Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting an expert advisor to assess your specific needs.
Quick Overview of Materials and Typical Requirements
Material | Typical Regulations |
Plastic | REACH, RoHS, FCM, DPP |
Rubber | EUDR, REACH |
Wood | EUDR, DPP, CITES |
Leather | EUDR, CITES, Leather Labeling |
Textile | DPP, Textile Labelling |
Glass | FCM, Proposition 65 |
Ceramics | FCM |
Metal | RoHS, Proposition 65 |
Paper | REACH, potentially FCM if in food contact |
1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS / MSDS)
Relevance:
Applies to products containing chemicals, adhesives, surface treatments, or hazardous substances such as phthalates and heavy metals.
Relevant HS Codes:
3924 (plastic), 4016 (rubber), 5907 (textile coated with plastic), 7013 (glass)
All materials with lacquer, adhesive, or coating
Regulations:
EU: REACH, CLP Regulation
USA: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
2. REACH (EU) & TSCA (USA)
Relevance:
All products containing chemicals or materials must comply with REACH (EU) and TSCA (USA) regarding the declaration of plasticizers, heavy metals, PFAS, etc.
Relevant HS Codes:
Nearly all, as products often contain plastic, textiles, rubber, metal, or glass.
3. RoHS (EU) & Proposition 65 (USA)
Relevance:
Applies to electrical and electronic products, but also certain metal, glass, and plastic products if sold with electronics or containing regulated substances.
Relevant HS Codes:
7323 (household metalware), 7616 (aluminum), 7013 (glassware)
4. Digital Product Passports (DPP) – EU
Relevance:
Being introduced in the EU for products such as furniture, textiles, batteries, and electronics.
Relevant HS Codes:
4419 (wood products for kitchen/table), 6302 (textiles), 7323 (household metal)
DPP will become relevant between 2025-2030 to document materials, origin, and repairability.
5. EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation)
Relevance:
Applies to products containing high-risk raw materials such as wood, rubber, and leather.
Relevant HS Codes:
4016 (rubber), 4415/4419 (wood), 4202/4205 (leather)
Requirements:
Due diligence
Origin documentation
Geolocation of production
6. CITES (EU & USA)
Relevance:
If the product contains natural materials such as certain types of wood, leather, and wicker derived from endangered species.
Relevant HS Codes:
4202 (leather), 4415/4419 (wood), 4601 (wickerwork)
7. Food Contact Materials (FCM) – EU & USA
Relevance:
Applies to products that come into contact with food, such as glass, ceramics, metal, and plastic.
Relevant HS Codes:
3924 (plastic for kitchen use), 4419 (wood for table use), 6911/6912/6913 (ceramics), 7013 (glass), 7323 (metal)
Regulations:
EU: FCM Regulation (EU 1935/2004), specific material rules
USA: FDA Food Contact Substance Notification
8. Textile Labelling and Eco-Design (EU)
Relevance:
Textile products must be labeled with fiber content and may be subject to environmental requirements.
Relevant HS Codes:
6302 (textiles), 5907 (coated textiles)
9. Leather Labeling (EU)
Relevance:
Requirements for declaration of genuine/synthetic leather.
Relevant HS Codes:
4202/4205 (leather products)
10. Packaging and Waste (EU & USA)
Relevance:
Packaging must comply with waste directives, material requirements, and producer responsibility.
Applies to all products if they are sold with packaging.