SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION DECREE PUBLISHED
Since July 1, 2022, it has been forbidden to provide a consumer with a product sample as part of a commercial approach, without his or her request, in accordance with Article 22 of the Climate & Resilience Act, supplementing Article L. 541-15-10 of the French Environment Code. This ban applies to all sectors except the press. On April 25, 2024, Decree no. 2024-373 was published. It defines the conditions of application of the provisions of paragraph V of article L. 541-15-10, specifying the definition of a sample. Consumer information procedures have also been clarified: the professional “may inform consumers by any means that these samples can only be given to them at their request” and “when the professional uses a distance communication technique, the first request expressed by consumers enables successive samples to be given until they renounce”. This decree came into force the day after its publication. [Reference : Article 22, Loi n°2021-1104 du 22 août 2021 portant lutte contre le dérèglement climatique et renforcement de la résilience face à ses effets ; Décret n°2024-373 du 23 avril 2024 relatif aux conditions et modalités d’application du V de l’article L. 541-15-10 du code de l’environnement, Ministère de l’Economie, des Finances et de la Souveraineté Industrielle et Numérique].
PUBLICATION OF DECREE N° 2024-307 SETTING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
April 4th, 2024, Decree N°2024/307 was published, setting binding occupational exposure limit values for certain chemical agents and completing the traceability of workers’ exposure to chemical agents that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. The decree sets specific VLEP values for benzene, acrylonitrile, nickel compounds and 1,4-dioxane. These values determine the maximum exposure levels authorized to protect workers’ health against CMR-related risks. The decree came into force on April 5, 2024. Employers have three months from this date to comply with the new obligations, notably by drawing up a list of exposed workers and communicating the necessary information. [Reference: Décret n° 2024-307 du 4 avril 2024 fixant des valeurs limites d’exposition professionnelle contraignantes pour certains agents chimiques et complétant la traçabilité de l’exposition des travailleurs aux agents chimiques cancérogènes, mutagènes ou toxiques pour la reproduction 04/04/2024].
WATER ACTIVITY (Aw): AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR IN THE SAFETY, QUALITY AND DURABILITY OF YOUR PRODUCTS
Water activity (Aw) is a measure of the availability of free water in a product, whether food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical. Ranging from 0 to 1, its value is a key indicator of formula quality and stability. Controlled Aw helps prevent microbial growth, while preserving the organoleptic characteristics and shelf life of products. Strict control of Aw also minimizes undesirable chemical reactions, helping to maintain formulation integrity and efficacy. EXPERTOX carries out AW measurements and supports you in the microbiological compliance of your products. [Reference : Water activity (aw) in food, FDA(.gov), 08/27/2024].