG 12 “Responsible consumption and production" and SDG 13 “Climate action”.

See https://bit.ly/3qkQLy5; https://bit.ly/3bTm1vE; https://bit.ly/3BVLXS1; https://bit.ly/3n5yFhT; https://bit.ly/3CZnVaj; https://bit.ly/3wy15E3.

Child Safety

Toys - ANEC replies to the EC Inception Impact Assessment

Further to the European Commission’s evaluation of the Toy Safety Directive, to which ANEC contributed (https://bit.ly/3C5xBPi), on 5 October 2021, the EC published the roadmap (an Inception Impact Assessment) for the revision of Directive.

ANEC welcomes the Impact Assessment and we agree with many of its points. Although the Directive has certainly brought improvements to child safety in Europe, we are of the opinion that its revision is needed to improve certain aspects: in particular, chemical risks; internet-connected toys; and compliance & enforcement.

On chemicals, we welcome the proposed measures to be assessed, in line with our position paper, ‘Toy Safety Directive evaluation and Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS): Which way forward?’ (https://bit.ly/30hAjEa) from April 2021. On risks posed by internet-connected toys, it is essential to address issues we brought to the attention of the EC in 2016 and 2017 regarding unsecure smart toys (such as Cayla, “the spying doll”).

We stress the continued need for increased market surveillance actions, as EU Safety Gate (ex-RAPEX) notifications show the toy market is far from clean. More resources are needed, and we expect the EC to organise and finance joint market surveillance actions on toys. Specific requirements for the visibility and legibility of warnings also need to be introduced, in order to enable Member States to enforce these requirements in a uniform way.

We welcome the intention to strengthen the reporting obligations of Member States. In this context, we stress the need to revitalise the European Injury Database (EU-IDB), and create a legal basis for the collection of accidents and injury data. The Single Market Programme could provide a sound financial base for this.

We also ask for lower maximum noise levels for toys, and to introduce type-examination for certain categories of toy, reflecting the risk to the child posed by the toy. Finally, we repeat our long-held wish for CE Marking to be removed from the toy or its packaging and relegated to the technical file. CE Marking is not intended for consumers and is not a safety mark.

The full response can be found at: https://bit.ly/3C5xXW8.

CEN-CENELEC BTs reject SReq on toys

At the end of September, the Committee on Standards (CoS) gave a positive opinion on the draft Standardisation Request (SReq) on Toy Safety, which we welcomed. In March, a first vote on the SReq had been inconclusive.

Following the CoS positive opinion, we were very disappointed to see the SReq rejected by the CEN-CENELEC Technical Boards. There is an urgent need for a new SReq, replacing the old mandate M/445, in order to take child safety (and the safety of toys in particular) to a higher level. Children constitute perhaps the most vulnerable group within society (as they are often unaware of the dangers they face) and require the highest levels of protection practicable.

We believe CEN-CENELEC should fulfil their responsibilities towards enhancing the quality and safety of children’s lives, by ensuring European toy standards provide better protection and reflect market developments. As the EC has confirmed that CEN-CENELEC do not have to address specific aspects of the SReq so long as these are justified, we regret the blanket rejection of the SReq. Not accepting the SReq means European toy standards will not reflect the state of the art and so expose children to unnecessary and avoidable risks, a situation of very considerable concern to consumer organisations.

The Giant’s House visits Belgium!

Imagine walking through a giant-sized house, with each object tripled in size, allowing you to see it through the eyes of a small child. As you walk through the rooms, you discover the risks and the best ways to prevent accidents to your own children. That’s what the renewed Giant’s House is all about and much more!

ANEC supports this immersive exhibition which aims to raise awareness of the importance of child safety in the household. It is an initiative of La Ligue des familles (www.laligue.be). We hope the idea can be introduced in other countries.

The Giant’s House exhibition takes place in Brussels from 10 to 21 November 2021 and will then move to other venues in Belgium (more information in Dutch (https://bit.ly/3H8tSUw) and French (https://bit.ly/3FeWZUL)).

