The Telecommunications Digital Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has announced that shutdown of 2G network (GSM) in the UAE will take place at the end of 2022, with directing resources allocated to 5G to support new generations of mobile networks. Meanwhile, UAE service providers will provide all means of support to Groups that may be affected by the 2G shutdown.

SDPPI has extended the accreditation of overseas laboratories. At present, the official has not yet issued an official announcement. However, the accreditation period of overseas laboratories on the official website is from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.

CITC has updated the technical specifications of communications and information technology devices as the technical basis for their approval to accommodate the latest technological developments, such as AML and CBS. The updated technical specifications include GEN001, GEN002, GEN003 and specifications for other specific products.

SDPPI has announced all the applications submitted with SDDPI accredited Oversea Test Center report needs to attach the summary of references pages of test report from July 4, 2021.

SIRIM has informed that the implementation of the interim Type Approval for 5G Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) is extended, effective from December 20, 2020 until further notice.

The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has adopted Order No. 877 which establishes a transitional period until July 1, 2021 in relation to the indication of GLN and GTIN codes when applying CoC and DoC.

Many of Bambooware products often uses claims such as“Natural”,“Organic”,“Eco-friendly”and “compostable”. However, these products might be composed from melamine, formaldehyde resin and bamboo powder with plastic being the shaping matrix. Additives include corn starch and plant powder were also found in similar plastic products. Based on the conclusion made by Council of European in June of 2019, these Bambooware are deemed to be plastic products.

In addition to TIS mark, QR code is required to display on products, TISI has proposed to government cabinet to extend the effective date for another 180 days.

On December 2nd of 2020, the governor of New York State signed into law S8817 (companion A4739-C) to prohibit intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS substances) in certain food packaging, and will entry into force on December 31st of 2022.

Recent years, safety issues happened very often to infant- and child products in domestic and abord. Products containing BPA (Bisphenol-A), melamine, phthalates and other health hazard substances are accidentally uptake. Therefore, food safety to children has drawn more attention to parents. If tableware were not chosen properly, children might unintentionally intake hazard substances. However, choosing a safe tableware from a comprehensive collection of products for infant and child is a big challenge to parents.