Summary
1. EU: restrictions on the content of chemicals in textile articles
In mid-April 2015, the European Union released a notification on expected amendments to the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as Regards Nonylphenol Ethoxylates. The document is aimed at prohibiting the placing on the market of textile articles if the content of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) exceeds maximum level. Proposed date of adoption: Last quarter of 2015. Proposed date of entry into force: 20 days from publication in the Official Journal of the EU (the restriction will apply from the end of 2020). Final date for comments: June 15, 2015.
2. EU: review of the maximum residue levels for certain substances in food
In late March 2015, the European Union informed the WTO on the expected changes to the Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for abamectin, desmedipham, dichlorprop-P, haloxyfop-P, oryzalin and phenmedipham in certain products. Proposed date of adoption and proposed date of entry into force: October 2015. Final date for comments: May 30, 2015.
3. Republic of Korea: amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act
In mid-April 2015, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) released a notification on Proposed amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. Proposed date of adoption and proposed date of entry into force: To be determined. Final date for comments: June 14, 2015.
The issue is only available in Ukrainian
