Japan Approves The Expansion Of The Restriction On The Use Of O-Benzoic Acid Two In Toys

The Japanese Ministry of health and labour (MHLW) announced amendments to the restriction order for ortho two formate. According to the new regulation, the restricted ortho benzene two formate is increased from 2 to 6 and controls all plastic materials. From September 6, 2011 onwards, the toys produced or imported should meet the requirements of the new regulation.

New requirements

In toys specified in regulation Seventy-eighth, the content of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), ortho benzene two formic acid (2- ethyl hexyl ester) (DEHP) or o-benzoic acid two butylbenzyl ester (BBP) in plastic materials can not exceed 0.1%.

In toys specified in article 78-1 of the Ordinance, the content of o-phenyl two formic acid two isodecyl ester (DIDP), ortho phenyl two formic acid two ISO nonyl ester (DINP) or ortho benzene two formic acid two octyl ester (DNOP) content in plastic materials can not exceed 0.1% (only for components intended to be placed in the mouth).

Section 78-1 of the Ordinance

Controlled toys refer to all toys listed by the Ministry of labour and health in Japan in the Seventy-eighth regulation of the food hygiene law (regulations), because direct contact can cause harm to the health of infants and young children.

The 6 types of ortho benzene two formates that are restricted to use are: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), o-phenyl two formic acid (2- ethyl hexyl ester) (DEHP), ortho benzene two formic acid butyl benzyl ester (BBP), ortho benzene two acid two isodecyl ester (DIDP), ortho benzene two acid two ISO nonyl ester (DINP) and ortho benzene two acid two two octyl ester (DNOP).