CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING - Short version

Standards for the testing of child-resistant packages have been in existence for many years. As a matter of fact, the preparation of a European standard for non-reclosable packages for chemical products mandated by the Commission could have been accomplished within the shortest period possible. According to international protocols tests of that kind are carried out with children aged between 42 and 51 months. Representatives of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries intended to use younger children aged 20 to 41 months who are by far less capable to open packages. A significant decrease of the level of safety would have been the result. Thus, a tough controversy has been going on for about 7 years. The Consumer Council and other consumer organisations have eventually won the battle. The well tried age range has not been changed.

There was another heavy dispute within the context of the development of a standard for packages for pharmaceutical products. There the toxicity of the medications was totally ignored. The standard was pushed through against the will of the consumers and was approved by a very narrow margin. Its safety level is well below that valid in the USA. The Consumer Organisations call for legislative provisions.