New Laws and Regulations February 2018

New month new laws, luckily February has not come with any new rules for consumers. Here’s what has changed:

Use of Zinc Oxide and Methylisothiazolinone in Cosmetics Forbidden

Cosmetics manufacturers in the EU will from this month no longer be allowed to use zinc oxide in sprays and other cosmetics. Zinc oxide has been found to cause pneumonia if inhaled accidentally. This regulation will apply to all cosmetics produced from today, those that had been delivered earlier may be sold until 24th May.

Use of methylisothiazolinone in cosmetics was also been forbidden from 27th January, however previously delivered products containing methylisothiazolinone may only continue to be sold until 27th April.

Protection of Women against Violence

The Istanbul Convention comes into effect this month in Germany. The convention recognizes gender based violence and domestic violence against women. Signatories to this convention commit to put in place measures to combat violence against women, protect its victims and prosecute the perpetrators.

Although Germany announced that it had put all the measures in place e.g. the “No Means No” Campaign, from February 1st on wards, victims will have the provisions of the convention to rely on in court.

Ban of Diesel Cars

If you drive a diesel car, then please mark February 22nd, because that’s the day the Federal Administrative court in Leipzig will be deciding on whether or not to ban such cars. The case in the court is a dispute between the German environmental aid (DUH) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

New Payout Rules on Youtube

Vloggers on Youtube, there are some few changes to your earnings and who can earn money on Youtube. Unlike before when anyone could start earning money on Youtube with their first video, the new rules will require vloggers to have at least 10,000 views; 1000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of viewing in the last 12 months. Youtube will also incorporate the number of abuse reports from your channel in their billing.