How to develop requirements in product standards that can contribute to minimising the use of hazardous chemicals in products

• European Union

• Consumer products Standards and test methods

Existing guides and tools available to Technical Committees (TCs) in CEN are often considered too general and a number of TCs are in definite need of a more hands-on approach and more detailed guidance on specific issues. One of the most relevant issues identified was how to address hazardous chemicals in standards.

TCs are either not aware of the importance of considering hazardous chemicals or often lack the expertise on how to draft specific provisions in standards. Such provisions are however necessary to ensure that product standards in the market comply with the legislation on chemicals and contribute to minimising the health and environmental impacts of chemicals in products.  

The purpose of this project was to develop a new CEN Guide providing support to Technical Committees on how to develop requirements in product standards that can contribute to minimising the use of hazardous chemicals in products, and thereby reducing health and environmental risks arising from exposure to chemicals.