New CEN Technical Report on anthropometric data

ANEC welcomes adoption of CEN/TR 17698 ‘Ergonomics - Demands and Availability of anthropometric and strength data of children in Europe’. ANEC participated in the drafting of the Technical Report by CEN/TC 122/WG 1 "Anthropometry" which is based on the results of a project funded by the EC.

On 30 November, CEN will host a webinar on importance of anthropometric strength data in developing standards for children’s products, and consumer products with which children come into contact. Register at https://bit.ly/3H4U7LL.

Until now, the availability of anthropometric and strength data on children has been limited, and often outdated. As such, it has been possible to design products that are unsafe or not fit for purpose, with insufficient safety requirements being included in product standards.

See more details on the CEN CENELEC website. (https://bit.ly/3F0aaZy)

Accessibility

Evaluation of the Web Accessibility Directive

ANEC has submitted its response to the EC public consultation ‘Accessible web & digital content for people with disabilities – review of EU rules’ (https://bit.ly/3meCbpA).

We have contributed to the drafting of Harmonised Standards supporting implementation of the Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102), and have also been involved in drafting the implementing acts linked to the Directive.

Public sector organisations have the role to ensure all citizens and consumers have access to relevant information and services, even more in emergency situations. The exclusions of certain services from the scope of the Directive must be reconsidered. For instance, the lack of accessibility of several COVID apps (used on smart phones) is unacceptable.

We live in an era of technological convergence, so there is an urgent need to fully address e-accessibility across all platforms and to therefore ensure that all services are accessible. There is also a need to ensure that audio-visual content is accessible. Furthermore, there is a clear demand to deliver a single market of accessible mainstream ICT goods and services by eliminating the differences in specifications. This is the only way to guarantee a level-playing field for economic operators (e.g. web design companies, software developers, etc.) who would then be able to develop and commercialise websites and related services across EU Member States.

Domestic Appliances

ANEC DOMAP WG meets

The annual meeting of the ANEC Domestic Appliances (DOMAP) WG took place online on 30 September and 1 October.

The meeting started with a joint session with the ANEC Sustainability WG. Ecodesign, energy labelling and the performance of household appliances and other consumer products were discussed with over 20 experts from both working groups.

The second day saw discussion related to the safety and accessibility of electrical household appliances; gas appliances and machinery, and products falling under the General Product Safety Directive (such as barbecues). A discussion was held on the increasing importance of the IoT (Internet of Things) and smart and connected products in the domestic appliances field.

The meeting also gave our experts the chance to reflect on their involvement in the various technical bodies dealing with domestic appliances at both European and international level, and to look ahead to future standardisation work.

Sustainability

ANEC webinar on sustainable finance

On 15 October, ANEC hosted a webinar on sustainable finance and standardisation.

In the first part of the webinar, ANEC presented a short module, ‘For beginners: a crash course on sustainable finance’, and gave an overview on the relevant standardisation work, notably the activities of ISO/TC 322 ‘Sustainable Finance’.

BEUC then presented the EU taxonomy for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and an update on work on social taxonomy. The presentation also encompassed the Impact of Renewable Energy Directive on taxonomy, and Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).

Last but not least, BEUC reviewed the EU Ecolabel for Retail Financial Products, focusing on the link between the EU Ecolabel and taxonomy.

The presentations were followed by Q&As, which turned into a lively discussion, followed by closing remarks from ANEC.

High expectations from the EPBD Revision

ANEC attended the event ‘Building renovation: Riding the wave’ (https://bit.ly/3BZWbkz) held on 26 October, in the context of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW). The meeting discussed the main elements of the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) for new buildings, existing buildings, and information tools.

ANEC continues its call for the review of EPCs to be based on the calculated demand. As we state in our position paper (https://bit.ly/3F0dbc4), certificates based on energy use cannot be compared for different buildings. Moreover, the visibility and credibility of EPCs needs to be improved in the proposed revision of the EPBD, expected before end of the year.

Ecodesign

ANEC in CENELEC work on resource efficiency

ANEC attended the 5 October  meeting of CLC TC 59X ‘Performance of household and similar electrical appliances’, WG 23 Resource efficiency’.

