The European Commission has published a ‘Call for Evidence’ from any interested parties on the EU’s rules on the environmental impact of professional refrigeration products. The notification states that, although annual primary energy savings are expected to reach an estimated 15.6 TWh by 2030, this current initiative will review the ecodesign and energy labelling requirements to assess whether further energy and resource savings can be attained. Hong Kong traders wishing to provide feedback may do so by the deadline of 31 March 2025.

North American consumers are accustomed to using search engines to browse through product information and refer to online reviews on popular websites before making purchases online. Hence, e-commerce businesses in North America often use search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies and place ads on online media to increase brand visibility and traffic flows.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed retailers and distributors of cookware that certain imported products may leach lead into food and that these should not be available on the US market. The agency will take appropriate action when violative products are found.

Changes to the tariff classification of certain textile fabrics and pillows that were adopted recently by CBP means that imports of these products entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 9 December will benefit from lower duties.

Earlier this summer, California greenlighted plans to add laundry detergents containing nonylphenol ethoxylates to its candidate chemicals list under the Safer Consumer Products Program based on their reported impacts on human health and the environment. As a result, domestic and foreign manufacturers of laundry detergents will be required to look for alternatives to this chemical if they want to continue serving the California market. Manufacturers have until 30 November to notify California authorities if they manufacture laundry detergents containing NPEs that are placed into the stream of commerce in California.

On 19 July 2024, the European Commission issued guidelines clarifying how suppliers and retailers should display energy label classes in visual advertising and promotional materials for energy-labelled products. This follows an October 2023 European Court of Justice ruling related to the energy labelling of ovens and range hoods. The ruling also impacts other products.

Making intelligent appliances intelligible was the focus of many exhibitors at Chicago’s recent Inspired Home Show.

Consumer aversion to domestic chemical usage informs a new generation of cleaning and dietary products.

CBP has reclassified certain non-slip pads as other articles of plastic under HTSUS 3926.90.99 (5.3 percent duty) rather than as other plastic sheets under HTSUS 3921.12.11 (4.2 percent duty), 3921.12.15 (6.5 percent duty) and 3921.12.19 (5.3 percent duty).

India has mandated the use of national standards and the standard mark for several categories of food contact product. These became effective on June 6, 2024.