Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances that are harmful to humans and exist in or accumulate within the bodies of animals and plants, and circulate in the natural environment over extended periods. POPs are naturally occurring or synthetic organic pollutants characterized by persistence, bioaccumulation, semi-volatility, and high toxicity. POPs include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and by-products unintentionally generated during industrial processes. These pollutants can travel long distances through various environmental media (air, water, organisms), crossing borders and affecting human health and ecosystems even in areas where POPs were never used or produced, causing significant global harm.

SVHC ,“Substance of Very High Concern”, refers to any substance that has adverse effects on human health and the environment.

PAHs Testing

California Proposition 65 (also known as Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act) was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. Prop 65 businesses are required to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical “Known to the State” to cause cancer or reproductive harm.

RoHS Testing

Phthalates is a general term for compounds that result from the reaction of phthalic anhydride and alcohol. Such substances are mainly employed as plasticizers making plastics and rubber more pliable. They are widely used in electronic and electrical equipment (EEE), toys, coatings, inks, garments, packaging materials, detergents, lubricants, and personal care articles. But when the concentration of phthalates exceeds a certain level, it may disrupt the endocrine system of human bodies, bringing harm to the development and health of children.

USP 61/62, officially known as USP 34: 2011, General Chapter 61 & 62, is set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and establishes essential standards for microbial limits testing in non-sterile products. These chapters are critical for ensuring the safety and quality of a wide range of consumer products. USP 61: Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Microbial Enumeration Tests. This includes methods for quantifying the presence of total aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts. USP 62: Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Tests for Specified Microorganisms. This involves targeted tests for specific harmful pathogens.

On January 22, 2025, the European Union officially published the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, also known as PPWR. This regulation will fully replace the existing Directive 94/62/EC on August 12, 2026, becoming the primary EU legislation for the management of packaging and packaging waste.

On November 19, 2024, following the mandatory national standard revision plan issued by the National Standards Committee, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the completion of the drafting of eight mandatory national standards, including "Limits on Heavy Metals in Inks" (draft for comments). To further gather opinions from all sectors of society, these drafts are currently open for public comment until January 18, 2025.