It was a kick-off meeting to develop the first material efficiency standard for a specific product type: washing machines. The aim of the work is to agree on a path forward for developing a further catalogue of such standards. ANEC believes it important to ensure the expectations of consumers are fully considered during this pioneering activity. We are also active in advocating EC policy makers take a structured approach to this work.

Digital Society

Cybersecurity aspects of the RED

On 29 October, the EC adopted a delegated act on cybersecurity-related aspect of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). ANEC welcomes the act, since it covers many of the issues we have raised in the past years. (https://bit.ly/3mN0fjs)

The draft act addresses the concerns we brought to the attention of the EC in December 2016 and November 2017 about unsecure smart toys and smart watches for children. We welcome in particular the inclusion of ‘childcare’ equipment as more and more products used by/for children are now connected to the internet or other network/protocol.

The European Parliament and the Council now have two months to object to the act, but work on the draft Standardisation Request (SReq) should continue nevertheless, with a view to its adoption at the beginning of next year.

Services

EC considers action on short term rentals

The EC has issued a new Roadmap for an initiative on Tourist services - Short term rentals. The aim of the initiative is to develop “responsible, fair and trusted growth in short term rentals”. ANEC replied to Roadmap (https://bit.ly/3CYzu1e), sharing our experiences with the collaborative economy in the European market, and in the international standardisation work of ISO TC 324 ‘Sharing economy’.

Traffic & mobility

Smart Mobility & Sustainable Transport PT meets

On 3 November, our Project Team on Smart Mobility & Sustainable Transport met to discuss key topics, such as the EU urban mobility framework and linked actions.

The group agreed the key concern remains the physical safety of personal mobility devices and that physical safety of both devices and personal mobility vehicles must be improved. We believe these concerns must be addressed in the discussions on sustainable transport.

The group also noted the importance of consumers having clear information on the impact of their mobility choices (personal vehicles vs public transport).

News from ANEC member countries

Czechia

National conference, “Safe operation of playgrounds and child sports fields”

A national conference, hosted in Prague in October, helped further promote the expectations of consumers for safe playgrounds and sports fields. The conference followed earlier initiatives, such as during the visit of ANEC President, Dermott Jewell, to Prague in 2019.

The conference was aimed at operators of public premises designed for outdoor games and children’s sports. It brought together representatives of municipalities, local governments, pre-school, and school facilities, and addressed playgrounds, sports fields and gyms, as well as skateboard parks and similar installations. There were about 100 attendees.

ANEC has been active in the European standards work related to these leisure facilities. The conference was an essential means to raise awareness of these standards and their Czech adoptions, and to achieve their implementation.

One such standard is ČSN EN 1176-7:2020 ‘Playground equipment and surfacing – Part 7: Guidance on installation, inspection, maintenance and operation’.

The conference also reviewed methodological recommendations for ensuring and increasing safety and health protection of children and youths, issued by the Ministry of Health;

Finally, the conference addressed use of the quality mark "Playground-Child Sports Field-Gym - Verified Premises” as a voluntary self-regulatory tool.

For more details, please contact Libor Dupal, Czech member of the ANEC General Assembly (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). See also https://bit.ly/3odYSK9 (Czech language).

A tribute to Gretel Jones

We have learnt our friend and former expert from the United Kingdom, Gretel Jones, passed away unexpectedly in October.

Gretel was active in ANEC from its very beginning and made an enormous contribution. She was our key expert on postal services for over 20 years, and co-authored ISO/IEC Guide 76:2020 ‘Development of service standards — Recommendations for addressing consumer issues’. A dedicated member of both the ANEC Accessibility and Services Working Groups, she also contributed at national level to the development of BS 18477 on inclusive service, which is the reference document for ISO 22458 that will soon be published.

She retired from ANEC activities in 2020 and, a model consumer in many ways, has proved irreplaceable. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gretel and her family.

For comments or if you wish to write an article for the ANEC Newsletter, please contact: Marijana ANTAROROVA (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).