Consumer Product Testing

General use items are materials and objects that come into direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes during use. They are also referred to as consumer products. These items must meet health safety requirements and general conditions for production and marketing to prevent any potential harmful effects on human health.

The regulations under which the laboratory conducts testing of general use items include the Regulation on the Health Safety of Consumer Products (NN 125/09) and Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and Council of December 18, 2006, concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

Examples of general use items that are tested include:

Tableware, utensils, equipment, and devices for the production of general use items,

Packaging for general use items,

Children’s toys, including products intended for infants and children under three years old to assist with feeding, sucking, soothing, and sleeping,

Cosmetic products as specified in Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009,

Tobacco, tobacco products, and smoking accessories (items that come into contact with the mouth and oral cavity while smoking, such as pipes and cigarette holders),

Certain items and materials that come into direct contact with the skin and/or mucous membranes during use, including products for adult entertainment and items for body and facial decoration (e.g., tattoos, piercings, and permanent makeup) and imitation jewelry.